National Grid to Hold Public Hearing in Haverhill Over Proposed Rate Hikes

Haverhill residents have an opportunity to make their voices heard over National Grid’s proposed seven to 13 percent rate increase in gas bills at a public hearing next week at City Hall.

The meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 6 p.m. is one of several hearings the utility company is holding locally.

In December, Boston Gas and Colonial Gas, both of which do business as National Grid, asked the state Department of Utilities to allow the increase of natural gas base delivery charges for all Massachusetts customers beginning Nov. 1, 2018.

Boston Gas, which services Haverhill, is lobbying for a 13 percent increase for residential customers who use natural gas for appliances, but not heat. Heating customers could face a seven percent increase.

Commercial customers have the potential to see their bills jump anywhere from two to 23 percent, depending on how must natural gas they use.

Haverhill’s hearing takes place in room 301 of City Hall, 4 Summer St.