Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities

In a recent order, the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (“Department” or “DPU”) stated that time varying rates are an essential component of grid modernization. As a result, the design of basic service must change to incorporate time of use (“TOU”) rates for all customers, including residential customers. The Department noted that in 2013, the

National Grid recently received the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities’ approval to begin a two year comprehensive smart grid pilot. An important element of the pilot is the company’s focus on customer outreach and education. Cited as its “listen, test, and learn” approach, National Grid will use a variety of different communication channels, both traditional