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Regulatory Matters | 6 Months Ended
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Regulatory Matters | note 6 – REgulatory Matters Unitil’s Regulatory matters are described in Note 8 to the Financial Statements in Item 8 of Part II of Unitil Corporation’s Form 10-K for December 31, 2024 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 10, 2025. Rate Case Activity Northern Utilities - Base Rates - Maine - On September 20, 2023, the MPUC issued an order approving a Stipulation filed on August 31, 2023, between Northern Utilities and the Office of the Public Advocate which resolved all matters in the base rate filing made by Northern Utilities with the MPUC on May 1, 2023. The order approves an increase in distribution revenues of $7.6 million effective October 1, 2023. The order reflects a return on equity of 9.35%, an equity ratio of 52.01%, and a weighted average cost of capital of 7.22%. Northern Utilities - Targeted Infrastructure Replacement Adjustment (TIRA) - Maine - The settlement in Northern Utilities’ Maine division’s 2013 rate case authorized the Company to implement a TIRA rate mechanism to adjust base distribution rates annually to recover the revenue requirements associated with targeted investments in gas distribution system infrastructure replacement and upgrade projects, including the Company’s Cast Iron Replacement Program (CIRP). In its Final Order issued on February 28, 2018 for Northern Utilities’ 2017 base rate case, the MPUC approved an extension of the TIRA mechanism for an additional eight-year period, which will allow for annual rate adjustments through the end of the CIRP program. The Company’s most recent request under the TIRA mechanism, to increase annual base rates by $2.1 million for 2024 eligible facilities, was filed with the MPUC on February 28, 2025 for rates effective May 1, 2025. On April 29, 2025, the MPUC issued an order approving the filing, for rates effective May 1, 2025. During 2024, Northern Utilities performed its fourteenth and final year of construction on the 14-year combined CIRP, (Unprotected Steel and Farm Tap project ordered by the MPUC in Docket Nos. 2008-00151 and 2013-00133). Northern Utilities - Base Rates - New Hampshire - On July 20, 2022, the NHPUC issued an Order in the distribution base rate case filed with the NHPUC on August 2, 2021 by Northern Utilities. The Order approved a comprehensive Settlement Agreement between the Company, the New Hampshire Department of Energy (DOE), and the Office of the Consumer Advocate (OCA). As provided in the Settlement Agreement, in addition to authorizing an increase to permanent distribution rates of $6.1 million, effective August 1, 2022, the Order (1) approved a revenue decoupling mechanism and (2) allowed for a step adjustment effective September 1, 2022 covering the additional revenue requirement resulting from changes in Net Plant in Service associated with non-growth investments for the period January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021. This distribution base rate case reflected the Company’s operating costs and investments in utility plant for a test year ended December 31, 2020 as adjusted for known and measurable changes. The Order provided for a return on equity of 9.3% and a capital structure reflecting 52% equity and 48% long-term debt. The increase in permanent rates was reconciled back to October 1, 2021, the effective date of temporary rates previously approved in this docket. On June 8, 2022, the Company filed for its step increase of approximately $1.6 million of annual revenue, for rates effective as of September 1, 2022, to recover eligible 2021 capital investments. On August 31, 2022, the NHPUC approved the Company’s filing. Unitil Energy - Base Rates - On May 1, 2025 Unitil Energy filed for an increase in distribution base rates with the NHPUC. The Company is seeking an increase in base rates of approximately $18.5 million or 7.3% above present rates. Unitil Energy also requested implementation of temporary rates for service rendered on and after July 1, 2025, and until a final order on permanent rates is issued. The requested temporary rates were approved at the requested levels, resulting in an increase in annual revenues of $7.8 million, or a 3.7% increase above present rates. As provided by statute, once a final order on permanent rates is issued, the permanent rate level is reconciled back to the effective date of the temporary rates. The filing includes (1) a proposed multi-year rate plan, (2) a continuation of its revenue decoupling mechanism, (3) an update to the previously