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Council urges state action, utility relief after surge in electricity and gas costs
Summary
The council adopted a resolution calling on state officials and utilities to seek immediate reductions or relief after large increases in customers' delivery rates; councilors asked administration to coordinate with the delegation and utility companies and to circulate assistance information to residents.
In response to an increase in residential electricity and gas delivery costs, Worcester City Councilors adopted a resolution urging state review and standing with residents seeking relief. Several councilors and residents described bills that rose sharply in recent months and asked the city to press state regulators and utilities for mitigation and to publicize assistance programs.
The council unanimously approved the resolution asking the governor, the Department of Public Utilities and the city's delegation to seek immediate mitigation (council discussion initially referenced a 5% reduction then amended to ask for a more substantial cut and no retroactive interest charges). Councilor Candy Merrill Carlson and others emphasized the disproportionate impact on low-income households and small businesses.
The city asked administration to work with National Grid, Eversource and state officials and to provide residents with clear information on available assistance programs and municipal options.
Ending: The council adopted the resolution and requested that the city manager report on communications with utilities and the delegation and provide guidance on where residents can apply for emergency assistance.
