Photo: Mike Macklin/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Save now... pay later.
That's the gist of proposals by utility companies in response to demands to lower skyrocketing gas bills this winter season.
The Massachusetts Attorney General and Governor Maura Healey recently called on Eversource and National Grid to take measures to help customers amid rising costs.
National Grid acknowledged in a statement the high cost of gas bills this season. "National Grid recognizes that rising energy costs are a challenge for customers, especially during the cold winter months."
The utility companies have proposed a 10% gas bill cut for customers in March and April.
“Got to help folks out, right?” said one Dorchester resident who liked the idea.
Not every utility customer, however, is happy with the proposals, which would defer charges to off-peak months.
“They’re going to get their money no matter what,” said Raymond of Dorchester. “That’s the bottom line. That’s no assistance to the consumer.”
Eversource in a statement confirmed the deferrals both utilities have proposed. "If approved, customers will see this reduction in the local distribution adjustment charge on their bills, which includes energy efficiency programs, and the company will also absorb any additional carrying costs that accrue with the deferral of these costs to the off-peak, summer months."
This strategy aims to provide temporary relief to customers while ensuring the companies recoup their costs.
Gas prices have reached unprecedented levels this season, primarily due to a Department of Public Utilities-approved winter price hike of up to 30% and surging delivery charges.
National Grid and Eversource said they have resources to help families manage their bills, including payment plans and financial assistance programs.
WBZ News Radio's James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.