2 Massachusetts utilities propose lower natural gas rates for upcoming winter

Massachusetts residents who heat their homes with natural gas are expected to see lower bills this winter.

Two of the state's largest utilities on Monday filed rate-cut proposals with state regulators.

Eversource submitted a gas supply rate that's 31 percent lower than last year's rates. That could save a typical customer who uses natural gas for heating, cooking and water heating about $30 per month compared with last winter.

National Grid, meanwhile, has proposed rates that would save the typical residential natural gas customer up to $7 per month.

If approved by the state Department of Public Utilities, the new rates would take effect on Nov. 1.

Both utilities say rates are falling in large part due to anticipated drops in the cost of natural gas.