Danvers Electric Customers Face $9.75 Average Monthly Increase In 2024

DANVERS, MA — Danvers residents will see an average monthly increase of about $10 in their utility bills starting this month after the Municipal Light Board determined the increase was necessary to support technology and infrastructure investments at Danvers Electric.

The Board said in a statement through the town on Wednesday that the "fuel charge" — which covers the cost of purchasing electricity from the grid — will approximate the rate from January 2023.

The customer charge rate remains unchanged.

"We understand the impact of the electric rate increases on our customers, and we want to emphasize that this decision was made with careful consideration to ensure the continued reliability and sustainability of our energy infrastructure," Danvers Utility Director David Lane said. " We remain committed to providing transparent communication, exceptional service, and investing in technologies that will contribute to the continued reliability of our electric infrastructure."

The town said that rates are set to cover costs and not to generate excess revenue or profit. Excess fuel costs collected must be returned to customers during the following year.

The Municipal Light Board reviews rates each June and also considers a mid-year adjustment in December — at which time the recent increase was approved.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at [email protected]. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)