FROM THE OFFICE OF SENATOR PAUL W. MARK
BERKSHIRE, HAMPDEN, FRANKLIN & HAMPSHIRE DISTRICT
MASSACHUSETTS STATE SENATE
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 27, 2023
For media inquiries, contact Emily Thurlow,
emily.thurlow@masenate.gov, 978-233-1576
For committee matters, contact Ethan Raye,
ethan.raye@masenate.gov, 508-494-5540
Senate members of the Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy and Berkshire Delegation to hold special hearing on gas and electric pricing in Western Massachusetts
PITTSFIELD — Now that the cold weather months are upon us, residents throughout Massachusetts will likely be holding their breath as they open their utility bills.
With gas and electric rates typically surging higher in Western Massachusetts than any other part of the state, Senate members of the Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy are holding a special oversight hearing on Friday, December 1 at 10:30 a.m. at the Berkshire Innovation Center in Pittsfield.
The intent of this special legislative hearing is to address the rate increases on electricity, gas, and oil that have caused an undue burden for so many of our residents in recent years. Recent data shows that utility costs in Massachusetts have skyrocketed, with electricity rates increasing by an average of 12% and natural gas prices spiking by 15% in the last two years alone. And larger utilities have increased even more. For example, in November 2022, Eversouce sought a 43% increase in its electric rates, which went into effect in January of this year. This November, the Boston-based company’s natural gas rates also rose 38% for its Massachusetts customers, which in turn means an increase of $86 per bill for the average user.
Combined with increased costs of medicine, food, and housing, these steep rate increases have had a direct impact on living and working in the Commonwealth, straining budgets and raising concerns about the accessibility and affordability of these essential services.
Among those invited to provide testimony:
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
The Department of Energy Resources
The Department of Public Utilities
The Office of the Attorney General
Eversource
National Grid
Berkshire Gas
“In the Berkshires there is often a feeling that we are left out of the decision-making process and that our voices are not heard equally compared to the rest of Massachusetts,” said Senator Paul Mark, D-Becket. “I am grateful to Chair Barrett and my colleagues for agreeing to hold this important oversight hearing in Pittsfield so that our unique needs can get the recognition and attention they deserve.”
Senator Mark added that this legislative hearing serves as a critical step in addressing the affordability and reliability of utility services within the state, ensuring that residents can meet their basic needs without suffering from unsustainable price hikes.
“Paul Mark is a fierce advocate for Western Massachusetts,” said Senator Michael Barrett, Senate Chair of the Committee, D-Lexington. “He asked that we bring a hearing that would normally happen on Beacon Hill to Pittsfield to make sure residents could hear directly from state and utility officials. I’m glad we could make it happen.”