Pittsfield Council Opposes Berkshire Gas Rate Hike Proposal

Berkshire Gas says it needs the increase for infrastructure improvements. Officials say it will cause an unnecessary burden on customers who depend on natural gas for heat. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council has joined statewide opposition to Berkshire Gas's proposed 22 percent increase on the average customer's bill. 

On Tuesday, Councilor at Large Kathy Amuso and Ward 4 Councilor James Conant asked their colleagues to oppose the rate hike, which the state Department of Public Utilities has suspended until October to investigate. Written comments are accepted through Friday, Feb. 27. 

"As all of us know, Berkshire Gas is looking for up to a 25 percent increase, which would equate to about an average of $54 a month, which is a hefty increase for anyone," Amuso said. 

"And there's about 8,500 households in Berkshire County that are on fuel assistance, and we already have 8,500 households on fuel assistance, I'm not sure how more than 8,500 can afford a $54 average." 

Present councilors unanimously supported the petition, and Councilor at Large Peter White, who was unable to attend the meeting, communicated his support via email. Mayor Peter Marchetti is also a signer. 

The testimonial letter urges the DPU to deny the utility's requested increase, or sharply reduce it, require the company to demonstrate the benefits of the Gas System Enhancement Program before costs are rolled into base rates, and condition any approved increase with consumer protections and affordability programs. 

The utility is asking to adjust distribution rates to generate $22.2 million, which it anticipates will result in a 21.6 percent rate increase on average. In filings with the DPU, Berkshire Gas is estimating up to about a $54 per month increase for residential heating and $12 for non-heating customers.

Gov. Maura Healey, the Berkshire legislative delegation, local higher education institutions, and community members have voiced opposition to the proposed rate hike for a vital service. The North Adams City Council registered its opposition also on Tuesday. 

During a recent campaign stop in Pittsfield, Healey recognized that people are "really, really struggling" with gas and electric bills.

"I'm working on every front to lower those costs. I was upset to see Berkshire Gas's proposal for an additional rate hike that could increase bills in Pittsfield, around this region, by as much as 25 percent. Twenty-five percent is something that nobody can afford; our residents can't afford, our businesses can't afford. It just can't happen," she said. 

For commercial and industrial customers, Berkshire Gas says monthly bill impacts will range from an increase of between 11.7 percent and 25.9 percent, depending on usage and rate class. The cost to the average consumer using gas for home heating is estimated at $54 a month.

Berkshire Community College projects a 63 percent increase in natural gas costs between fiscal years 2023 and 2027. At the Feb. 5 hearing, Matthew VanHeynigen, chief government relations officer for Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, said it would mean a $115,000 annual increase for the college that would have to be added to its budget. This could mean that student fees are raised, or programs are cut to make up the difference, he reported. 

Written comments from the public may be sent by email to dpu.efiling@mass.gov, the hearing officer at lauren.morris@mass.gov, and the company's attorney, Brendan P. Vaughan, at bvaughan@keeganwerlin.com. 

Allendale Pines North Affordable Manufactured Homes Sell Fast

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:17PM / Saturday, August 22, 2026

Developer Teton Management cut the ribbon on the first six hopes in the manufactured housing community earlier this year. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Just a few months after Allendale Pines North cut the ribbon on its first six homes in the new manufactured home community, units in the planned development are selling fast with both first and second phases all but sold out.

 

For several years, Teton Management Corp. has been planning to expand its existing Allendale Pines Mobile Community with the development of 22 planned manufactured housing units. The new development has its own entrance at 395 Cheshire Road. 

 

The need for attainable housing has never been higher, Teton President George Whaling said. 

 

"And where we sought the opportunity to help with that demand is, we can get folks into a home at Allendale Pines North for essentially a couple of $100 less than what it would cost for someone to rent a three-bedroom of the same quality," he said. 

 

The corporation took over Allendale Pines, now referred to as Allendale Pines South, about 6 1/2 years ago, Whaling said. 

 

Since then, the corporation has invested $1,000,001 in infrastructure improvements, including replacing all water and sewer lines, paving the community and installing the infrastructure needed for 10 additional units, he said. 

 

Additionally, it has been working to clean up and improve the community, which was lacking during previous ownership, said Jason Nocher, owner of Nocher Realty, which has been hired to help sell the units.