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ATTORNEY GENERAL MARTHA COAKLEY’S OFFICE LAUNCHES ENHANCED ENERGY AND UTILITIES FEATURES AGO OFFICE’S WEBSITE

BOSTON — In an effort to help consumers better understand their utilities bills, the utility rate setting process and get access to information on energy efficiency and conservation programs, Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office has added a dedicated “Energy and Utilities” link to the office’s webpage. The new features and content explain the utility rate setting process, the Attorney General’s role in the process and provides information on home heating tips, low income programs and protections as well as information about energy conservation programs. The new link also has an enhanced feature designed to explain, line by line, how utility companies calculate each separate service charge on utility bills. The goal of launching the new content and features is to empower consumers with information regarding their utilities costs so that they may make informed decisions on options and programs available to help reduce usage and lower monthly bills.

“It is hard enough for many people to afford their monthly utility bills, let alone understand how their utility rates are calculated and set,” said Attorney General Coakley. “The information contained in the new link can help consumers make smart decisions about investing in energy efficiency and taking advantage of other programs designed to help consumers manage and lower their electric and gas costs. By launching this new online feature, we are hoping that this helps consumers peel back the onion on some of the more complicated aspects of their utility bills so they can better understand how each service charge is calculated.”

Under the 2008 Green Communities Act, the Commonwealth’s utilities are required to implement all cost effective energy efficiency programs and develop and implement 3 year energy efficiency plans that are expected to expand energy efficiency programs and spending in the Commonwealth, including low income weatherization. In addition, the recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contains over $16 billion in funding for energy efficiency programs.

The new pages are available at: www.mass.gov/ago.

Additional features and information includes:

· 2009 Green Calendar
· AG's Role: Energy & Utilities
· Overview of Electricity & Natural Gas Rates – how rates are established
· Utility Billing
o View a Sample Electric Bill: (www.mass.gov/ago/electric_bill)
o View a Sample Gas Bill: (www.mass.gov/ago/gas_bill)
· Impact Your Utility Rates – energy saving tips, information on getting involved via ratemaking hearings, and means for filing a complaint with DPU
· Home Heating – explaining heating oil contracts and resources for heating assistance
· Help for Consumers – miscellaneous useful information (Digital TV Switch, Utility Shut-Offs, Discounted Utility Rates, Winter Moratorium, Energy Saving Tips, Home Heating Assistance)
· Education & Outreach Efforts – the energy resource guide, events, blogging, WMECo report)
· Energy & Utilities Forms and Publications – a list of any publication appearing within the rest of the section

The Attorney General is the Commonwealth’s Ratepayer Advocate and plays an important role in mitigating energy rate increases by representing consumers in matters involving the price and delivery of natural gas and electricity before state and federal regulators.