Mass. regulators investigate soaring utility delivery charges

Zoom in: The state Department of Public Utilities wants to know whether certain charges should be eliminated, consolidated or converted to fixed fees on the bill.

• It could lead to limits on monthly charge increases.
• They're looking into fees like net metering charges to hopefully relieve some of the short-term cost pressure.
• They also want to know more about utility companies' billing practices following severe billing errors this year.

State of play: The investigation is the latest in multiple DPU actions this year, including reducing the Mass Save budget, requiring some mitigation for last winter's gas bills and strengthening gas system cost controls.

Between the lines: The probe comes as Gov. Maura Healey tries to distance herself from rising energy costs despite previously blocking new gas pipelines as attorney general.

The bottom line: DPU Chair Jeremy McDiarmid says the investigation will "shed new light on ratemaking" and help "keep bills in check."

What's next: Expect utility rates and the general cost of living in Massachusetts to be the No. 1 issue in next year's governor's race.