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.