Utility Recommends Fixed Price Default Service Be Eliminated for Medium, Large C&I Customers

Unitil (Fitchburg Gas & Electric) has recommended that the Massachusetts DPU eliminate the fixed price default electric service option for medium and large C&I customers.

Unitil is unique among Massachusetts utilities in that it no longer offers fixed price default service to large C&I customers. Large C&I customers taking basic service at Unitil receive a monthly variable rate based on LMPs.

However, medium C&I customers at Unitil retain the option of a six-month fixed price for basic service. Medium C&I customers not electing the fixed price option are served on monthly variable rates.

In comments on the DPU's proposal to end the basic service rate recalculation for mass market customers, Unitil said that, "As medium and large C&I customers: (1) start off on the variable-price basic service option; (2) have competitive electric market options; and (3) have exercised their access to competitive electric supply as witnessed by significant migration rates, Unitil recommends that the Department eliminate the fixed-price option for medium and large C&I basic service customers."

At the other EDCs, large C&I customers still retain the option of a three-month fixed price for basic service. "Medium" C&Is may receive a three-month or six-month fixed price for basic service depending on utility (and how the term "medium" is defined).