Bill > H3223

This bill proposes several key provisions to ensure fair and stable utility pricing in Massachusetts: 1. It establishes an inflation cap that limits the annual increase in total average rates for electricity customers under the standard service transition rate to no more than the previous year's Consumer Price Index growth rate. This is intended to provide more stability and predictability in electricity rates. 2. It requires electric companies to obtain approval from the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) before instituting any rate increases or other changes to their rates, charges, or retail access. The DPU must hold public hearings and investigations into the propriety of the proposed changes before making a decision. 3. It authorizes the DPU to establish performance-based rate schemes for electric, gas, and transmission companies, with service quality standards covering areas like customer satisfaction, outages, facility maintenance, and employee training. This is aimed at aligning utility company incentives with providing reliable and high-quality service. Overall, the bill seeks to promote fair and stable utility pricing for Massachusetts consumers through rate regulation, public oversight, and performance-based ratemaking.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H3223