Liberty Gas Rate Hike: What Blackstone Residents Can Still Do
The ongoing fight against higher bills
The Liberty Gas rate hike proposal continues to spark concern for Blackstone residents. If approved, this increase could add more than $100 a year to local heating bills, putting extra strain on families and small businesses. Governor Maura Healey recently weighed in, calling the proposal “deeply problematic” and vowing that her administration would fight to protect ratepayers.
What happened at the Blackstone hearing
On October 1, a public hearing was held at Blackstone-Millville Regional High School. Only about 15 residents attended, but the small group made their voices heard. Board of Selectmen member Edward Castonguay, who doesn’t even have Liberty Gas service himself, attended to go on record against the rate increase.
He later shared on Facebook, “This evening was a chance for the public to be heard… I did get up and voice my opposition to this outrageous hike.” Castonguay also noted he spoke directly with representatives from the Attorney General’s Office, the Department of Public Utilities, and Liberty Gas after the session.
Upcoming public hearing you can join
If you missed the in-person hearing, there’s still time to take part. A virtual hearing on Zoom is scheduled for October 7.
Virtual Public Hearing on Zoom
- Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
- Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81706654438.
- Meeting ID# 817 0665 4438.
While the deadline to register to speak passed on September 15, you can still join to listen. Details can be found on the Department of Public Utilities site or by reaching out directly:
- Email to try registering or ask questions: DPU2585.LibertyRateCase@mass.gov
- Phone option: Call 1-617-305-3729 and leave your name, phone number, and address.
- Interpretation services: Email dpu.ej@mass.gov with your preferred language.
Written comments accepted until October 15
You don’t need to attend a hearing to make an impact. Written comments are still being accepted until 5:00 p.m. on October 15, 2025.
Send your comments to:
And copy Liberty’s legal team:
- Kevin Penders – kpenders@keeganwerlin.com
- Molly Agostinelli – MAgostinelli@keeganwerlin.com
- Joseph Kelley – jkelley@keeganwerlin.com
- Ronald Ritchie – r.j.ritchie@libertyutilities.com
Be sure to include:
- Docket number: D.P.U. 25-85
- Your name or organization
- A brief title for your comment
- Your statement
Please note that, in the interest of transparency, any comments submitted will be posted to Mass.gov website as received and without redacting personal information, such as addresses, telephone numbers, or email addresses. As such, consider the extent of information you wish to share when submitting comments. The Department strongly encourages public comments to be submitted by email. If, however, a member of the public is unable to send written comments by email, a paper copy may be sent.
Paper copies can be mailed to:
Mark D. Marini, Secretary
Department of Public Utilities
One South Station, Boston, MA 02110
Why this matters for Blackstone families
The Liberty Gas rate hike could put a heavy burden on our community, especially as winter approaches. For many households, heating is already a major expense, and even small increases add up. Residents who spoke at the October 1 hearing made it clear: families, seniors, and the community in general cannot afford higher bills right now.
Missed the first hearing? You can still act
Even if you weren’t able to attend in person, you still have a chance to listen, learn, and make your voice count. Join the Zoom hearing on October 7 to hear the discussion and submit your written comments by October 15. Every message sent to the Department of Public Utilities goes on record and helps show how strongly Blackstone opposes this rate hike.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Liberty Gas Rate Hike
1. What is the Liberty Gas rate hike?
Liberty Gas has proposed raising natural gas delivery rates. For Blackstone residents, this could mean an increase of over $100 per year on heating bills.
2. Why is Liberty Gas raising rates?
Liberty claims the increase is tied to infrastructure and operational costs. However, many residents and local officials argue that the hike is unnecessary and unfair, especially during a time of economic pressure.
3. Who is affected by the Liberty Gas rate hike?
All Liberty Gas customers in Blackstone and surrounding towns would see higher bills if the proposal is approved. Even renters may feel the impact through higher utility-included rents.
4. What did Governor Healey say about the rate hike?
Governor Healey called the proposal “disappointing and deeply problematic.” She emphasized that her administration would fight the increase and highlighted new energy affordability legislation aimed at lowering costs for Massachusetts families.
5. How can residents make their voices heard?
- Attend the Zoom hearing on October 7 (listening only if not pre-registered).
- Submit written comments by October 15 via email or mail (see addresses above).
- Reach out to state representatives and community leaders to share your concerns.
6. Where can I learn more?
You can read our earlier coverage here: Liberty Rate Hike Could Increase Blackstone Heating Bills by Over $100 in 2025.
You can also review the Proposal on the Mass.gov website: Liberty Utilities 2025 Gas Base Distribution Rate Case.
At Small Town Post, our mission is to keep Blackstone and Millville informed, connected, and empowered. The Liberty Gas rate hike shows how important it is for residents to speak up—because local voices do matter.
If you know of a story, event, or issue that impacts our community, we’d love to hear from you. Send us your tips, stories, or updates anytime. And don’t forget to follow Small Town Post on Facebook, where we post regular updates to keep you in the loop. Together, we make sure no local voice goes unheard.
