Energy company encourages customers to sign up for energy efficiency programs now

BOSTON, Mass. (Oct. 7, 2021) – With global demand for natural gas soaring, prices for the upcoming winter heating season are on the rise. Eversource yesterday filed its proposed winter natural gas rates with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) that would go into effect on November 1, 2021, pending approval. After hitting 10-year lows during the COVID-19 pandemic, the price of natural gas has risen by approximately 20%—impacting customers nationwide and across the globe. The main driving factors include an increase in global demand during the ongoing economic recovery and a lagging recovery to the significant drop in U.S. gas supply due to a number of issues including the pandemic and extreme weather in gas-producing states. 

“With supply constraints, extreme weather and other challenges related to the pandemic driving up natural gas prices across the globe, we’re focused every day on helping our customers better manage their own energy use while also working with partners across the commonwealth on innovative solutions to help achieve our shared clean energy goals,” said Eversource Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Penni Conner. “We understand the effect that higher energy costs and increased energy usage can have on our customers, particularly those who are still facing difficult financial circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we want them to know we’re here to help with energy efficiency solutions, payment assistance plans and other programs to help support customers.”

In addition to the natural gas supply rate, proposed adjustments to other portions of the bill related to safely and reliably operating the gas system are also expected to take effect on November 1. In total, if all proposed adjustments are approved by the DPU, an average residential customer in the former NSTAR Gas service territory using 126 therms of gas per month will see an increase of roughly 12% on their natural gas bill over last winter—from $203 per month to $228 per month. An average residential customer in the former Columbia Gas service territory using 132 therms of gas per month will see an increase of approximately 21% on their natural gas bill over last winter—from $197 per month to $238 per month.

To better manage their energy use, save money and reduce their impact on the environment, Eversource customers can sign up for a no-cost, virtual home energy assessment for personalized recommendations and energy-saving products for their home, including a limited time offer of 75% or more off approved insulation improvements. Income-eligible customers may also qualify for additional money and energy-saving offers. In addition, customers can use the energy company’s new Heating Cost Calculator, which will be available with the winter rates beginning November 1 on Eversource.com, to see how colder weather impacts their bill and how small adjustments to their thermostat can lead to savings, and can take advantage of a variety of other energy efficiency programs to save money and energy, especially during the winter heating months.

Eversource also offers a variety of payment assistance options to support customers who are struggling with their bills—including those who have never needed help before. Additionally, Eversource offers Budget Billing, allowing some customers to better manage expenses by dividing energy costs into fixed monthly payments, avoiding seasonal spikes. To learn more about special programs to help customers lower monthly bills, reduce past due balances, or extended payment plans, visit Eversource.com or here for former Columbia Gas customers.

Eversource (NYSE: ES), celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, is the #1 energy company in Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies for 2021 and recognized as one of America’s Most JUST Companies. Eversource transmits and delivers electricity and natural gas and supplies water to 1.8 million customers throughout Massachusetts, including approximately 1.45 million electric customers in 142 communities, 635,000 gas customers in 110 communities, and 6,700 water customers in two communities. Eversource harnesses the commitment of approximately 9,300 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. The #1 energy efficiency provider in the nation, the company is empowering a clean energy future in the Northeast, with nationally recognized energy efficiency solutions and successful programs to integrate new clean energy resources like solar, offshore wind, electric vehicles and battery storage, into the electric system. For more information, please visit eversource.com, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more information on our water services, visit aquarionwater.com.

CONTACT:
William Hinkle
603-634-2228
william.hinkle@eversource.com

Chris McKinnon
617-424-2108
christopher.r.mckinnon@eversource.com

Priscilla Ress
413-787-1055
priscilla.ress@eversource.com