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.
Rate Case Order Summary
Illustrative Bill Impacts
The Illustrative Bill Impacts compare current rates (at the time of the initial filing) with illustrative proposed rates that are impacted by proposals in this case even though all changes are not implemented on July 1, 2024. The bill impacts have been rerun consistent with the resulting distribution rates submitted herein.
Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-80, Bill Impact for Rate RD-1 Customers (above)
Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-80, Bill Impact for Rate RD-2 Customers (above)
Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-80 Bill Impact for Rate GD-1 Customers (above)
Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-80 Bill Impact for Rate GD-1 Customers (above)
Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-80 Bill Impact for Rate GD- Customers (above)
Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-80 Bill Impact for Rate GD-4 Customers (above)
Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-80 Bill Impact for Rate GD-5 Customers (above)
Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-80 Bill Impact for Rate SD Customers (above)
Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-80 Bill Impact for Rate SDC Customers (above)
Real-Life Bill Impacts
The Real-Life Bill Impacts compare current rates in effect (June 30, 2024) with the proposed changes to take effect on July 1, 2024. The bill impacts have been rerun consistent with the resulting distribution rates submitted herein.
Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-80 Bill Impact for Rate RD-1 Customers (above)
Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-80 Bill Impact for Rate RD-2 Customers (above)
Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-80 Bill Impact for Rate GD-1 Customers (above)
Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-80 Bill Impact for Rate GD-2 Customers (above)
Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-80 Bill Impact for Rate GD-3 Customers (above)
Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-80 Bill Impact for Rate GD-4 Customers (above)
Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-80 Bill Impact for Rate GD-5 Customers (above)
Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-80 Bill Impact for Rate SD Customers (above)
Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-80 Bill Impact for Rate SDC Customers (above)