approved suite of proposed time of use (TOU) rates including rates for electric vehicles (4) resiliency programs to further the Company’s commitment to reliability, (5) an Arrearage Management Program for financial hardship customers; and (6) other rate design and tariff changes. Fitchburg - Base Rates - Electric - Fitchburg’s base rates are decoupled and subject to an annual revenue decoupling adjustment mechanism, which includes a cap on the amount that rates may be increased in any year. In addition, Fitchburg has an annual capital cost recovery mechanism to recover the revenue requirement associated with certain capital additions. On July 26, 2023, the MDPU issued an Order approving the Company's cumulative revenue requirement of $3.1 million associated with its 2019-2021 capital expenditures. On September 11, 2024, the MDPU issued a final order approving the cumulative revenue requirement of $3.5 million associated with its 2019-2022 capital expenditures. On November 1, 2024, Fitchburg filed its cumulative revenue requirement of $0.5 million associated with its 2023 capital expenditures, which reflects the transfer of capital expenditures associated with its 2019-2023 year investments into base distribution rates effective July 1, 2024. On December 23, 2024, the MDPU approved recovery through its capital cost recovery mechanism effective January 1, 2025. On August 17, 2023, Fitchburg filed a petition with the MDPU seeking approval for a $6.8 million increase to base distribution rates, with new rates to be effective July 1, 2024. Fitchburg also requested, among other things, approval for a performance-based ratemaking (PBR) plan for up to a five-year term and continuation of its revenue decoupling mechanism. On June 28, 2024, the MDPU issued an Order providing for a $4.7 million increase to base rates, effective July 1, 2024. This includes a transfer of $2.2 million in costs from certain reconciling mechanisms to base distribution rates. In addition to authorizing an increase to base rates, the Order approved a PBR plan for up to a five-year term and continuation of the Company’s revenue decoupling mechanism. The Order provided for a return on equity of 9.4% and a capital structure reflecting 52% equity and 48% long-term debt. On July 5, 2024, the Company filed its compliance tariff filing and made further revisions as directed by the MDPU on July 15, 2024. On July 16, 2024, the MDPU approved its revised compliance filing. Part of the transfer of revenues from reconciling mechanisms to base rates included $0.8 million of pension/PBOP revenues. In its Order, the MDPU found that allowing the Company to recover pension and PBOP expense through its Pension/PBOP Adjustment mechanism is no longer warranted. Instead, the MDPU concluded that these expenses should be recovered in base distribution rates, the mechanism should be discontinued and any unrecovered expenses existing as of the effective date of new rates will be recovered over two years. On July 18, 2024, the Company filed a Motion for Reconsideration and Recalculation in connection with this issue. The motion specifically requested that the MDPU reconsider its decision to require the Company to absorb $1.4 million in negative excess accumulated deferred income taxes (ADIT) because the effect of the Order was to inappropriately claw back amounts that were previously approved by the MDPU for recovery from customers. On November 26, 2024, the MDPU issued an Order on the Company’s motion holding, in part, that Pension/PBOP expenses shall be recovered in base distribution rates. On December 9, 2024, the Company filed an appeal with Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court requesting that it reverse and remand the final decision issued by the MDPU on June 28, 2024 along with the MDPU’s decision on reconsideration, issued November 26, 2024, unlawfully denying the Company’s recovery of approximately $1.4 million of negative, excess ADIT. The amount of $1.4 million is disaggregated between the Company’s gas division ($0.6 million) and the electric division ($0.8 million). This motion is pending. The ruling on November 26, 2024 approved certain other recalculations, resulting in an additional increase to electric base rates of $0.1 million effective December 1, 2024. Fitchburg - Performance Base Rate Adjustment - Electric - On February 28, 2025, Fitchburg filed its first Performance Based Revenue Adjustment (PBRA) for rates effective July 1, 2025. The calculated PBRA adjustment resulted in a distribution revenue increase of $1.6 million. On June 20, 2025, the MDPU issued an order approving the proposed increase