MASSACHUSETTS STATE PUBLIC BENEFIT FUNDS FOR RATE ASSISTANCE

• State and local agencies have negotiated low-income discounts with major gas and electric utilities as part of rate cases since 1980.  In 1997, the Massachusetts legislature passed restructuring legislation that requires that distribution companies continue discounts to eligible low-income customers. The legislation also codified and expanded eligibility for existing utility discounts so that households earning up to 175 percent of poverty would be eligible. All of the state’s regulated electric and gas utilities provide low-income discounts ranging from 20 to 35 percent.  The law maintains the state’s current low-income utility discounts, which amount to about $36 million.   See electric restructuring updates.

LEVERAGING

2002: $35.7 million
2001: $32.9 million
2000: $29.2 million
1999: $32.7 million
1998: $33.6 million
1997: $37.5 million
1996: $37.7 million
1995: $38 million
1994: $37.3 million
1993: $35 million
1992: $35 million
1991: $15.3 million

LEGISLATIVE CODE

1997, MA General Laws, Chapter 164, Section 1F