As a result of the pandemic-related financial crisis, 1 out of 6 utility ratepayers in Massachusetts faces utility debt. Now that the hold on utility shutoffs has expired, customers will be forced to pay large accumulated bills or lose essential utility services. We are rallying to demand forgiveness from this unjust debt.

Massachusetts was hit hard by the economic downturn. At its peak, the pandemic unemployment rate here was the highest in the country. Mass. residents not only deserve the right to keep their lights and heat on—they deserve support to cover the cost!

This rally is in support of Bill H.4045, "An Act Establishing an Arrearage Relief Fund," which if passed will:

1. Create an Arrearage Relief Fund to cover 100% of debt from both investor-owned and municipal gas & electric utilities incurred during the pandemic, from 3/1/2020 to the time of enactment of this bill, over a period of 5 years.
2. Pay 50% of all residential electric and gas ratepayers’ utility bills from the time of enactment to 12/31/2025.
3. Fund renewable energy projects with remaining revenue starting 2026.
4. Require the Department of Public Utilities to enact a 2-year moratorium on all utility rate hikes.
5. Pay for it all through a new polluter’s fee, charging companies based on the carbon and other greenhouse gases they emit. The fee will mainly target power companies that release non-transportation greenhouse gas emissions. Investor-owned utilities will be prohibited from passing the cost of these fees on to the ratepayers.

Utility companies shouldn't profit while many in our state are going into debt to meet their basic needs. It's time to demand a better world.

For more information, visit bit.ly/CovidBill. For instructions on how to call your representatives (including a script), visit bit.ly/UtilityRelief4All.