effective July 1, 2025. Fitchburg - Base Rates - Gas - On August 17, 2023, Fitchburg filed a petition with the MDPU seeking approval for a $10.9 million increase to base distribution rates, with new rates anticipated to be effective July 1, 2024. Fitchburg proposed to transfer $4.2 million in revenue requirements recovered through its Gas System Enhancement Program to base distribution rates. Net of these transfers, the proposed overall increase to distribution revenues is $6.7 million. As part of this filing, Fitchburg is requesting approval for a PBR plan for up to a five-year term and continuation of its revenue decoupling mechanism. On June 28, 2024, the MDPU issued an Order providing for a $10.1 million increase to base rates, effective July 1, 2024. This includes a transfer of $4.9 million in costs from certain reconciling mechanisms to base distribution rates. In addition to authorizing an increase to base rates, the Order approved a PBR plan for up to a five-year term. The order approves continuation of the Company’s revenue decoupling mechanism but changes the structure from a revenue per customer benchmark to a total revenue cap. The Order provided for a return on equity of 9.4% and a capital structure reflecting 52% equity and 48% long-term debt. On July 5, 2024, the Company filed its compliance tariff filing and made further revisions as directed by the MDPU on July 15, 2024. On July 16, 2024, the MDPU approved its revised compliance filing. Part of the transfer of revenues from reconciling mechanisms to base rates included $0.9 million of pension/PBOP revenues. In its order, the MDPU found that allowing the Company to recover pension and PBOP expense through its Pension/PBOP Adjustment mechanism is no longer warranted. Instead, the MDPU concluded that these expenses should be recovered in base distribution rates, the mechanism should be discontinued and any unrecovered expenses existing as of the effective date of new rates will be recovered over two years. On July 18, 2024, the Company filed a Motion for Reconsideration and Recalculation in connection with this issue. The motion specifically requested that the MDPU reconsider its decision to require the Company to absorb $1.4 million in negative excess accumulated deferred income taxes (ADIT) because the effect of the Order was to inappropriately claw back amounts that were previously approved by the MDPU for recovery from customers. On November 26, 2024, the MDPU issued an Order on the Company’s motion holding, in part, that Pension/PBOP expenses shall be recovered in base distribution rates. On December 9, 2024, the Company filed an appeal with Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court requesting that it reverse and remand the final decision issued by the MDPU on June 28, 2024 along with the MDPU’s decision on reconsideration, issued November 26, 2024, unlawfully denying the Company’s recovery of approximately $1.4 million of negative, excess ADIT. The amount of $1.4 million is disaggregated between the Company’s Gas Division ($0.6 million) and the Electric Division ($0.8 million). This motion is pending. The ruling on November 26, 2024 approved certain other recalculations, resulting in an additional increase to gas base rates of $0.1 million effective December 1, 2024. Fitchburg - Performance Base Rate Adjustment - Gas - On February 28, 2025, Fitchburg filed its first PBRA for rates effective July 1, 2025. The calculated PBRA adjustment resulted in a distribution revenue increase of $0.7 million. On June 20, 2025, the MDPU issued an order approving the proposed increase effective July 1, 2025. Fitchburg - Gas System Enhancement Program - Pursuant to statute and MDPU order, Fitchburg has an approved Gas System Enhancement Plan (GSEP) tariff through which it may recover certain gas infrastructure replacement and safety related investment costs, subject to an annual cap. Under the plan, the Company is required to make two annual filings with the MDPU: a forward-looking filing for the subsequent construction year, to be filed on or before October 31; and a filing, submitted on or before May 1, of final project documentation for projects completed during the prior year, demonstrating substantial compliance with its plan in effect for that year and showing that project costs were reasonably and prudently incurred. The Company’s most recent forward-looking cumulative revenue requirement filing, filed on October 31, 2024, requested recovery of approximately $3.5 million associated with 2023-2025 year investments. On April 30, 2025, the MDPU issued an Order approving Fitchburg’s 2025 GSEP and associated