BRIEF-Massachusetts DPU Directs Gas Companies to Reduce Winter Bills by 5%

Feb 21 (Reuters) - MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES:

• SAYS GAS LOCAL DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES MUST REDUCE RESIDENTIAL AND LOW-INCOME RESIDENTIAL BILLS BY AT LEAST 5% FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE PEAK SEASON (MARCH AND APRIL 2025)

• SAYS COMPANIES SHALL FILE THESE PROPOSALS IN THEIR COST OF GAS ADJUSTMENT FACTOR AND LOCAL DISTRIBUTION ADJUSTMENT FACTOR DOCKETS BY FEBRUARY 24, 2025, FOR IMPLEMENTATION ON MARCH 1, 2025

• SAYS ANY DEFERRED COSTS WILL BE COLLECTED THROUGH THE LOCAL DISTRIBUTION ADJUSTMENT FACTOR DURING THE OFF-PEAK SEASON (MAY THROUGH OCTOBER 2025)

• INTENDS TO INVESTIGATE WHETHER TO SHIFT CERTAIN DELIVERY COSTS FROM THE PEAK PERIOD TO THE SHOULDER AND SUMMER SEASONS ON A PERMANENT BASIS

• SAYS COMPANIES MUST PROPOSE A CARRYING CHARGE RATE THAT DOES NOT EXCEED THE PRIME RATE

• SAYS DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES TO ACCELERATE EFFORTS TO PROMOTE BUDGET BILLING PROGRAMS FOR RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS

• SAYS DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES SHOULD GUIDE CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE DIFFICULTY PAYING THEIR ENERGY BILLS TOWARDS APPROPRIATE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

• DIRECTS DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES TO CONTINUE THEIR EFFORTS TO PROMOTE PARTICIPATION IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS THAT WILL REDUCE CUSTOMER BILLS