SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) -- If you heat your home with gas in Hampshire, Franklin, or Berkshire County, your bill could jump by more than $50 a month. Berkshire Gas wants a rate hike of over 20 percent. The governor says it’s unaffordable.

Imagine paying an extra $650 a year just to heat your home. That’s what roughly 40,000 customers in 20 Western Massachusetts communities could face if state regulators approve Berkshire Gas’ request.

Berkshire Gas is asking for about an 18 to 23 percent rate increase. For a typical heating customer, that means about $54 more per month. Non-heating customers would pay an extra $12, and low-income customers would also see their bills go up.

The company says it needs the money, nearly $28 million in total, for safety improvements, new equipment, and an increase in staff. Berkshire Gas also wants permission to adjust rates every year for the next five years based on their costs, but customers say they’re already struggling.

One resident wrote to state regulators, quote: “...please don’t allow this. Prices are already far too high, forcing people into untenable situations...Berkshire Gas is looking for ways to gouge customers at every turn...”

Governor Maura Healey is opposing the rate hike, calling it unaffordable and saying in part:

“This proposed increase could not come at a worse time for families and business in western Mass. My administration is working to bring down costs...Our residents shouldn’t be hit with bills they can’t afford.”

The Massachusetts Attorney General is reviewing the request, and the Department of Public Utilities is holding public hearings, where you can share your thoughts.

The next hearing will be on Wednesday, February 4th, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. over zoom. If you would like to join the conversation, you can click here for the link.

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