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Council presses Eversource for answers after residents report steep bills; asks utilities committee to hold hearing
Summary
Councilors described constituent distress over recent electric and delivery cost increases and asked Eversource to appear for a public presentation; the council also amended an order to send the topic to the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee for a hearing.
Council members said residents have faced sharply higher utility bills and directed staff to continue pressing Eversource for explanations and assistance options.
Councilor Tim Toner and Vice Mayor Denise McGovern said they and the city manager met with Eversource representatives after numerous constituent complaints. Eversource presented information about delivery charges and assistance programs, and company staff expressed willingness to host public outreach and help people enroll in cost‑reduction programs.
Councilors asked the company to return for a full presentation to the council or the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee so members can ask questions in public and ensure Eversource’s assistance reaches seniors and low‑income residents. The council amended the motion to request that the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee schedule a hearing and invited the utility to provide a plain‑language explanation of the fees and available relief programs.
Several councilors questioned whether a short‑term relief offer could be provided without diminishing long‑term programs such as Mass Save. The council said it wanted clear outreach to seniors and other vulnerable households and asked Eversource to coordinate drop‑in sessions and local meetings.
The council adopted the order as amended; the recorded vote on the amended order was eight in favor with one councilor absent.
