The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has ordered natural gas distribution companies to reduce residential and low-income customer bills by at least 5% for March and April 2025 due to high winter costs. These reductions must be proposed by February 24 and take effect March 1. The DPU did not specify whether cuts should come from gas supply costs, delivery rates, or both, though high distribution charges have been cited as a major factor in rising bills. Any uncollected costs will be deferred and recovered in the off-peak season (May–October 2025).
The DPU also directed utilities, including affiliated electric companies, to take reasonable actions to mitigate high winter energy costs, such as reviewing mandated program costs and promoting budget billing. This move follows concerns from Gov. Maura Healey and a letter from Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, who urged additional rate relief and proposed ending individual residential electricity choice to lower costs for consumers. However, no action was suggested regarding residential natural gas choice, which affects only about 1% of customers in the state.
