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 to its customers as well as having 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 10 months until July 1, 2024. Read the Department's suspension Order.
The Department’s staff reviews written testimony and supporting detailed cost data, cross-examines witnesses in evidentiary hearings, and reviews public comments. Explore the Department's docket.
The Department then issues a Final Order on the petition prior to July 1, 2024. Read the Department's Final Order.
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. Learn how to file comments.
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. 23-81, Bill Impact for Residential Non-Heating Customer - R1 (above)

Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-81, Bill Impact for Residential Low-Income Non-Heating Customer - R2 (above)

Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-81, Bill Impact for Residential Heating Customer - R3 (above)

Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-81, Bill Impact for Residential Low-Income Heating Customer - R4 (above)

Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-81, Bill Impact for Small, High Winter Use - G41 (above)

Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-81, Bill Impact for Small, Low Winter Use - G51 (above)

Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-81, Bill Impact for Medium, High Winter Use - G42 (above)

Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-81, Bill Impact for Medium, Low Winter Use - G52 (above)

Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-81, Bill Impact for Large, High Winter Use - G43 (above)

Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-81, Bill Impact for Large, Low Winter Use - G53 (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. 23-81, Real Life Bill Impact for Residential Non-Heating Customer - R1 (above)

Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-81, Real Life Bill Impact for Residential Low-Income Non-Heating Customer - R2 (above)

Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-81, Real Life Bill Impact for Residential Heating Customer - R3 (above)

Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-81, Real Life Bill Impact for Residential Low-Income Heating Customer - R4 (above)

Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-81, Real Life Bill Impact for Small, High Winter Use Customer - G41 (above)

Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-81, Real Life Bill Impact for Small, Low Winter Use Customer - G51 (above)

Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-81, Real Life Bill Impact for Medium, High Winter Use Customer - G42 (above)

Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-81, Real Life Bill Impact for Medium, Low Winter Use Customer - G52 (above)

Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-81, Real Life Bill Impact for Large, High Winter Use Customer - G43 (above)

Unitil Rate Case, D.P.U. 23-81, Real Life Bill Impact for Large, Low Winter Use Customer - G53 (above)