Massachusetts Residents May Face Higher Gas Bills This Winter Amid Rate Increases
Massachusetts residents may see their gas bills rise this winter despite lower natural gas prices. According to proposed winter gas rates filed by state utilities, many customers could face higher costs due to pipeline replacement and state programs like Mass Save.
The two largest gas companies in the state, National Grid and Eversource, have submitted their proposed rates for approval by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities. Seasonal gas rates factor in winter natural gas prices as well as other costs associated with gas pipeline construction and state programs.
Eversource customers could see mixed bill changes, with those in its NSTAR Gas division facing a 7% increase while those in the former Columbia Gas system may see bills decline by about 5%. National Grid has asked for a major base rate increase of $342 million that would take effect on January 1, 2027, if approved. This increase would add around 8.4% to Boston Gas customers' bills and 9.4% to Colonial Gas customers.
The proposed increase includes costs associated with gas pipeline replacement, which has surged in recent years to nearly $1 billion annually across Massachusetts. Critics argue that customers are unfairly being required to pay for new gas infrastructure while also subsidizing the transition to electric heating.