Massachusetts H5161: An Act to promote affordable utility services in the Commonwealth

What the bill says

From the introduced text, March 27, 2025:

SECTION 1. Chapter 25 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following section:- Section 24. Public Hearing and Comment Period for Department of Public Utilities Rate Changes (a) The Department of Public Utilities shall be required to hold at least one public hearing and a 30-day public comment period before approving any rate increase, including changes to delivery fees or other charges. (b) The department shall provide notice of such hearings in a manner that ensures accessibility, including publication on the department’s website, written notifications to affected municipalities, and public service announcements. SECTION 2. Chapter 164 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following section:- Section 149. Rate and Delivery Fee Increase Cap (a) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, no investor-owned electric or gas distribution company shall increase delivery fees or rates by more than 3 percent per year, adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index for the Northeast region, as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. (b) The department shall adopt regulations necessary to implement this section, including provisions ensuring transparency in rate adjustments and consumer notifications. SECTION 3. Said chapter of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Adam Scanlon (D, 14th Bristol) · primary sponsor
• Steven Howitt (R, 4th Bristol)
• Steven Xiarhos (R, 5th Barnstable)

Latest actions

1. June 16, 2026: Hearing scheduled for 06/26/2026 from 11:00 AM-11:00 AM in Written Testimony Only
2. February 25, 2026: Senate concurred
3. April 3, 2025: Reported, referred to the committee on Joint Rules, reported, rules suspended and referred to the committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
4. March 27, 2025: Referred to the committee on House Rules

Common questions

What is H5161?

H5161 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act to promote affordable utility services in the Commonwealth.

What is the status of H5161?

In committee as of June 16, 2026. Latest action: Hearing scheduled for 06/26/2026 from 11:00 AM-11:00 AM in Written Testimony Only (June 16, 2026).

Who sponsored H5161?

Adam Scanlon (D, 14th Bristol), with 2 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for H5161?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5161