North Adams Opposes Proposed Berkshire Gas Rate Hike

City leaders say 21% increase would burden residents and municipal budget

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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North Adams city leaders have unanimously approved a letter urging the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities to deny or significantly reduce a proposed 21% rate increase from Berkshire Gas. The city argues the increase would be "devastating" for residents, especially seniors and those on fixed incomes, and would significantly impact the municipal budget.

Why it matters

The proposed rate hike by Berkshire Gas, which serves about 40,000 customers in 20 Western Massachusetts communities, has faced growing opposition from local governments concerned about the impact on residents and public budgets. North Adams, with a median household income around $48,000 and 18% of residents living in poverty, is the latest city to join the fight against the increase.

The details

Berkshire Gas filed a petition in November seeking to increase its base distribution rate to generate more than $22 million in additional revenue. The company says the increase is needed to address a revenue deficiency and fund upgrades to aging infrastructure. However, North Adams councilors argue the increase would be particularly burdensome, estimating it could raise the city's public school heating costs by around $41,000 per year.

  • Berkshire Gas filed the rate increase petition in November 2025.
  • The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities is expected to make a decision on the proposal before October 1, 2026.
  • If approved, the new rates would take effect on November 1, 2026 and remain in place through October 2031.

The players

Berkshire Gas

A utility company that serves about 40,000 customers in 20 Western Massachusetts communities.

North Adams City Council

The governing body of the city of North Adams, Massachusetts, which has unanimously opposed the proposed Berkshire Gas rate hike.

Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities

The state agency with the authority to approve, modify, or deny Berkshire Gas's rate increase request.

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What they’re saying

“The increase would be 'devastating,' particularly for seniors and residents living on fixed incomes.”

— North Adams City Councilors (WNYT)

“The city estimates it will spend $216,916 to heat its public school buildings next year. If the rate hike is approved, that cost could increase by about $41,000.”

— North Adams City Councilors (WNYT)

What’s next

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities is expected to make a decision on Berkshire Gas's rate increase proposal before October 1, 2026.

The takeaway

North Adams' opposition to the Berkshire Gas rate hike highlights the growing concerns among local governments in Western Massachusetts about the impact of rising utility costs on residents, especially those with lower incomes, as well as the strain on municipal budgets. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how state regulators balance the needs of utility companies with the affordability concerns of ratepayers.