“During a time in which our regional economy is struggling to recover from decades of dramatic economic transition, this overall rate proposal is an unacceptable burden.”
--- Jonathan Butler, president of 1Berkshire
“The Court’s decision makes clear that if pipeline developers want to build new projects in this state, they will need to find a source of financing other than electric ratepayers’ wallets.”
-- Attorney General Maura Healey
Privately-owned Housatonic Water Works, which draws water from Long Pond, says it needs the increase to deal with higher operating expenses and state-mandated upgrades to an antiquated system.
The export of liquid natural gas (LNG) now expected to be a major component of the Northeast Direct natural gas pipeline project is likely to result in higher domestic prices. “The very facts surrounding the need for additional gas capacity are highly disputed.”
-- Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, who is also challenging the legality of the ratepayer-funded pipeline
In her letter to the editor, Nina Anderson writes: "Regarding your article about linking rising electric rates with the pipeline, I would question how the National Grid Worcester Smart Meter pilot program's price tag of $44 million is factored in. Could it be that our higher rates are filling their coffers to pay for this pilot? "