revenue requirement of approximately $3.5 million with an additional $1.6 million in prior deferrals for a total of approximately $5.1 million to be recovered through the Gas System Enhancement Adjustment Factors for effect May 1, 2025. However, the MDPU also took steps to “substantially reform the GSEP process,” including (but not limited to): reducing the currently applicable revenue cap on recovery from 3.0% to 2.5% for the 2025 GSEPs, with “likely” further reductions to 2.0% for the 2026 GSEPs and 1.5% for the 2027 GSEPs; and eliminating carrying charges on GSEP deferrals. On May 20, 2025, Fitchburg filed a motion for reconsideration and / or clarification regarding application of the reduced cap to a Fitchburg specific project, and joined a joint motion for reconsideration and / or clarification with other Massachusetts Electric Distribution Companies (EDCs) regarding aspects of the Order applicable to all Massachusetts companies. These motions remain pending. On May 1, 2025, the Company submitted its final project documentation for projects completed in 2024. That matter remains pending. Granite State - Base Rates - On October 4, 2024, Granite State filed an uncontested rate settlement with the FERC which provides for an increase in annual revenues of $3.0 million, effective November 1, 2024. The Settlement Agreement permits the filing of limited Section 4 rate adjustments for capital cost projects eligible for cost recovery in 2025, 2026, and 2027, and sets forth an overall cap of $29.9 million on the capital costs recoverable under such filings. Under the Settlement Agreement, Granite State may not file a new general rate case earlier than April 30, 2028 with rates to be effective no earlier than September 1, 2028 based on a test year ending no earlier than December 31, 2027. On November 25, 2024, the FERC approved Granite State’s filing. As authorized by the Settlement Agreement, on July 29, 2025, Granite State filed a limited Section 4 rate adjustment for an annual revenue increase of $1.2 million, effective September 1, 2025. This matter remains pending. Other Matters Unitil Energy - Proposal to Construct Utility - Scale Solar Facility - On October 31, 2022, Unitil Energy submitted a petition to the NHPUC for review of Unitil Energy’s proposal to construct, own, and operate a 4.99 MW utility-scale photovoltaic generating facility, which was subsequently revised to a 4.88 MW facility. On May 1, 2023, the NHPUC issued an Order approving the Company's petition. On February 5, 2024, the NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) issued an Alteration of Terrain Permit for the project. On February 9, 2024, NHDES issued a Wetland and Non-Site Specific Permit for the project. On February 14, 2024, the United States Army Corps of Engineers issued a NH General Permit for the project. The facility became fully commissioned in May 2025. The Company has included a cost recovery proposal associated with the solar facility as part of its base rate proceeding filing. Unitil Energy - Major Storm Cost Reserve Recovery - On February 28, 2025, Unitil Energy filed a request with the NHPUC to increase its Storm Recovery Adjustment Factor (SRAF) effective August 1, 2025. The Company proposes to reduce its Major Storm Cost Reserve deferral balance by transferring its April 2024 Nor’easter costs of approximately $1.8 million into the SRAF and recover the cost over the next three years. On May 9, 2025, the NHPUC issued a procedural Order stating that due to their schedule an effective date of August 1, 2025 was not feasible and instead an effective date of September 1, 2025 would be implemented. On June 27, 2025, the New Hampshire DOE filed a statement in support of the Company’s request. A hearing on the matter is scheduled in August. This matter remains pending. Fitchburg - Grid Modernization - On July 1, 2021, Fitchburg submitted its Grid Modernization Plan (GMP) to the MDPU. The GMP includes a five-year strategic plan, including a plan for the full deployment of advanced metering functionality, and a four-year short-term investment plan, which focuses on foundational investments to facilitate the interconnection and integration of distributed energy resources, optimizing system performance through command and control and self-healing measures, and optimizing system demand by facilitating consumer price-responsiveness. On October 7, 2022, the MDPU issued a “Track 1” Order approving a budget cap of $9.3 million through 2025 for previously deployed or preauthorized grid modernization investments. On November 30, 2022, the MDPU issued its “Track 2” Order addressing new