Summary
On November 16, 2023, Massachusetts Electric Company and Nantucket Electric Company (Company or National Grid) filed a base distribution rate case petition to adjust its rates. A regulated utility may recover reasonable and prudent, known and measurable costs incurred to provide safe and reliable service and have the opportunity to earn a fair and reasonable rate of return on prudently invested capital.
After receiving this petition, the DPU reviews the proposal. The DPU suspended National Grid's proposed distribution rates for 10 months until October 1, 2024. See the DPU's suspension Order.
The DPU’s staff reviews written testimony and supporting detailed cost data, cross-examines witnesses in evidentiary hearings, and reviews public comments. These documents can be found in docket D.P.U. 23-150.
The DPU then issues a Final Order on the petition prior to October 1, 2024. See the DPU's Final Order.
The DPU’s Final Order affects the public because it determines the distribution rates that utility customers pay. Public participation in a rate case is important because those comments become part of the record and are considered by the DPU’s Commissioners to make a decision in the rate case. You may find more information on how to file comments with the DPU.
Rate Case Order Summary
Tiered Low Income Discount Rate
The Order directs the Company to implement its tiered discount program as soon as practicable and no later than June 2025.
The DPU recognizes the disproportionate impact of high electricity bills on low-income customers. As such, the DPU approved with modifications the Company’s proposal to implement a five-tiered discount for qualifying electric income-eligible customers ranging from a discount of 32 percent to 71 percent, which does not require a customer to receive Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program benefits. The discount structure is designed to offer higher discounts to customers at lower income levels, and to assist the spectrum of income-eligible customers in managing their electric energy burden. The DPU also allowed the Company, in a future filing, to seek costs associated with the hiring of additional employees as part of expanded education, outreach, and verification efforts to increase enrollment of eligible customers into the discount program. The DPU also directed the Company to establish a 2-year self-attestation pilot for customers to demonstrate eligibility for the discount offering.
Resources are available for customers having difficulty paying their utility bills. Please visit: help paying your utility bill.
| Household Income | Discount |
|---|---|
| 0 - 100% FPL | 71% |
| 100% - 125% FPL | 64% |
| 125% - 150% FPL | 57% |
| 150% - 200% FPL | 43% |
| 200% - 60% SMI | 32% |
Massachusetts Electric Company Bill Impacts - Residential
The bill impacts compare current rates with the rate changes reflected in bills beginning November 1, 2024. You may also find bill impacts in the DPU's online file room.
MECO R-1 Bill Impacts from D.P.U. 23-150
MECO R-2 Bill Impacts from D.P.U. 23-150
Nantucket Electric Company Bill Impacts - Residential
The bill impacts compare current rates with the rate changes reflected in bills beginning November 1, 2024. You may also find bill impacts in the DPU's online file room.
Nantucket R-1 Bill Impacts from D.P.U. 23-150
Nantucket R-2 Bill Impacts from D.P.U. 23-150