METHUEN — Mayor David “D.J.” Beauregard is calling on the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to take immediate action against what he describes as “outrageous” natural gas rate hikes that have placed an excessive financial burden on Methuen residents.
In a letter sent to DPU Chair Jamie Van Nostrand on February 18, 2025, Beauregard criticized Eversource’s gas delivery charges, pointing out that while the company’s CEO earns nearly $19 million annually, residents and small businesses are being unfairly impacted by rising costs.
“People cannot simply absorb these outrageous increases – especially individuals and families living on fixed or limited incomes,” Beauregard said in a statement. “The pillaging of Methuen’s residents by greedy utility companies must stop.”
(Photo Credit: WHAV News)
The mayor mentioned Methuen’s success in reducing electricity rates through the city’s Community Choice Power Supply Program, which secured rates 20% lower than National Grid’s basic service rate this winter. He is now calling for similar state intervention on natural gas prices.
“In 2023, the DPU stepped in to stabilize electricity rates at the state level. Now, you must do the same for natural gas,” Beauregard wrote in his letter. “It is critical to make rates predictable, expand discount programs for those in need, and ease the burden on struggling households.”
Beauregard is urging the DPU to act swiftly to protect his constituents from further financial hardship. “Enough is enough,” he said. “Please do the right thing and act now.”
