Eversource says pipeline deal would lower electric rates, but ratepayers will be charged

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1. More - AG: Gas pipeline vet could drain $650G

http://www.bostonherald.com/business/business_markets/2016/02/ag_gas_pipeline_vet_could_drain_650g



Wants to halt DPU hearings until SJC rules

AG: Gas pipeline vet could drain $650G
Brian Dowling
Friday, February 26, 2016

Attorney General Maura Healey is warning her 
office could waste as much as $650,000 to vet a controversial plan to force electric customers to pay for natural gas pipelines — a proposal that’s facing a challenge in the state’s highest court later this year.

“Hundreds of thousands of ratepayers’ dollars will be placed at risk, since the (attorney general’s office) will need to move forward with engaging and paying the consultants and experts,” which would be funded by electric customers, Healey’s office said in a motion to halt the hearings on the contested state plan.

~snip~

“It is crazy that the DPU is moving forward with these incredibly complicated dockets while we and other parties have challenged the idea to the Supreme Judicial Court,” she said.

The funding plan, backed by Gov. Charlie Baker and power utilities, would let electric companies tack charges onto customers’ bills to pay for large interstate pipelines to bring more natural gas into New England. The Supreme Judicial Court in May will hear a challenge to the pipeline plan.