Liberty Rate Hike Could Increase Blackstone Heating Bills by Over $100
Many Blackstone households—especially seniors and families on fixed incomes—may soon face a major spike in winter heating costs. As part of Liberty Utilities gas rate increase 2025, the company is seeking state approval to raise gas distribution rates, which could push average monthly bills up by more than $100 in our area. This increase does not include any additional winter price spikes for the natural gas itself, which typically rise during colder months.
On June 13, 2025, Liberty Utilities (New England Natural Gas Company) filed a petition with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to increase gas distribution rates by $55.8 million statewide. Residents in Blackstone, South Bellingham, and Wrentham began receiving official notices about the proposal this week.
Liberty is calling the gas rate increase necessary to meet state law, fund infrastructure upgrades, and comply with new safety regulations. But many residents are asking: how are people supposed to afford this—especially seniors living on set incomes?
Blackstone Impact: Monthly Heating Bills Could Rise by Over 60%
According to Liberty’s filing, the average winter bill for a residential heating customer in the Blackstone service area would increase by $103.39 per month, a 60.6% spike compared to current rates.
By comparison, customers in Fall River and North Attleboro would see a 37% increase, or $78.86 per month.
The increases vary by usage, but the jump for Blackstone-area residents is among the highest in Liberty’s system.
What’s Behind the Liberty Utilities Gas Rate Increase 2025?
Liberty cites three main reasons for the proposed Liberty Utilities gas rate increase 2025:
- State law requires rate cases to be filed at least once every 10 years (the last was in 2015).
- The company has made substantial infrastructure investments to improve safety and reliability.
- New pipeline safety regulations demand even more upgrades to Liberty’s gas distribution system.
Liberty’s public summary says the adjustment will help maintain compliance with regulations and continue delivering dependable service.
Market Conditions Also Contribute
While this rate case applies to distribution charges, not the fluctuating supply cost of natural gas, Liberty notes that customers have also seen higher bills due to market pressures:
- Increased demand for U.S. LNG exports.
- Stronger industrial usage during summer months.
- Supply concerns tied to extreme weather or pipeline constraints.
These factors may continue to affect overall monthly bills even outside of distribution rate adjustments. Earlier this year, the DPU ordered a temporary 5% reduction in gas bills across Massachusetts, but that order is now being folded into upcoming increases.
It’s important to note that this proposed increase affects the delivery portion of your gas bill—not the actual cost of the natural gas itself. That means even if this rate case is approved, you could still see additional increases this winter depending on market conditions. Gas supply prices typically rise in colder months due to demand, so this rate hike would be on top of the usual seasonal spikes.
Speak Up: Public Hearings Scheduled
Residents have two opportunities to learn more and comment on the proposed increase:
In-Person Public Hearing
- Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
- Blackstone-Millville Regional High School auditorium, 175 Lincoln Street in Blackstone.
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.
If you plan to speak during the Zoom hearing, you must register by September 15:
- Email: DPU2585.LibertyRateCase@mass.gov with your name, email, and mailing address.
- Phone option: Call 1-617-305-3729 and leave your name, phone number, and address.
- Need interpretation services? Email dpu.ej@mass.gov with your preferred language by September 15.
Submit Written Comments by October 8.
You don’t need to attend a hearing to have your voice heard. Residents may submit written comments by 5:00 p.m. on October 8, 2025.
Send comments by email to:
- dpu.efiling@mass.gov
- DPU2585.LibertyRateCase@mass.gov
- 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
Comments will be posted online without redacting personal information. Only share what you’re comfortable making public.
Paper comments can be mailed to:
Mark D. Marini, Secretary
Department of Public Utilities
One South Station, Boston, MA 02110
Want to Do More? Intervene Before July 31
If you want to go beyond just submitting a public comment and actually become a formal party to the case, you can file a petition to intervene. This allows you to:
- Present evidence or arguments.
- Cross-examine Liberty’s witnesses.
- Receive all filings and updates.
- Be actively involved in the case’s legal process.
It’s a more technical role typically used by lawyers, advocacy groups, or organizations with a stake in the outcome—but any individual can apply.
To formally participate in the case (beyond public comment), you must file a petition to intervene by 5:00 p.m. on July 31, 2025, following the rules of 220 CMR 1.03. Petitions must also be emailed to dpu.efiling@mass.gov and DPU2585.LibertyRateCase@mass.gov, and copied to the attorneys named earlier.
FAQs: What Residents Should Know
According to Liberty’s FAQ page, here are some additional points to consider:
- Energy Assistance: Liberty encourages customers facing difficulty to explore payment plans, budget billing, or fuel assistance programs. Visit mass211.org or call 2-1-1 for help.
- Timing: If approved, the new rates are expected to take effect in 2026, though timing depends on the DPU’s review process.
- Rate Design: The increase affects distribution rates, which are separate from the fluctuating supply charges seen in winter. Distribution pays for the local pipes and maintenance—not the cost of the gas itself.
Learn More
- Plain Language Summary (PDF).
- Official Filing & Hearings Notice (PDF).
- Full FAQ Page from Liberty.
- Liberty Utilities Files submitted to the Department of Public Utilities (enter “25-85” on the “Docket No.”).
What Comes Next for Blackstone Residents?
Liberty’s proposed rate hike has sparked concern in Blackstone and across the region—and the coming weeks are your chance to speak up. Whether you choose to attend a public hearing, submit a written comment, or simply stay informed, your voice matters in this process.
For many, especially seniors and working families, the potential increase of over $100 per month isn’t just a number—it’s a real burden. By learning more, spreading the word, and participating in the public process, residents can help ensure their concerns are heard before the final decision is made.
This article is part of our mission to keep Blackstone and surrounding communities informed about issues that impact your wallet, your town, and your voice. Small Town Post will continue to follow this issue and share updates as they unfold. Be sure to follow Small Town Post on Facebook for timely local coverage. If you have news, tips, or information to share with the community, we’d love to hear from you—contact us anytime!
