Will Your National Grid Rate Rise?
Recently, National Grid filed to raise their rates. If the request passes, it will mean larger electricity bills for a state that already pays more for electricity. But how much will electricity bills rise and what can MA customers do about it? Let’s dig into what you need to know about the requested National Grid electricity rate hike.
How Much Will National Grid Rates Rise?
National Grid seeks to raise electricity rates starting this October. According to estimates, most customers will see their rates rise by about 3.7 percent this October, then about 1.8 percent for the following four years. The utility explains that the rate hike will be used to increase their revenue from energy distribution by about $131.6 million.
The company reports it will need to raise rates by 12.7 percent to reach this goal. But rather than dropping a big spike on MA, the company hopes the annual rate hike structure will be accepted by DPU.
Will DPU Accept the National Grid Rate Hike?
It’s still too early to predict whether or not the rate hike will be accepted. But the request is filed and ready for review. The final decision by the DPU is set to come by no later than September 30.
Before that decision, there will be six public hearings and two virtual hearings. MA rate payers are encouraged to participate and submit their opinions. This helps the DPU determine if the rate hike will be accepted, adjusted, or denied.
What MA Customers Should Do Next
It is important to remember that the rate hike is on the distribution part of your bill. This means that if the rate hike is accepted, you will have to pay it. However, we are in the spring shoulder month period. This means we are seeing milder weather and lower energy prices. So, if you shop now, you could save by locking in to the best energy plans in town. And low rates may be able to offset the proposed October rate hike.
Obviously, there will be another shoulder month period in the fall. And we can’t fully predict where electricity rates will be later this year. But the National Weather Service predicts that an La Nina may form. If this happens, then it will lead to a much colder-than-normal winter. And colder winters means more heating demand, as well as higher energy prices.
The team at https://www.maenergyratings.com will keep an eye on this story as it develops. Because we always bring you the news that could affect your bills. You can also visit us to shop for the cheapest electricity rates in town.