Photo: WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities has denied a proposed rate hike for customers from Eversource's NSTAR division.
The energy provider was hoping to increase winter rates by 13% for 60% of their customers. DPU claims that Eversource hasn't achieved certain performance metrics set in 2020. According to the agency, the decision will save customers $45 million.
In an order issued by the DPU, the department determined that Eversource was ineligible to raise rates because they didn't meet certain performance metrics under its performance-based revenue plan. The PBR plan was implemented to incentivize the company to discover and enact changes to minimize costs for users. NSTAR services over 300,000 users in 51 cities and towns.
Read More: 'Really Scary': Customers React To Eversource's Potential Rate Hike
The company is also seeking a 17% rate increase for another 200,000 legacy customers who used to be served by Columbia Gas. That proposal is still pending with the DPU.
Recently, Rep. Ayanna Pressley urged Eversource to issue "an immediate moratorium" on utility shutoffs for households impacted by the government shutdown as the company continues to push for rate increases.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Jim MacKay (@JimMacKayOnAir) reports.