By: MA State Rep. Ryan Hamilton
I hear you if you are struggling with your Eversource or National Grid bill this season. The issue of rising energy costs must be addressed. So far this winter season, I have attended multiple meetings and information sessions to find out who is responsible for taking advantage of Massachusetts taxpayers; this has affected thousands across Merrimack Valley.
On October 30th, 2024, Merrimack Valley Legislative Delegation members sent a letter to the Department of Public Utilities pleading with them not to approve these astronomical rate hikes.
Unfortunately, this letter was ignored. The first letter states, “Year over year, natural gas prices have decreased by 14%, yet Eversource has proposed a staggering cost increase of over 30% in our districts of the Merrimack Valley – the same region that suffered disastrous effects of the Columbia gas explosions just six years ago – and at least a 25% increase statewide.
As outlined in this docket, this proposed rate increase is a function of an 11% proposed increase in the local distribution adjustment factor. This extreme rate spike amidst a decrease in supply cost is unjustified, and if approved, will force constituents to make difficult decisions as they try to keep their families warm this winter”.
Although I was hopeful this letter would convince the Department of Public Utilities to stand up to Eversource and National Grid, our urgent request was ignored. The second letter was sent last month to the Department of Public Utilities. State Senator Jake Oliveria authored it. After reviewing this letter, I signed on to advocate for the residents of Methuen and Haverhill.
Some key statements from this letter are as follows: “Constituents across our districts have shared alarming reports of skyrocketing energy costs with bills doubling. One resident saw their January Eversource bill climb to $449.91—nearly $300 of which was attributed solely to supply costs.
Additional residents in affordable housing complexes have voiced deep concern over excessive delivery charges, noting that they live on a fixed income and cannot afford these relentless rate hikes.
Seniors and retirees have reached out in distress, questioning how Eversource can justify such exorbitant costs when Social Security benefits only show a modest 2% increase. Many are now facing an astonishing 27% increase for the coming heating season.
Eversource has attempted to blame these spikes on colder temperatures, increased usage, and rate adjustments implemented in November 2024.
Yet many customers who have kept their thermostats at consistent levels are still seeing drastic hikes, raising serious concerns about the fairness and necessity of these increases.”Although these letters have been directed towards Eversource, I have had multiple conversations with National Grid about their delivery charges and what they can offer to consumers seeing larger-than-ever bills. Although DPU has now said they will lower prices by 10%, I don’t believe it is close to enough. This conversation is far from over.
I will continue to exhaust every possible option to reign in this corporate greed and provide legitimate relief to the residents of this Commonwealth who Eversource and National Grid are ripping off.
I encourage anyone and all who are struggling with their energy bills this season to continue to reach out. Community Action Inc. has phenomenal resources on its website that provide relief to working people. If you do not know where to turn, please contact my office, and we will help you identify resources.
MA Representative Ryan Hamilton represents Methuen and Haverhill. ◊