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Acushnet finance committee discusses sending DPU letter about rising utility rates
Summary
Committee members proposed drafting a letter to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities to register local concern about rising electricity and delivery charges, citing impacts on residents on fixed incomes and the uninsured costs of statewide energy programs.
The finance committee discussed a proposal to send a letter from the town of Acushnet to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) expressing concern about rising electricity rates and related surcharges.
The chair said he planned to prepare a letter "on behalf of the town of Acushnet" to register displeasure about how increases in rates, surcharges and program fees affect town residents, especially those on fixed incomes. He noted prior outreach by U.S. Sen. Ed Markey and said local towns sometimes organize outside of formal state municipal associations to press regulators on issues.
Members debated whether to pursue the issue through the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA), with one member noting MMA could take six to nine months — too slow for the town's immediate concerns. Several members argued a direct town letter would be quicker and reflect the immediate financial impacts residents face.
The committee did not vote on a specific letter wording or send the letter at the meeting; members asked staff to research the fastest effective avenue for communicating with the DPU or coordinating with nearby towns.
