Utility Update

I wanted to share some updates regarding the high utility bills in our district and region.

Efforts to date – I joined several of my colleagues in co-signing a letter that was submitted to the Chair of the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) requesting the commission take immediate action to reduce customer utility bills. In addition, I have co-sponsored Senator Montigny’s bill establishing a taskforce on delivery rates and I have met with Eversource, staff at the DPU and the administration to directly advocate for action on rate relief. And I have been sharing information/resources on my social accounts.

Moving forward – This week, I will be meeting with staff from the Attorney General’s Office along with Rep. Badger on this issue and I will also be meeting colleagues in the House to discuss legislative efforts and I am signing on to Rep. Cabral’s letter on this topic.

State action to date – As posted previously, Governor Healey sent a letter to the Chair of the DPU, calling on the commission to lower rates. In response the DPU issued an order for the utilities to submit plans on 2/24/25 that lower rates by at least 5%. Like you, I firmly believe 5% is not enough. Monday’s filings will indicate what the utilities are proposing and what further action should be taken.

The DPU will also be reviewing the three-year energy efficiency plans – I believe the DPU should identify ways to provide relief to ratepayers before finalizing these plans.

I am also attaching Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s letter (below) and press release on the actions she has and will be taking.

As always, please feel free to contact me at Mark.Sylvia@MaHouse.Gov or 1-617-722-2800, Extension 7320

I also have local office hours at the Rochester Council on Aging, February 26, from 8 AM to 9 AM.

More to come.