November 6, 2015

WALTHAM, Mass. – In order to continue meeting its customers’ needs now and in the future, National Grid today filed a request with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to update its electricity distribution rates for the first time since 2009. The proposal will allow the company to continue investing in the electricity distribution system and improving service to its 1.3 million residential and business customers across Massachusetts.

In its proposal, the company requests approval to set new distribution rates that would add approximately 7 percent or $7.75 to the monthly bill of a typical residential customer using 500 kilowatt hours of electricity. To ensure the company invests, operates and maintains its distribution system wisely, the proposal will undergo a thorough review process that typically lasts 11 months. If approved, the new charges would take effect on October 1, 2016.

“Through projects that make the system more resilient and an overhaul in the way we communicate with our customers, we have moved closer to the kind of service our customers expect on blue sky days and during storms,” said Marcy Reed, president of National Grid in Massachusetts. “As the costs of providing this service to our customers have increased, our distribution rates have remained stable over the last six years. We are no longer recovering our investments. While it is never a good time to raise rates, it is critical that we review real, current costs now to be able to attract investors who shoulder the up-front investments in the system and allow us to deliver electricity safely and reliably.”

Distribution rates represent approximately one-quarter of a customer’s bill. This charge covers the cost of running National Grid’s business, including the operation and maintenance of the poles and wires that distribute electricity from the beginning of the company’s distribution system to National Grid’s 1.3 million Massachusetts electricity customers.

In addition to the increased costs of operating and maintaining the system, the proposal includes other costs, such as the recovery of the company’s Massachusetts property taxes – which have doubled since our last rate case in 2009. Coupled with decreases in some parts of the delivery charge, the requested net increase in distribution rates is $142.9 million.

In Massachusetts, distribution rates are based on actual investment in the equipment needed to distribute electricity, along with operation and maintenance costs, from a recent year. Currently, National Grid’s rates reflect the cost of doing business in 2008. This proposal would update rates to reflect the cost of doing business during the year ending June 30, 2015.

Winter Supply Prices

Distribution rates are separate and distinct from the electricity supply portion of customer bills, which reflects the cost of electricity supply in the market. While distribution rates have remained stable, supply prices have been volatile in recent years, largely due to natural gas pipeline constraints. The supply price is adjusted twice a year for residential and commercial customers in accordance with the DPU’s procurement rules. Electricity commodity prices, which can account for up to two-thirds of a customer’s bill, are market-based costs that National Grid does not control. On November 1, supply prices for National Grid customers increase from about 9 cents per kWh to 13 cents per kWh.

How Can Customers Lower Bills?

National Grid encourages our customers to take advantage of payment options, assistance and energy efficiency programs. Customers can learn more about these at www.ngrid.com/billhelp or contact National Grid at 800-322-3223 or contact their local energy assistance agency, Community Action Agency or state department of social services.

In addition, National Grid encourages customers to consider all available energy supply options. Learn more about alternative suppliers by visiting www.ngrid.com/masschoice. Regardless of the chosen supplier, National Grid will continue to deliver reliable energy, respond to service and emergency needs and provide storm restoration services.

About National Grid

National Grid (LSE: NG; NYSE: NGG) is an electricity and natural gas delivery company that connects nearly 7 million customers to vital energy sources through its networks in New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It is the largest distributor of natural gas in the Northeast. National Grid also operates the systems that deliver gas and electricity across Great Britain.

Through its U.S. Connect21 strategy, National Grid is transforming its electricity and natural gas networks to support the 21st century digital economy with smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy solutions. Connect21 is vital to our communities' long-term economic and environmental health and aligns with regulatory initiatives in New York (REV: Reforming the Energy Vision) and Massachusetts (Grid Modernization).

For more information please visit our website, or our Connecting website, follow us on Twitter, watch us on YouTube, friend us on Facebook, find our photos on Instagram