- This page, Energy Burden Workshop (DPU 24-15), is offered by
- Department of Public Utilities
Energy Burden Workshop (DPU 24-15)
Overview of Energy Burden Workshop (DPU 24-15)
On January 4, 2024, the Department of Public Utilities (“Department”) opened Inquiry into Energy Burden with a Focus on Energy Affordability for Residential Ratepayers, D.P.U. 2415, to examine measures to address the high cost of energy bills experienced by many Massachusetts residents. This inquiry will allow the Department to consider improvements to current energy affordability programs--including the availability and design of rate discounts--to reduce the energy burden that may adversely affect utility customers.
In the Order opening this inquiry, the Department solicited input from interested persons on how the Department can reduce the energy burden and address affordability issues, and stated that it would determine the appropriate next steps for this proceeding after reviewing the initial comments. The Department has received and reviewed those comments and has determined that the appropriate next step is to hold a stakeholder workshop via Zoom to gather further input.
The workshop which will take place on Monday, June 24, 2024, from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Agenda:
- Welcoming Remarks and Guidelines for Participation
- Energy Affordability Overview
- Environmental Justice Roundtable
- Percentage-of-Income Payment Plans (“PIPPs”)
- Tiered Discount Rates
- Enrollment and Engagement Issues
- Next Steps
The Department will conduct the workshop via the Zoom videoconferencing platform. Any person may participate in the livestream of the workshop by entering the Zoom link from a computer, smartphone, or tablet. No prior software download is required.
For audio only participation in the workshop, dial (646) 558-8656 (not toll free) and then enter the Meeting ID# 890 5100 5277.
This workshop will be available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese Mandarin and Cantonese, Haitian Creole, and Vietnamese.
To access interpretation services during the roundtable, click on the “Interpretation” button (the globe icon ) on the menu at the bottom of the Zoom screen and select the appropriate language. To request additional language services, contact Hearing Officer Laurie Ellen Weisman at laurie.e.weisman@mass.gov no later than 5:00 P.M. on June 18, 2024. To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), contact the Department’s ADA coordinator, Jenyka Spitz-Gassnola, at Jenyka.Spitz-Gassnola2@mass.gov.
All attendees must identify themselves on Zoom by their full name and organization affiliation.