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BOSTON (WBZNewsRadio) - With high inflation and rising utility costs knocking at the door this winter, Boston's top energy official says there is another worry; utility scammers.
Both Eversource and National Grid have announced utility rate increases ahead of the winter season. National Grid's increase went into effect November 1st, with customers seeing an estimated 64 percent increase. Eversource on the other hand is expected to raise prices more than 40 percent, starting next month.
"We know that in this time people are often making the choice between food and fuel, between electricity and rent," Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, Boston's director of environment, energy and open spaces, said at a press conference Wednesday. "In most instances these folks are going door to door targeting our immigrant communities, our seniors and our low income communities, specifically."
She says anyone who knocks on your door selling utilities on behalf of the City of Boston, is lying. Instead, residents should call the city's 311 helpline for more information. Rev. White-Hammond also recommended signing up for the Boston Community Choice Electricity (BCCE) program, which offers less expensive rates than Eversource.
For those living outside of Boston, the BCCE program is just one of more than 150 across the state offering affordable and renewable electricity to residents.
WBZ's Nichole Davis (@NicholeDWBZ) reports
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