Photo: National Grid
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Millions of Americans are starting to feel the heat as the cost to warm their homes continues to increase.
Heating costs are expected to rise by at least 9% this winter. National Grid is submitting a request to increase customer rates starting in 2027. The hike would be rolled out throughout the year to lessen the impact before the winter, but the surging costs have some residents rethinking life as a taxpayer.
"It's crazy, I did not sign up for this, I need to go back to being a kid," said Marcus of Boston.
Meantime, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association, households could be paying an additional $84 during the winter season. This comes as energy prices continue to rise nationwide, outpacing the overall rate of inflation. The policy group says the increases are devastating as millions of households are being pushed deeper into debt and closer to shutoffs.
Read More: Dept. of Public Utilities To Review Gas And Electric Charges For Winter
The first two weeks of this month have been the coldest first two weeks of December in over a decade. That has residents like Steve from Norwood heating their home earlier than usual.
"It's a cold winter. It's been cold so far and so it makes sense that the bills are going to be higher so I'm expecting that at some point. I haven't received it yet though."
In a statement to WBZ NewsRadio, National Grid said they will continue to "evaluate customer-focused investments that support safe and reliable energy. We recognize the cost pressures affecting our customers and communities and are committed to using every tool at our disposal to ease short-term pressures and manage long-term costs within our control. We will propose new measures to keep bills more affordable and predictable, such as greater bill stability throughout the year and expanded discount rates for income-eligible households.”
The proposal comes as the Department of Public Utilities announced an investigation to review the cost of heating homes in Massachusetts.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.
