Bill > S2297

This bill introduces several provisions aimed at regulating utility pricing and service standards in Massachusetts. First, it establishes an inflation cap on electricity distribution rates starting March 1, 2026, which limits rate increases to the annual Consumer Price Index growth rate as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Second, the bill creates new requirements for electric companies seeking to implement rate increases, mandating that they provide 60 days' notice to the state department and obtain approval through a public hearing process. The department is empowered to investigate proposed rate increases, suspend them if necessary, and must make a decision within 90 days of the last hearing. Additionally, the bill requires the department to establish performance-based rate schemes for distribution, transmission, and gas companies, including service quality standards covering areas such as customer service satisfaction, service outages, facility upgrades, repairs, maintenance, and public safety. The bill specifically prohibits costs related to advertising, promotional marketing, and charitable activities from being factored into rate calculations, and mandates that service quality standards include benchmarks for employee staffing levels and training programs.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2297