（Boston Orange 編譯）麻州公用事業處（DPU）15日宣佈，將展開史無前例的兩階段調查，全面檢視電力與燃氣帳單中所有的收費項目，以釐清造成麻州居民面對的能源費用帳單全美第三高原因，並整頓進來能源公司頻頻出現的嚴重計費錯誤。
麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）在10月中曾發函DPU，要求該部門針對國家電網(National Grid)，永源(Eversource)等能源公司的每一項收費，做仔細審查，以期能夠移除所有「缺乏正當理由」的收費，給民眾一份透明，清楚易懂的帳單來保護消費者權益。
麻州的電價長期居高不下，在全美排名僅次夏威夷與加州。列在帳單中的費用，「輸配電費用（Delivery Charges）」，高達65%，民眾實際使用能源的佔比僅只35%，意味著民眾不管再怎麼努力的節省用電，電費都降不了多少。與此同時，今年8月起，能源公司的基礎費率調漲，全國電網漲了7％，永源漲了12.3%，上一個冬季有部分地區的燃氣漲幅曾高達 30%，都使民眾能源負擔更沈重，怨氣更深。
今年內，國家電網系統更新失敗，有大約 3.5 萬戶的冬季使用暖氣「帳單消失」半年後，突然收到累計的天價補繳單，引發「帳單震撼（Bill Shock）」。永源亦爆出數據結算失誤。為此，DPU 甚至祭出罕見重罰：若帳單遲發超過 60 天，用戶將可得豁免，無須繳費。
DPU 的調查將分為兩階段，第一階段，做財務與結構方面的審查，將全面查察輸配電費用的每一項細節，評估取消或合併不合理項目，並研議設立「月度漲幅上限」，以防止帳單金額在單月內劇烈暴衝。第二階段，重點在帳單的透明度，將要求能源公司重新設計帳單格式，統一標準，以確保民眾能看懂費用明細。
DPU Opens Investigation to Review All Charges on Utility Bills
The investigation aims to address energy price volatility and improve bill transparency for Massachusetts ratepayers
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) opened an investigation today to comprehensively review all delivery charges on electric and gas utility bills. The investigation will examine the causes of bill volatility and promote a greater understanding of rates for customers to take greater control over their energy bills. This investigation aligns with the priorities highlighted in Governor Healey’s letter to the DPU and includes additional analysis on potential measures to further protect ratepayers.
This investigation will explore ways to contain energy costs that fall under the DPU’s jurisdiction. As part of the investigation, the Department will evaluate whether certain charges should be eliminated, consolidated, or redesigned as a fixed charge. The investigation will also review whether to establish maximum limits on how much specific charges can increase from month to month.
This investigation follows a series of actions the DPU has taken to address energy affordability in this year alone, such as reducing the budget of the current Mass Save 3 Year Plan, requiring immediate mitigation measures for last winter’s gas bills, strengthening cost controls in the Gas System Enhancement Plan programs, and establishing and implementing new electric rates to reduce winter costs for residents using heat pumps.
“This thorough investigation will shed new light on ratemaking for the public,” said Chair Jeremy McDiarmid. “We’re eager to continue the momentum built this year to help keep bills in check and put utility customers first.”
“I came to the DPU with the intent to better protect ratepayers and help manage energy costs,” said Commissioner Liz Anderson. “As the commissioner leading this investigation, I look forward to tackling these critical issues head-on and working to make a difference for ratepayers across Massachusetts.”
“This investigation illustrates our commitment to a more transparent, equitable, and innovative DPU,” said Commissioner Staci Rubin. “Energy affordability will always be a core part of our mission. The investigation we opened today will work to assist customers across the state and make bills more transparent and understandable.”
Included in gas and electric utility bills are the supply rate and components that make up the delivery portion of bills. The delivery portion includes a fixed customer charge, the base distribution rate, and rates for reconciling mechanisms that allow utilities to recover costs required by state and federal policies, and costs necessary to maintain safe and reliable infrastructure. The first phase of the DPU’s investigation includes a complete review of all components on the delivery portion of both electric and gas utility bills. Currently, the DPU conducts annual, charge-by-charge reviews of most delivery components in its jurisdiction in separate dockets, scrutinizing utility cost recovery requests to ensure the expenditures were prudent and consistent with approved tariffs, state laws, and federal policies. This investigation will explore rate designs that reduce bill volatility and make it easier for consumers to understand the different components of their bill and what contributes to bill changes. The proceeding will also review net metering charges with the goal of identifying near-term cost controls for electric utility customers. This phase of the investigation will review possible changes to the net metering recovery charge paid by electric customers without compromising the continued development of solar in the state.
The second phase of the investigation will launch an inquiry into utility bill design, increasing transparency for ratepayers when they receive their bills and creating more consistency across companies.
In addition, following the severe billing errors customers have experienced this year, the DPU also plans to examine current utility billing practices and utilities’ performance in meeting their obligations to provide their customers with accurate, transparent, and timely bills. This investigation will commence in the coming months.
If you need help understanding your bill or if you are seeking assistance in paying your energy bills this winter, please visit the DPU’s understanding your utility bill page or winter bill resources page.
