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H 3556

An Act relative to current and future electric rates

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Danielle Gregoire and 6 co-sponsors

Bill H 3556 establishes a Task Force in Massachusetts to analyze electric rates, ensuring transparency for residential and commercial customers while supporting climate goals.

Accompanied a new draft, see H4744
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Bill Summary · H 3556

Summary of Bill H 3556: An Act Relative to Current and Future Electric Rates

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 3556 aims to establish a Task Force on Electric Rates in Massachusetts. The primary goal of this task force is to provide comprehensive analysis and recommendations regarding the current and future costs of electricity for residential and commercial customers in the state. This initiative is designed to ensure transparency and accountability in electric rate structures, particularly as they relate to compliance with greenhouse gas reduction goals.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions:

  1. Establishment of the Task Force:

    • Chaired by the Attorney General.
    • Membership includes representatives from:
      • The Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
      • The Commissioner of the Department of Energy Resources.
      • Investor-owned electric utilities serving over 100,000 customers.
      • ISO New England.
      • The Department of Public Utilities.
      • The Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy.
      • Appointees knowledgeable about electric rates from both the House and Senate.

  2. Task Force Responsibilities:

    • Convene within 30 days of the bill's adoption.
    • Produce a detailed report that includes:
      • Identification of cost components in electric bills.
      • Total revenue raised from each cost component by utility and customer class.
      • Current costs for typical users on a kWh and monthly basis.
      • Historical and projected annual rate increases for the past and next five years.
      • Comparison of Massachusetts rates with those of other New England states and three economically competitive states.

  3. Public Engagement:

    • All meetings will be public, allowing for public comments.
    • The draft report will be available for public comment for 30 days within 9 months of the task force's convening.
    • A final report will be submitted to key state officials within 30 days after the public comment period closes.

Impact

The bill is expected to affect:
- Residential and Commercial Customers: By providing clarity on electric rates and potential future increases.
- Electric Utilities: By requiring them to disclose detailed information about cost components.
- State Legislators and Regulators: By equipping them with data to make informed decisions regarding energy policy and regulation.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Status: Accompanied a new draft (H4744) as of November 13, 2025.
  • Hearing Scheduled: For June 4, 2025.
  • Reporting Date Extended: To December 3, 2025.

This bill represents a proactive approach to managing electric rates in Massachusetts, ensuring that stakeholders have the necessary information to understand and influence the future of energy costs in the state.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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