Note: bold by MAMEC
Hudson residents see reduction in electric bills
By Jeff Malachowski/Daily News staff
MetroWest Daily News
Posted Jul 16, 2009 @ 12:30 AM
HUDSON — Residents got a small surprise when they opened their electric bills this month and saw that rates went down.
Hudson Light and Power Department Spokesperson Karen Schooni said the Hudson Municipal Light Board recently voted to decrease the department's power adjustment charge from $.06 to $.055 per kilowatt-hour used. The half-penny reduction will result in a savings of about $4 per month for the average residential bill.
The savings is calculated on the average use of 800 kilowatt hours per month, said Schooni.
"I think in this economy, any savings is helpful," she said.
The average residential 800 kilowatt-hour monthly bill will now be about $110 with the new rate, significantly lower than the $165 paid by NStar subscribers and the $120 paid by National Grid customers, according to numbers provided by Hudson Light and Power.
The power adjustment charge reflects the cost of energy and fuel used to run power plants. Hudson Light and Power lowered the power adjustment charge because of a decrease in natural gas costs, said Schooni.
"The declining price the department pays for natural gas has allowed the department to make the change," she said. "(Natural gas) is the main cost used to create electricity."
Lower bills started appearing in June.
"(Residents) are already seeing it," said Schooni.
Residents with questions may call the Hudson Light and Power Department at 978-568-8736.