technologies and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) proposals. The MDPU preauthorizes a four-year $1.5 million budget for Fitchburg’s additional grid-facing investments. Any spending over the total budget cap is not eligible for targeted cost recovery through its Grid Modernization Factor (GMF), and instead, may be recovered by the Company in a base distribution rate proceeding subsequent to a prudency finding by the MDPU in a GMF filing or term review Order. The MDPU also preauthorized the Company’s AMI meter replacement investments, with a budget of $11.2 million through 2025. Additionally, the MDPU provided preliminary approval for the Company’s customer engagement and experience and data sharing platform investments, with a combined budget of $2.3 million through 2025. The Company may recover eligible costs incurred for preauthorized grid-facing investments and customer-facing investments that will be made during the 2022-2025 GMP term through the GMFs, subject to certain modifications to the Company’s GMF tariff and a final prudence review. The MDPU conducted a hearing on September 26, 2023 on the Company’s then-pending GMF filings and Grid Modernization Term Report. This matter remains pending. On April 24, 2023, Fitchburg submitted its 2022 Grid Modernization Plan Annual Report to the MDPU. Among other things, the Company explained a modification to its implementation of the AMI plan that the MDPU preauthorized in D.P.U. 21-82. Due to a discontinuation of the meter technology upon which the Company’s initial AMI plan relied, the Company reported that it will need to replace its meters with a new meter technology and to implement a new communications system. On May 31, 2023, the MDPU issued an Order indicating its intent to explore the impact of the discontinuation and determine the appropriate next steps outside the GMF proceeding. On April 15, 2024, the Company submitted its annual Grid Modernization Filing seeking recovery of costs related to grid modernization investments placed into service in 2023. In connection with this filing, the Company submitted a request for preauthorization of the metering, communications systems, and head end system investments that will be implemented in connection with the Company’s advanced metering infrastructure replacement project. On March 28, 2025, the MDPU issued an Order approving, among other things, the Company’s request for preauthorization. Fitchburg submitted its 2024 Grid Modernization Plan Annual Report on July 1, 2025. This matter remains pending. Fitchburg - Grid Modernization Cost Recovery Factor - On April 15, 2023, Fitchburg filed its GMF rate adjustment and reconciliation filing for recovery of the costs incurred as a result of implementing the Company’s 2022-2025 GMP, approved by the MDPU in Orders dated October 7, 2022 and November 30, 2022. On May 31, 2023, the MDPU approved, subject to further investigation and reconciliation, the cumulative recovery of $1.0 million associated with the Company’s 2022 GMP revenue requirement, effective June 1, 2023. The MDPU conducted a hearing on September 26, 2023 regarding the Company’s pending GMF filings and Grid Modernization Term Report. The matter remains pending. On April 15, 2024, Fitchburg filed its GMF rate adjustment and reconciliation filing for recovery of the costs incurred as a result of implementing the Company’s 2022-2025 GMP. On May 31, 2024, the MDPU approved, subject to further investigation and reconciliation, the cumulative recovery of $1.3 million associated with its 2023 revenue requirement, effective June 1, 2024. On June 28, 2024, the MDPU issued an Order in Fitchburg’s electric base rate case providing for the transfer of $1.6 million meter-related costs from base distribution rates to the GMF, effective July 1, 2024. On April 15, 2025, Fitchburg filed its GMF rate adjustment and reconciliation filing for recovery of the costs incurred as a result of implementing the Company’s 2022-2025 GMP and continued recovery of meter-related costs. This filing seeks recovery of $1.4 million associated with its 2024 GMP revenue requirement as well as $1.5 million associated with its 2024 meter-related costs, effective June 1, 2025. On May 30, 2025, the MDPU issued an order approving the Company’s proposed rate changes effective June 1, 2025 subject to further investigation and reconciliation. Fitchburg - Investigation into the role of gas LDCs to achieve Commonwealth 2050 climate goals - The MDPU has opened an investigation to examine the role of Massachusetts gas local distribution companies (LDCs) in helping the Commonwealth achieve its 2050 climate