Eversource Urges Customers to Prepare for Summer Energy Usage

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BOSTON — Following a winter increase in natural gas bills attributed to cold weather and high energy consumption, Eversource is advising customers to take measures to manage energy use before the summer.

The company notes that increased use of cooling appliances during summer typically leads to higher electricity bills, even if the Basic Service rate decreases on August 1.

Eversource offers several energy efficiency solutions and financial assistance programs to help customers manage their payments and reduce energy consumption.

Recommended actions for customers to manage summer energy use include:

  • Conducting a Home Energy Assessment and weatherizing their homes.
  • Setting air conditioners to a warmer comfortable temperature.
  • Ensuring unobstructed airflow from vents.
  • Using major appliances during cooler parts of the day.
  • Keeping blinds closed to block direct sunlight.
  • Switching to ENERGY STAR certified LED lights.
  • Setting ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise.

Financial assistance programs available to eligible customers include the New Start Program, Flexible Payment Plans, Budget Billing Plans, a Discount Rate for those receiving public assistance, and the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

Eversource encourages customers needing assistance to visit Eversource.com/BillHelp or call 866–861–6225 (Eastern Massachusetts) or 877–963–2632 (Western Massachusetts).

 

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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