Eversource Seeking Electricity Rate Hike In Massachusetts

SUDBURY, MA — Eversource has asked state officials to approve a electricity rate hike, an increase that would affect dozens of communities in MetroWest, the Boston area and on Cape Cod.

According to state Department of Public Utilities filings, Eversource — whose trade name is NSTAR in the area — wants to increase rates between 5.2 and 5.4 percent for residential customers. That would equal a monthly bill increase of more than $7 for customers who use an average of 530 to 550 kilowatt hours per month.

Eversource needs the rate increase to pay for investments in technology and maintenance, according to DPU filings.

"[Eversource] is requesting an increase in rates designed to address an $89 million revenue deficiency. This revenue deficiency is primarily related to investments in enterprise information technology systems, storm cost recovery and vegetation management costs, all of which are important initiatives for customers," Eversource attorney Cheryl Kimball wrote in a January filing to DPU.

If approved, the new rates would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2023.

DPU is holding three public hearings on the rate increase. One already happened on March 29, and the next two are scheduled for March 31 and May 4. You can join the virtual hearings on the Eversource electricity rate increase via links on this page.