National Grid and Eversource's higher gas and electric rates now in effect in Massachusetts
BOSTON – Skyrocketing energy costs are now in effect for many people in Massachusetts.
National Grid and Eversource moved from summer to winter rates Tuesday as the new month began.
As a result, National Grid's monthly electric bills are going up about 60% compared to last winter. Natural gas is going up around 20%.
"Sixty percent is incredible. My salary is not rising up like that, so it's really unfair for people," one woman told WBZ-TV.
According to the company, the increase is a result of global conflict, inflation, and high demand.
Eversource also warned its customers to anticipate rate increases this winter. A spokesman said customers will see increases ranging between 10-30%, or about $47-$68 per month.
Eversource CEO Joseph Nolan sent a letter to President Joe Biden and the administration to get out in front of, "growing concerns about winter electric reliability in New England."
"If we entered into a polar vortex or protracted period of time, with very, very cold weather - there would not be enough electric generating units in the region to serve the load," Nolan told WBZ.
During winter, New England's natural gas pipelines operate at full capacity, but we still need more. That's when we turn to imported liquid natural gas which is in shorter supply now because of the war in Ukraine.
"We can't get LNG from the Gulf. There's five tankers down there now that are loading up. They're taking American LNG and they're leaving and they're going to foreign countries," Nolan said. "If we want to get LNG here, we have to get it from a foreign country, it doesn't make any sense. This is something the White House can act on very quickly."
Liz Berube works with Citizens for Citizens Inc., which advocates on behalf of low-income residents.
"Obviously, it is hitting home to a lot of people because statewide we are seeing a number of new clients apply," Berube said.
Anyone who needs help in Massachusetts is encouraged to sign up for a home energy assistance program. It is a free resource to help eligible households pay a portion of their winter heating bills.
Both homeowners and renters are eligible. The program is based in part on household income, which cannot exceed 60% of the estimated state median income.
Click here for more information on the program.