Bill > S2149

This bill aims to establish fair and stable utility pricing in Massachusetts. It proposes the following key provisions: 1. Implementing an inflation cap on the total average rates for all distribution company customers purchasing electricity under the standard service transition rate, limiting the annual increase to the rate of growth in the Consumer Price Index. 2. Requiring electric companies to obtain approval from the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) before instituting any rate increase or change, and mandating the DPU to hold public hearings and investigations to determine the propriety of such changes. The DPU would also be required to periodically review and potentially decrease the approved rates. 3. Authorizing the DPU to establish performance-based rate schemes for distribution, transmission, and gas companies, including setting service quality standards and requiring benchmarks for employee staffing and training, while excluding the costs of advertising, promotional marketing, and charitable contributions from the rate basis. The overall goal of the bill is to provide more stability and oversight in the utility pricing structure, protecting consumers from excessive rate increases and ensuring that utility companies maintain high-quality service standards.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S2149