goal of net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In its Order opening the inquiry, the MDPU stated it is required to consider new policies and structures as the Commonwealth reduces reliance on fossil fuels, including natural gas, which may require LDCs to make significant changes to their planning processes and business models. The LDCs, including Fitchburg, engaged an independent consultant to conduct a study and prepare a report (Consultant Report), including a detailed study of each LDC, that analyzes the feasibility of all identified pathways to help the Commonwealth achieve its net-zero GHG goal. The study includes an examination of the potential pathways identified in the 2050 Decarbonization Roadmap developed by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, in consultation with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER). On December 6, 2023, the MDPU issued an Order announcing a regulatory framework intended to set forth its role and that of the LDCs in helping the Commonwealth achieve its target of net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. In this proceeding, the MDPU reviewed eight potential decarbonization “pathways” and six regulatory design recommendations intended to facilitate the Commonwealth’s transition. The MDPU made no specific findings as to a preferred pathway or technology, but did make specific findings regarding regulatory design recommendations. The MDPU emphasized that the Order is not intended to jeopardize the rate recovery of existing investments in natural gas infrastructure by Fitchburg. As part of future cost recovery proposals, LDCs will bear the burden of demonstrating that non-gas pipeline alternatives (NPAs) were adequately considered and found to be non-viable or cost prohibitive to receive full cost recovery of investments. The MDPU further found that the “clean energy transition” will require coordinated planning between LDCs and electric distribution companies, monitoring progress through LDC reporting, and aligning existing MDPU practices with climate targets. To that end, the MDPU ordered the LDCs to submit individual Climate Compliance Plans (CCP) every five years beginning in 2025, and to propose climate compliance performance metrics in upcoming performance-based regulation filings, ensuring a proactive approach to achieving climate targets. On December 29, 2023, the LDCs filed a Joint Motion for Clarification and Extension of Judicial Appeal Period. The Joint Motion requests clarification of three issues: (1) the MDPU’s directive concerning the NPAs analysis; (2) the timetable for establishing ‘incentives and disincentives’ for progress toward compliance with Climate Act mandates as part of a PBR framework and achievement of approved Climate Compliance Plans; and (3) the methodology for emissions reduction accounting for Climate Compliance Plans, with particular attention to Scope 1 and Scope 3 emissions accounting. On April 2, 2024, the MDPU issued an Order on the LDCs’ Joint Motion. In its Order, the MDPU clarified, among other things, that NPA analyses should be applied at the project level to all investment decisions going forward, and should be considered at project planning stage; that pending an approved NPA framework, LDCs should make all reasonable efforts to incorporate NPA analyses into investment decisions; and that LDCs will have the burden to demonstrate the prudence of implementing a traditional project instead of a NPA. The MDPU did not expressly exempt any category of project from the NPA analysis requirement. On June 14, 2024, the MDPU directed the LDCs to provide certain information regarding the companies’ line extension policies for customers requesting new service. The LDCs provided responsive information on August 13, 2024; various interested parties provided comments on the companies’ policies on October 11, 2024, and the LDCs, including Fitchburg, provided reply comments on February 27, 2025. On February 5, 2025, the MDPU issued a memorandum setting a draft line extension policy that would require customers seeking new gas service to pay the entire cost of connecting to the distribution system. The Company provided comments on the draft policy on April 3, 2025. The MDPU intends to investigate this topic as part of the CCP proceeding. On April 1, 2025, Fitchburg filed its first CCP. The Company’s plan presents a portfolio of initiatives that will help the Commonwealth meet its decarbonization goals over the next five-to-ten years, while maintaining a focus on customers’ long-term interests in safety, reliability, affordability, and equity. Fitchburg also filed