BOSTON —

Massachusetts utility regulators have taken the first step in approving higher natural gas rates for some Eversource customers. The Department of Public Utilities approved a base rate increase for customers of Eversource Gas of Massachusetts, which is the former Columbia Gas. The higher rates take effect with the start of the winter heating season on Nov. 1. DPU said this rate hike will raise bills by 5.6% during the coldest months of the year.

Combined with a 13-17% increase in the cost of gas and a 12% increase in other delivery fees, Eversource estimates bills to rise by as much as 17%.

In exchange for the higher rates, Eversource will credit gas customers $20 on both their January and February bills, traditionally the most expensive months for heat. The company will collect

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