By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
Members of the Massachusetts Department of Utilities, representatives from Liberty Utilities and North Attleborough residents gathered at the high school on Tuesday, Sept. 30, for a public hearing on a proposed gas rate hike that could increase homeowners’ bills by more than 80% per month.
Hearing officer Elizabeth McNamara led the meeting, joined by DPU Commissioners Staci Rubin and Jeremy McDiarmid. A third commissioner, Elizabeth Anderson, is set to come on board in three weeks to complete the team that will make the final decision on the rate increase.
“I want to begin by acknowledging that the DPU is going to do everything we can to bring down costs to customers,” said McNamara. “We plan to thoroughly review all information provided about rate increases, including your comments tonight.”
Rubin and McDiarmid followed McNamara’s remarks by outlining the commission’s priorities, which include affordability, transparency, equity and justice. Rubin also touched upon “innovative solutions” that the commission is exploring to help residents in the case of a rate hike, such as billing based on a percentage of income or bill discounts based on income.
According to Rubin, the commission will take the next several months to examine cost data, cross-examine witnesses and review public comments. A written decision on the matter is expected before May 1, 2026, which is when the proposed rate hike is set to begin. Rubin said the commission will do its best to address public comments in that decision.
“We’re working to provide information more easily and better access to information as we consider these decisions,” said McDiarmid. “Our decision will be better when we hear from you and we pledge that your comments will shape the decisions we make.”
Legal counsel from both sides was also in attendance, with Kevin Penders from Keegan Werlin LLP representing Liberty Utilities, and Assistant Attorney General Nathaniel Haviland-Markowitz from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, appearing on behalf of the ratepayers.
According to Haviland-Markowitz, the petition filed by Liberty Utilities on June 13 seeks to increase rates to generate approximately $55.8 million in revenue—an average bill increase for ratepayers across southeastern Massachusetts of 55% per month. For North Attleborough residents specifically, the average monthly bill will increase approximately 78%.
The acquisition of Blackstone Gas Company and relocation of its headquarters were two reasons listed in the Notice of Filing and Public Hearings as to why Liberty is seeking this increase.
Liberty also seeks to recover an additional $50 million to pay for “previously authorized gas system enhancement,” collected over a five-year period. A performance-based ratemaking plan is another part of the company’s filing, which would allow it to increase base distribution rates annually over five years, up to a 5% cap.
“If all of this gets approved, then distribution rates are expected to increase significantly – by an estimated additional 35% by the end of the five-year rate plan term, in addition to the May 1, 2026, bill rate increases,” said Haviland-Markowitz. “If the company’s petition is approved, customers will receive a gas rate increase of approximately 90%.”
Attorney General Andrea Campbell has filed a notice of intervention in the matter, which includes a retention of experts and consultants to assist in investigating the company’s filing. She has requested department approval to spend up to $300,000, which can be recouped from Liberty Utilities.
Public comments
Of the approximately 30 residents in attendance for the hearing, only one person came forward to voice their opinion on the rate hike: former chair of the Planning Board Marie Clarner.
Clarner delivered her remarks directly to the commission, stating that she does not believe North Attleborough residents should be on the hook for the costs of a new headquarters or the acquisition of Blackstone Gas.
“I don’t think it’s reasonable to expect people to pay this kind of rate increase given today’s economy,” said Clarner. “I know many senior citizens who choose between heat, electric medicine, or food. . . and just because Liberty made poor business decisions does not mean we have to pay for it.”
Clarner also elaborated on how she and her late husband used the Mass Save program to switch from oil to gas years ago to save money. However, she is now paying more for gas each year than if she had stayed with oil. To Clarner, spending anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000 to switch to electric heat pumps is not an option, so she instead chooses to heat only a small section of her home.
“I hope you not only reject Liberty Utilities’ request, but that you tell them, and any other company, that until they can provide better customer service, they shouldn’t get a nickel,” said Clarner.
Support from Beacon Hill
State Rep. Adam Scanlon (D-North Attleborough) was in the crowd Tuesday night to express his disapproval for increasing gas rates in his hometown, and announced he has filed a petition with other Beacon Hill representatives to try and stop this from going through.
Scanlon also spoke of the impact this could have on small businesses, which could see rate increases in the range of 43-49%.
“These rate hikes are unacceptable. Residents in my town are already struggling with utility bills,” said Scanlon. “We saw a colder-than-average winter last year, and I received a lot of calls from people struggling to heat their homes. We help people with the Home Energy Assistance Program, but it can only go so far. This is exactly the wrong time to raise rates for consumers.”
Healey also sent an emailed statement to the North Star Reporter, pledging not only her office’s resources to stop the increase, but to file energy affordability legislation to reduce the cost of bills and increase accountability.
“Liberty Gas’ proposed rate hike is disappointing and deeply problematic,” said Healey. “This increase in utility bills could not come at a worse time for families and businesses in southeastern Massachusetts. My administration will be pushing back in the review process and will oppose additional burdens on ratepayers.”
A virtual public hearing via Zoom will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81706654438. For audio-only access, residents can dial in at 1-309-205-3325 (not toll free) and enter the meeting ID 817 0665 4438.
The deadline for residents to submit written comments has also been extended until 5 p.m. on Oct. 15, and can be sent to dpu.efiling@mass.gov, DPU2585.LibertyRateCase@mass.gov, or to Liberty Utilities’ attorneys at Keegan Werlin LLP in Lexington.