By Bob Katzen

House 25-130, rejected an amendment that would suspend the electric distribution companies from assessing and collecting from consumers “public benefit energy charges” on electric utility bills for twelve consecutive billing months. These charges currently fund programs such as energy efficiency, renewable and clean energy initiatives, distributed solar, electric vehicle programs and residential assistance.

The amendment also prohibits the Department of Public Utilities from deferring or later recovering the forgone revenue through future rate increases. Program administrators would be required to adjust expenditures accordingly during the suspension.

“This bill has been described as an affordability measure, but it does not guarantee immediate relief for ratepayers,” said amendment sponsor Rep. Ken Sweezey (R-Hanson). “[My amendment] provides direct, measurable relief by removing public benefit charges from bills for a full year. At a time when families are struggling to keep up with basic household costs, this gives them breathing room instead of asking them to continue funding state programs through their utility bills.”

Rep. Michael Kushmerek (D-Fitchburg) said he opposes the amendment because it would cut the residential assistance charge that funds low-income discount rates for electric customers across the state. He noted that this would impact hundreds of thousands of the most vulnerable ratepayers.

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.)

Rep. Christine Barber No Rep. Mike Connolly No Rep. Paul Donato No Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven No