The February edition of our customer newsletter The Messenger - back page - contains a clip-off comment card that you can fill in and send back right away. Just print the back page, clip the card, fill it in with your name, address and comments and get it back to us via mail or our convenient payment boxes.

(view The Messenger)

In a special editorial article in the Worcester Business Journal, the General Manager of the Shrewsbury municipal electric utility puts the whole issue of electric market failure in perspective.

Click on the Article below to read/print it.

(view Article)

Need the details? If you want to understand how the electric markets in this country and especially in New England got this way - over-inflated, convoluted, and unfair - click on Q&A About UnFair Rates below to learn about the wrong path we followed and the way to fix it.

(view Q&A About Unfair Rates)

Click on Rate Comparison below to see the difference between the ISO-NE electric rates in New England versus other states.

(view Rate Comparison)

The Facts ...

• The ISO New England wholesale electric market is not working for the consumer; deregulation has not spurred competition, prices are artificially high and necessary infrastructure investments are not being made.
• Highest rates and fastest increases are found in states with retail deregulation, no price caps, and regional transmission operator-run markets. This includes Massachusetts where consumers pay on average 56% more for electricity.
• Generators can charge any price these dysfunctional markets will bear, regardless of their costs, reaping huge profits for shareholders while driving up consumer electricity rates and using the rhetoric of high fuel costs to justify their actions.
• Congress must direct FERC - the federal agency responsible - to investigate these markets to determine whether rates are just and reasonable and are protecting consumers, and if not, to remedy the situation.

Help us urge Congress to hold FERC accountable!

Click on the Fact Sheet below for a printable version.

(view Fact Sheet)

Introducing 811 - a New Phone Number for Safety - Call Before You Dig!

You know about 411 for information and 911 for emergencies. But now you can dial 811 and reach all of your local utilites at once through the Massachusetts Dig Safe network.

Chances are, there are pipes and wires buried underground delivering water or sewer service, natural gas, phone, cable and electricity that you count on. Hitting these buried lines when you dig can have devasting results. If you hit one, you'll not only be liable for the repair, you could be injured or worse.

Now peace of mind is just three little numbers away - 8-1-1. Dial 811 and you reach the Dig Safe network. They call all of your neighboring utilities to mark their locations so you can avoid any damage or injury. For more about this easy call, click on the link below.

Be safe! Dig Safe! It's as easy as 8-1-1.

MG&E Gets Help Repairing Nor'easter Damage from Winds Close to Hurricane Strength

Four crews from 3 other towns assisted MG&E crews repair the extensive damage done by the Patriot's Day nor'easter. All customers have their power restored by Tuesday evening as high winds continued.

(view News Brief)

PASNY Credit Saves Residential Customers a Half Million

Residential customers got back a total of $500,000 in 2006 thanks to clean, carbon-free hydroelectricity from the state of New York. Our PASNY Credit saves money and cuts pollution. Click on the link below to learn more about this important power source.

(view News Brief)

Heavy rain and strong wind toppled trees, damaging poles and lines on Saturday. Over 1,400 customers lost power and crews braved over 40 mph gusts to make repairs until 3 am Sunday.

(view News Brief)

Heater Installed at Natural Gas Take Station

A new heating unit has been installed at the South Middleborough take station to ensure a smooth operation this winter. Keeping the gas warm keeps equipment working no matter how cold it gets. Want to know why this works?

(view News Brief)

Standard & Poor's recently rated public power utilities as an investment sector high and very secure.

(view PDF)

Peak Electric Use Reaches New High of 63 MW

Electric customers broke a record on Tuesday, July 18th with a new high use of electricity - 63 megawatts.

(view PDF)

Important News About the New CNG Fueling Station

CNG is the latest type of fuel being promoted for automotive engines as a clean-burning domestic alternative fuel. Learn more about this technology and the new station.

(view PDF)

Channel 5 aired a report showing typical residential electric bills lower than MG&E typical bills. Customers may question why. There were many errors in the report. It showed only half of the charges on a bill. See why your MG&E residential bill is actually lower than those in the report.

(view PDF)

This great American tragedy has affected everyone and utilities need to take special precautions and other actions to help the nation recover. Learn more about what MG&E has done and will continue to do to support our nation's efforts and the families that have lost loved ones.

(view PDF)

Energy bills and everything associated with the cost of oil and natural gas will be climbing significantly higher this winter. Find out more about how this will affect your energy bill, what you can do and what MG&E is doing to keep rates stable.

(view PDF)

A Few Facts About CNG Fuel & Vehicles

CNG engines are at work right now in vehicles from simple Chevy Cavalier sedans to Zamboni ice resurfacers. Natural Gas is the cleanest burning fuel for automotive transportation today. Learn more about this important fuel and the cars that use it.

(view CNG Fuel & Vehicles)

California is facing rolling blackouts and skyrocketing energy bills. We think this won't happen here. Learn more about the differences between Massachusetts & California when it comes to energy management. Test.

(view PDF)