Breaking stories and in‑depth analysis: up‑to‑the‑minute global news on politics, business, technology, culture, and more—24/7, all in one place.
Pittsfield’s mayor and City Council are formally opposing a proposed 25% rate increase for Berkshire Gas customers, a move that would add roughly $54 to the average monthly bill. The Council unanimously approved a letter to the state Department of Public Utilities on Tuesday, calling for the increase to be denied or “sharply reduced,” with Councilor Pete White absent from the vote.
The letter, spearheaded by Councilors Kathleen Amuso and James Conant, argues the increase would exacerbate the existing cost-of-living crisis for Berkshire County residents. Amuso cited the fact that approximately 8,500 households in the county already rely on fuel assistance programs, questioning their ability to absorb an additional $54 per month. “There’s about 8,500 households throughout Berkshire County that are on fuel assistance,” she said during Tuesday’s meeting. “I’m not sure how more than 8,500 can afford a $54 average [increase].”
Berkshire Gas is seeking the rate hike to fund $22.2 million in equipment upgrades and replacements mandated by the Department of Public Utilities, as well as to cover the costs of hiring additional employees. The utility serves approximately 40,000 customers across 20 communities in Western Massachusetts.
Opposition to the proposed increase extends beyond local officials. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey publicly voiced her concerns during a visit to North Adams last week, speaking out against utility bill hikes and specifically calling out Berkshire Gas. Residents and Councilor Cam Cunningham also presented arguments against the increase at recent public hearings.
The Pittsfield City Council’s letter goes further, requesting that the Department of Public Utilities require Berkshire Gas to demonstrate “concrete, measurable safety and leak-reduction benefits” resulting from its Gas System Enhancement Program before those costs are passed on to consumers. It also advocates for strong consumer protections, expanded affordability programs and limitations on future rate increases.
Mayor Peter Marchetti has approved the letter’s contents, and all members of the City Council are expected to sign it before its submission on Wednesday, meeting the February 27 deadline for public comment. The discussion was initially prompted by a petition from Amuso and Conant, who highlighted the severity of the current winter weather as a key factor in their opposition.
The Department of Public Utilities has not yet announced a timeline for a decision on the proposed rate increase.
