AGAWAM — The Agawam City Council is looking for help after Eversource’s recent natural gas rate spike was approved by the Department of Public Utilities.
During its regular meeting on Nov. 18, the council unanimously approved a resolution that asks the DPU and Eversource to prioritize outreach to local Eversource ratepayers about programs and services that can help them during the winter season.
City Councilor George Bitzas sponsored the resolution and presented it to the full council in the wake of Eversource’s natural gas rate adjustment increase of about 30% for Massachusetts residents, or about a $74 increase a month.
The DPU officially approved the natural gas rate spikes at the beginning of November.
“A 30% increase is unthinkable,” Bitzas said, during the council meeting. “I know the people want our feedback; this is our feedback, and we will be strong about it.”
The resolution the council approved states that some ratepayers in Agawam may not know a lot of the services available that can help them due to the proposed increase.
“The Agawam City Council requests that the DPU give utmost consideration to the potential financial hardship that a significant natural gas rate increase would have on the residents and small businesses in the city of Agawam,” the resolution reads.
According to the fact sheet provided by Eversource, and was part of the City Council’s agenda packet, the reason for the spike is because the natural gas supply rate is adjusted based on market costs of buying gas for customers.
“Natural gas is a commodity; more demand for natural gas heating during the winter means tighter supply and higher costs,” read the fact sheet.
Eversource says that they can help customers pay their bills, but Agawam wants to make sure its residents with Eversource have as many options as possible at their disposable to help pay their bills.
The adjusted rate will be in effect until May 1, 2025, which is when Eversource will present a new rate.
The council approved their resolution on Nov. 18 with little discussion.
