If you thought your heating and electric bills this winter were unusually high, you’re definitely not alone. A recent article published by Boston.com, titled “‘My highest bill ever’: Readers share how expensive their energy bills were this winter,” highlighted the sticker shock many Massachusetts residents experienced when opening their monthly energy bills over the past few months.
According to Boston.com, more than 550 readers responded to their survey, with a staggering 97% reporting significant increases in their gas and electric bills this winter. These cost hikes have been driven by a combination of factors — a colder-than-usual season, rising supply costs, and inflated delivery charges. One reader, Michael from East Boston, shared that his electric bill jumped from the typical $200-$300 range to over $600. And he’s far from alone. Homeowners across the state, from Lowell to Quincy to Haverhill, are seeing their highest bills ever.
The frustration isn’t just about the actual energy being used — it’s the delivery fees that are pushing many bills into the realm of the outrageous. Jamie M. from Lowell reported a gas bill totaling $705, with $457 of that attributed to delivery charges alone. This sentiment was echoed by countless others, who feel they’re paying exorbitantly just to have energy brought into their homes. Lal from Shrewsbury summed up the frustration perfectly: “The delivery fees are excessively high. Ours was over $700 for the month of January. The total heating bill is $1,116! We have never, ever paid that much. It’s completely ridiculous.”
Many residents feel left behind by both their utility providers and state officials. In the Boston.com article, Alan B. from Bedford voiced his frustration, saying: “I am frustrated by our elected officials, as they seem to always place blame on energy companies and not acknowledge that government policies have resulted in higher prices as well.” Others pointed out that Massachusetts’ aggressive push toward renewable energy — while well-intentioned — has added costs that homeowners are not financially prepared to absorb.
Following mounting pressure from residents, Governor Maura Healey, and state lawmakers, the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has directed the state’s major gas companies to lower residential gas bills by at least 5% starting in March. However, this comes too late to alleviate the brutal winter bills that have already drained wallets.
Beyond the numbers, the Boston.com piece sheds light on the human impact of these rising costs. From residents who are now wearing coats and hats indoors to those keeping their thermostats at frigid temperatures to save money, people are being forced to sacrifice comfort to make ends meet. Bridget N. from Quincy shared: “My heat bill went from $50 over the past several months to $121 in January and $325 in February. I rent a 2 bed/1 bath and do not turn the heat up above 63 degrees because I can no longer afford to.”
While a 5% rate reduction offers slight relief, it’s clear that energy affordability will remain a hot-button issue in Massachusetts. Residents are demanding more transparency from utility companies, stronger consumer protections from state regulators, and better long-term energy strategies that don’t put the financial burden squarely on homeowners. If your energy bills have also skyrocketed this winter, you’re not alone — and it’s time for all of us to ask tough questions about how energy is priced and delivered in Massachusetts.
Source: Jonas, Annie. “‘My highest bill ever’: Readers share how expensive their energy bills were this winter.” Boston.com, 21 February 2025. https://www.boston.com/community/readers-say/2025/02/21/my-highest-bill-ever-readers-share-how-expensive-their-energy-bills-were-this-winter
