Attorney General Healey… Please Appeal the DPU’s Approval of WMECO’s Rate Increase!

I immediately felt sick to my stomach today when I opened my electric bill to discover an increase of $168 in one month!  What can we do?  We are conscious of our energy usuage and conserve where we can.  I feel helpless just as many of my friends are feeling the same shock and terror right now.  Please help by contacting our Attoney General.  The Department of Public Utilites is responsible for the approval of the rate increase back in November and only the Attorney General can repeal that decision.  The increase went largely unnoticed by consumers as we were told we should expect on average, a $26 increase per month, per household.  $26 not that big of a deal, we can absord that, but the $168 increase that we received is a week’s worth of groceries that my family will now go without.  I appeal to Attoney General Maura Healey to help our Massachusetts families.  This increase is criminal and needs immediate review and attention. 

Official Website for the Attorney General: 

http://www.mass.gov/ago/about-the-attorney-generals-office/

As reported from WWLP:

 

BOSTON (WWLP) – http://wwlp.com/2014/11/21/wmeco-rate-hike-approved-by-state/

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities has agreed to a 29% basic service supply rate increase being sought by Western Massachusetts Electric Company.

The state board voted Friday to approve the rate increase, which WMECo says is necessary, due to the limitations in the natural gas pipelines coming into New England. Most of the region’s electricity is generated through natural gas. The decision in favor of WMECo’s increase comes a short time after the DPU approved a similar rate hike for National Grid customers.

The three commissioners of the Department of Public Utilities are appointed by Governor Deval Patrick. All three commissioners make six-figure salaries. Chairwoman Ann Berwick of Newton, the wife of former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Don Berwick, makes $139,986 per year. Commissioner Jolette Westbrook of Sagamore Beach makes $127,053 per year, while Commissioner Kate McKeever of Boston makes $120,821.

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr believes the review process could be more transparent. “Is the DPU looking at those issues to ensure that those factors are the cost drivers that they’re purported to be?”

Sixteen state lawmakers signed a letter urging DPU to keep costs as low as possible. Once the DPU makes a decision, only the Attorney General can appeal.

WMECO Spokesperson Priscilla Ress released the following statement regarding Friday’s decision:

“We’re concerned about the effect these increases from our electricity suppliers will have on our customers, particularly those who are facing difficult financial circumstances. We urge all WMECo customers to take advantage of our programs to improve the efficiency of their homes to help reduce their usage and keep energy bills down this winter.”

 

Contact the Attorney General's Office
 
AGO Office Locations
Boston
One Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108-1518
Phone: (617) 727-2200
TTY: (617) 727-4765

Springfield
1350 Main Street, Fourth Floor
Springfield, MA 01103-1629
Phone: (413) 784-1240

New Bedford
105 William Street, First Floor
New Bedford, MA 02740-6257
Telephone: (508) 990-9700
Fax: (508) 990-8686

Worcester
10 Mechanic Street, Suite 301
Worcester, MA 01608-2417
Phone: (508) 792-7600
Fax: (508) 795-1991