National Grid asking for a rate increase in Massachusetts: How much would my bill go up

Massachusetts residents’ gas bills could increase by nearly 10% if a petition from the National Grid is approved.

On Jan. 16, the National Grid filed a petition to increase its gas distribution rates so that it can generate $342 million in additional revenues. 

The request comes as affordability is a major issue in the state, with energy prices being one of the main drivers: in November, 21% of Massachusetts voters said that utilities were the single biggest strain on their household budget in a Suffolk University/Boston Globe poll. At the State of the Commonwealth in January, Gov. Maura Healey announced that the state would temporarily lower electricity and gas bills in February and March.

But if the National Grid’s request is approved by the state Department of Public Utilities, customers will see monthly bill increases in December.

How much could my utility bill go up?

According to the National Grid and the Department of Public Utilities, a typical residential heating customer of the Boston Gas Company – which services greater Boston and central Massachusetts – will see their monthly bill increase by $23.66, or 8.4%, during the winter season. 

A typical customer of the Colonial Gas Company – which services some communities on the Cape and in Merrimack Valley – will see their monthly bill increase $24.76, or 9.4%.

Slightly different rate increases will apply to low-income heating and non-heating customers and typical non-heating customers, as well as commercial and industrial customers.

Why does the National Grid want to raise prices?

The DPU said that utilities can file petitions to “recover reasonable and prudent costs that have been incurred to provide safe and reliable service to its customers and have the opportunity to earn a fair and reasonable rate of return on prudently invested capital.”

The National Grid is hoping to use the increase in revenue to pay costs including for new gas pipes, to recover charges from billing errors last year and to address gas safety regulations and compliance.

When would my utility bill go up?

According to DPU, if the petition is approved, customers can expect rate increases effective Dec. 1, 2026.

Do I have a say?

If you want to comment on the petition, you can submit emailed written comments to dpu.efiling@mass.gov, DPU2650.GridRateCase@mass.gov and rhumm@keeganwerlin.com by 5 p.m. on April 30, 2026.

There will also be seven public hearings:

• March 18 in Lowell
• March 23 in North Quincy
• March 26 in South Yarmouth
• March 31 in Haverhill
• April 6 in Lynn
• April 9 in Acton
• April 15 in Boston