Massachusetts regulators have launched a two-phase probe into energy bill volatility. They have started by scrutinizing delivery charges to improve transparency and help ratepayers understand costs. Amid the investigation into…
Massachusetts regulators have launched a two-phase probe into energy bill volatility. They have started by scrutinizing delivery charges to improve transparency and help ratepayers understand costs.
Amid the investigation into utility bill charges, the average price of home heating oil is expected to be near $3.10 per gallon this winter. As a result, the average household using heating oil can expect winter bills to total about $1,103, approximately 8% or $102 lower than last year, said the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DEOR).
According to a WBUR report, for the approximately 20% of homes that heat with electricity, DOER estimated a winter heating expenditure of $898. That’s an increase of 6.4% from last winter in part due to DOER’s anticipation that the statewide average electric utility rate will be about 35 cents per kilowatt-hour compared to last year’s rate of 33 cents.
High energy prices and recent rate volatility have strained cost-of-living concerns for Bay State residents and businesses that are already paying for some of the highest energy prices in the country. The issue has also raised questions about state clean energy and climate regulations, which some say are the drivers of the rate volatility.
In December, the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) launched an investigation of all delivery charges on electric and gas bills in Massachusetts. They identified a goal to “examine the causes of bill volatility and promote a greater understanding of rates for customers to take greater control over their energy bills.” Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey called for this review last year, saying that the state must “act with just incredible urgency to do everything we can to lower costs.”
On Wednesday, Jan. 7, several groups, including the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, MASSCAP, Action for Boston Community Development, and others, held a briefing to raise awareness of the state’s Home Energy Assistance Program. Funded by EOHLC and administered by a network of 20 community organizations, the HEAP program provides heating assistance and energy efficiency and weatherization programs.
Read the original post at WROR 105.7 PM.