State energy regulators are blocking Eversource from raising distribution rates for a major division this winter because they found that the company failed to meet eligibility requirements under a performance plan.

Some 303,000 customers who receive gas through Eversource’s NSTAR division in 51 cities and towns across Massachusetts are set to save millions in utility costs due to the Department of Public Utilities’ determination.

NSTAR had been looking to increase its distribution rates for the winter heating season, which begins Saturday, by about 12%. The price bump won’t proceed, though, after regulators ruled the division did not achieve certain performance metrics.

Specifically, the DPU found that NSTAR failed to meet three of 18 metrics on a scorecard aligned with the department’s

See Full Page