Summary
On August 17, 2023, Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company d/b/a Unitil (“Company” or "Unitil") 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 Department reviews the proposal. The Department suspended Unitil's proposed distribution rates for 10 months until July 1, 2024. See the Department's suspension Order here.
The Department’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 here.
The Department then issues a Final Order on the petition prior to July 1, 2024. See the Department's Final Order here.
The Department’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 Department’s Commissioners to make a decision in the rate case. You may find more information on how to file comments with the Department here.