With a trip to the Berkshires on the horizon, Governor Healey is doubling down on her previously stated opposition to the proposed rate increase by Berkshire Gas. Consumers in Western Mass could see their bills climb by as much as 25 percent if the hike is approved. Governor Healey made her stance clear, saying, "We're working on numerous fronts to lower costs for people across our state, and the proposed Berkshire Gas rate increase is absolutely unacceptable and coming at the worst possible time for families and businesses across Western Massachusetts," according to a statement from the Massachusetts government's official news bulletin.
Amid rising living expenses, Governor Healey's efforts seem aimed to directly combat additional financial pressures on the residents of the state. "I oppose this proposed increase and have directed my administration to push back in the strongest possible terms. We are focused on lowering energy costs across the board," Governor Healey remarked. Tackling the issue head-on, her administration has already worked to take "$180 million off electric bills and pushed the utilities to provide immediate relief to gas customers this winter." Healey's commitment to energy affordability is evidenced by proposed legislation that purports to save the state's population a hefty "$13 billion by getting costs off bills and bringing in more energy, so our residents aren't hit with bills they can't afford." These points were highlighted in the Massachusetts government.
In a public show of opposition, Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony, representing the Healey-Driscoll Administration, voiced objections to the Berkshire Gas rate hike during the February 4 public hearing. This pushback is not an isolated event; as far back as 2017, when she served as Attorney General, Healey made the trip to Pittsfield to testify against a proposed increase in electric rates by Eversource. She also has a record of standing up against proposed rate hikes from other utility companies such as Liberty Gas and National Grid.
