US EditionPublished • loading... • Updated
Department of Public Utilities Launches Investigation Into Utility Charges and Billing Practices
The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities will review delivery charges to reduce bill volatility and improve transparency after last winter’s gas bill increases of up to 50%, officials said.
- On Dec. 15, 2025, the Department of Public Utilities opened an investigation reviewing all delivery charges on electric and gas bills statewide, issuing a 26-page order to provide relief to ratepayers.
- After last winter's big bill spikes, Gov. Maura Healey asked the DPU to review "each and every charge," leading to an investigation nine weeks later after some customers paid 50% more.
- In a two‑phase approach, DPU will start a coming months investigation, first inspecting delivery components and rate designs, then examining utility bill design and billing practices.
- The review could prompt changes that eliminate, consolidate, or redesign charges as fixed fees, potentially altering bills for residents while DPU seeks near-term cost controls and weighs net metering recovery charges; Eversource said it is "laser-focused on affordability" and National Grid did not respond.
- This action follows DPU steps earlier this year to address affordability, including reducing the Mass Save program budget and noting gas companies plan to spend more than $800 million in 2026.
Insights by Ground AI
13 Articles
13 Articles
The Massachusetts Department of Public Services (DPU) initiated an investigation to thoroughly review all delivery charges on electricity and gas bills.The aim is to better understand price volatility and make it easier for consumers to control their energy expenditures.The research seeks to:Evaluate whether some charges should be eliminated, consolidated, or become a fixed charge.Establish ceilings on increases in certain charges from one month…
State regulators launch two-phase investigation to review utility bill charges - The Boston Globe
The investigation will examine ways to contain energy costs and evaluate whether certain charges should be eliminated, consolidated, or redesigned as a fixed charge, officials said.
·Boston, United States
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left3Leaning Right2Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 30%
C 50%
R 20%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
