NStar asks for electric rate hikes

By Associated Press, 5/18/2001 18:57 BOSTON (AP) One million electricity customers in eastern Massachusetts would see their monthly bills rise $6 to $8.50, according to proposals filed by NStar on Friday.

The average monthly bill would increase $6 to $6.50 for 700,000 longtime customers and $8 to $8.50 for 300,000 customers who have signed up since March 1, 1998, according to the company's proposal.

The rate increases, which still must be approved by state regulators, would take effect July 1 and last until Dec. 31.

NStar includes the former Boston Edison, Cambridge Electric and Commonwealth Electric companies.

The rate hikes are necessary to pay for the high price of oil and natural gas, which are used to generate electricity, the company said in a statement.

A spokesman for the state Department of Telecommunications and Energy, which must approve the rate hike, said a decision would be made before July 1.

http://www.boston.com/dailynews/138/economy/NStar_asks_for_electric_rate_h:.shtml

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), May 19, 2001