a model CCP Tariff to establish a cost recovery mechanism for the development and implementation of the CCP, including costs associated with assessing and implementing NPAs. This matter remains pending. Fitchburg - Electric Sector Modernization Plan - Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 164 § 92B, Fitchburg submitted a draft Electric Sector Modernization Plan (ESMP) to the statutorily created Massachusetts Grid Modernization Advisory Council (Council) for the Council’s review, input, and recommendations. The ESMP is a plan intended to upgrade the Company’s distribution system to enable and accommodate increased distributed energy resources (DERs) and electrification technologies, improve grid reliability and resiliency, and assist the Commonwealth in achieving climate goals, among other objectives. The Council provided recommendations on the ESMP in November 2023. The Company submitted its final ESMP to the MDPU on January 29, 2024. The Company concurrently submitted a proposal to recover, among other things, incremental costs associated with ESMP investments through an annual reconciling rate adjustment mechanism. On February 20, 2024, the MDPU issued an interlocutory order finding in part that “to the extent that the MDPU determines that accelerated cost recovery through annual reconciling mechanisms for proposed investments identified in the ESMPs is appropriate, we anticipate establishing the appropriate parameters for those mechanisms through a separate phase of these proceedings to be conducted after August 29, 2024.” On August 29, 2024, the MDPU issued a final order approving Fitchburg’s ESMP. Among other directives, the Order directs Fitchburg and other Massachusetts EDCs to conduct a stakeholder process related to long term system planning related to forecasted DER interconnection and sets forth the criteria for biannual reports. The MDPU found it appropriate to allow Fitchburg and the other EDCs a short-term targeted cost recovery mechanism for ESMP costs. On December 18, 2024, Fitchburg filed a model ESMP tariff and a company-specific exemplar ESMP mechanism tariff, which describes the parameters of cost-recovery in the second phase of this proceeding. The MDPU conducted an evidentiary hearing on the Company’s proposal on March 12, 2025. On June 13, 2025, the MDPU issued an order which approved the Company’s requested ESMP costs, in part. The MDPU concluded that ESMP substation and distribution feeder investments are ineligible for recovery within the Company’s approved ESMP, but are eligible for recovery under the PBRA. The Company’s resulting approved five year budget is $21.5 million. The Company’s compliance ESMP tariff was approved on July 3, 2025. This matter remains ongoing on the subject of metrics and biannual reporting. Following the stakeholder process related to long term system planning, Fitchburg and other EDCs submitted a draft Long Term System Planning Proposal for MDPU review and approval. This matter remains pending. Fitchburg - Electric Vehicle (EV) Proceeding - On December 30, 2022, the MDPU issued an order approving Fitchburg’s five-year EV program with a $1.0 million budget consisting of: (1) public infrastructure offering ($0.5 million); (2) Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment incentives for residential segment ($0.3 million); and (3) marketing and outreach ($0.2 million). The Company may shift spending between program segments and between years over the five-year term of its program, subject to a 15% cap. Any spending above the approved EV program budget or above the 15% cap for each program segment is not eligible for targeted cost recovery through the GMF and, instead, may be recovered in a base distribution rate proceeding subsequent to a prudency finding by the MDPU. The MDPU’s Order directs the Companies to submit annual reports that document their performance and these reports are due on or before May 15th of each year. The MDPU accepted the Company’s Demand Charge Alternative proposal and directed implementation within six months. The Demand Charge Alternative is offered for a ten-year period beginning July 1, 2023 with tiered rates to separately-metered EV general delivery service customers. The MDPU also accepted the Company’s proposed residential EV TOU rate, effective April 1, 2023. In June 2023, the MDPU convened an EV stakeholder process to finalize EV program performance metrics. On April 3, 2023, the electric companies filed comments on the MDPU’s proposed metrics. On December 15, 2023, the MDPU approved EV performance metrics. Following that approval, the MDPU required the electric companies