Liberty Gas Rate Hike Faces Pushback from State Leaders
Liberty Gas Rate Hike: Blackstone Residents Among Those Affected by 55% Increase
The proposed Liberty Gas rate hike continues to draw concern across Massachusetts, including right here in Blackstone, where families and small businesses rely on Liberty Utilities for heat and energy.
Following a local public hearing earlier this month—where a small but passionate group of Blackstone residents spoke up about affordability—state officials continue to echo those same concerns at the state level.
DOER Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony Speaks at Fall River Hearing
On October 14, Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony attended a Department of Public Utilities (DPU) public hearing in Fall River to voice opposition to the proposed 55% increase in the Liberty Gas rate hike case (DPU 25-85).
Commissioner Mahony expressed deep concern for residents across southeastern Massachusetts—including communities like Blackstone—who are already stretched thin by high utility bills.
“People are struggling every day to afford rising energy bills, and the 55% increase proposed by Liberty is shocking,” she said.
Liberty Gas Rate Hike and Its Local Impact
For Blackstone residents, the Liberty Gas rate hike could mean significantly higher heating costs this winter. According to Liberty’s proposal, much of the increase stems from investments in the Gas System Enhancement Program (GSEP)—a state initiative to repair aging pipelines and prevent leaks.
While the program’s goal of improving safety and reliability is important, spending has grown steeply over the past decade. Mahony noted that Liberty spent more than $215 million on GSEP work since 2014, raising questions about cost control and transparency.
Her team plans to review how those expenses are being passed along to customers and whether the company exceeded statutory spending limits—issues that directly affect small-town ratepayers like those in Blackstone.
Performance-Based Rate Plan Raises More Questions
The Liberty Gas rate hike also introduces a new Performance-Based Ratemaking (PBR) plan, which would allow Liberty to increase rates each year based on performance measures.
Commissioner Mahony warned that these plans can sometimes “become a blank check” for utilities to raise prices steadily, with limited benefit to customers. DOER’s intervention will aim to ensure that rate changes truly serve the best interests of residents and small businesses throughout the region.
Governor Healey: “This Could Not Come at a Worse Time”
Earlier this month, Governor Maura Healey joined the chorus of opposition to the Liberty Gas rate hike, calling it “deeply problematic” and emphasizing that the timing is particularly hard on families still recovering from inflation and last winter’s high heating costs.
“This increase in utility bills could not come at a worse time for families and businesses in southeastern Mass,” Healey said. “My administration will be pushing back in the review process and will oppose additional burdens on ratepayers.”
Healey’s administration has also proposed energy affordability legislation designed to lower costs statewide, promote accountability, and expand clean energy access—efforts that would directly benefit towns like Blackstone.
Local Voices Matter in the Liberty Gas Rate Hike Case
Earlier this month, the Department of Public Utilities held a public hearing at Blackstone, giving residents an opportunity to share how higher gas rates could impact their households and budgets.
Though attendance was low with 15 residents, those who spoke made a clear point: rising energy costs affect everyone—from seniors on fixed incomes to small businesses trying to stay open.
Even though the written comment deadline (October 15) has now passed, residents can still stay informed by following updates from DOER, the DPU, and community news outlets like Small Town Post.
Read our previous coverage here:
- Liberty Gas Rate Hike: What Blackstone Residents Can Still Do
- Liberty Rate Hike Could Increase Blackstone Heating Bills by Over $100 – Small Town Post
Check out Liberty Utilities Public Hearing at Fall River on October 14, 2025
What Happens Next
With public comments now closed, the DPU will begin its formal review of Liberty’s proposal. That process could take several months, as the Department evaluates evidence and recommendations from intervenors such as DOER and the Attorney General’s Office.
In the meantime, Blackstone residents are encouraged to monitor updates, contact local representatives, and continue voicing their concerns about energy affordability and accountability.
At Small Town Post, we believe that even small towns like Blackstone deserve to have their voices heard in statewide decisions that affect everyday life—like the Liberty Gas rate hike. Our mission is to keep neighbors informed, inspired, and connected by covering the stories that matter most—local issues, community events, and the people who make our town special.
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