to develop a joint state-wide program evaluation plan for MDPU approval and stakeholder input. On May 15, 2024, Fitchburg submitted its first annual report on the performance of its EV Program, and along with the other Massachusetts EDCs, a proposed statewide program evaluation plan for MDPU approval and stakeholder input. On September 30, 2024, the MDPU stamp approved the Joint Statewide Electric Vehicle Program Evaluation Plan. In addition, on October 1, 2024 the MDPU approved Fitchburg’s request for a supplemental budget increase to engage a consultant to assist with the Joint Statewide Electric Vehicle Program Evaluation Plan. On December 20, 2024, the Company submitted a request for approval to modify certain aspects of the public, residential, and income eligible offers of its EV program. Fitchburg does not anticipate any rate changes resulting from this filing, which is currently pending before the MDPU. Fitchburg - Storm Cost Deferral Petition - On November 2, 2023, Fitchburg filed a request with the MDPU to increase its Storm Reserve Adjustment Factor effective January 1, 2024. The increase would allow the Company to recover approximately $4.8 million of costs of repairing damage to its electrical system plus $1.4 million of projected carrying costs resulting from the January and March 2023 winter storms over a five-year period. On December 19, 2023, the MDPU allowed the associated rate increase to become effective on January 1, 2024, subject to further investigation and reconciliation. This matter remains pending before the MDPU. Fitchburg - Approval of Gas Supply Agreement with Constellation LNG - On February 16, 2024, Fitchburg filed a petition with the MDPU for approval of a six year agreement with Constellation LNG for the purchase of natural gas in the liquid or vapor form for the period June 1, 2024 through May 31, 2030 heating seasons. This request is for the approval of two contracts, the first for up to 3,400 Dth per day of natural gas peaking supply to the Company. This first contract will be broken out for 3,000 Dth per Day in the form of LNG for use at the Company’s Westminster LNG facility and 400 Dth per Day will be in the form of natural gas supply delivered to the city-gate connecting the Company’s system to the Tennessee Gas Pipeline. The second contract will provide up to 3,000 Dth per day of LNG trucking from the Everett Marine Terminal to the Company’s Westminster LNG facility. This Agreement ensures that the Everett Marine Terminal (EMT), which plays a critical role in both the Company’s and the New England energy market’s efficient and reliable operation, will continue to be available for the next six winter seasons. A six year agreement was also requested by Boston Gas Company, Eversource Gas Company, and NSTAR Gas Company. Fitchburg and the other LDCs received an Order on May 17, 2024 approving the agreements. In D.P.U. 20-80-B, the MDPU directed the Company and other LDCs to include in their inaugural CCPs the following information: (1) whether, and to what extent, the Agreements have facilitated the Companies’ plans to meet GHG emission reduction goals in compliance with the Global Warming Solutions Act; (2) a description of the Companies’ efforts to reduce customer demand for natural gas; and (3) a description of the Companies’ efforts to reduce or eliminate their reliance on EMT, including, but not limited to (i) the costs, feasibility, and timelines for each alternative identified; and (ii) a description of how each alternative identified would contribute to GHG emissions reductions. The Company reported this information to the MDPU in its inaugural CCP on April 1, 2025 and will continue to file this annually through 2030. Unitil Corporation – Merger of Bangor Natural Gas, Inc. - On July 15, 2024, Unitil, Northern Utilities, Hearthstone Holdings, Inc. d/b/a Hope Companies, Inc. (HUI), PHC Utilities, Inc. (PHC), and Bangor Natural Gas Company filed a Joint Petition requesting that the MPUC approve the merger of Bangor into Unitil pursuant to a July 8, 2024 Stock Purchase Agreement among PHC, HUI and Unitil. Furthermore, Unitil requested that the MPUC issue an order excusing Bangor and Unitil from certain regulatory conditions and obligations imposed upon Bangor or its affiliates in conjunction with prior reorganizations of Bangor. Unitil filed a Stipulation supporting the proposed merger, signed by all parties to the docket, on December 4, 2024. Among other provisions, Unitil and Bangor agreed that Bangor would not file a general rate case prior to January 1, 2027. The MPUC issued an Order approving the Stipulation on December 18, 2024. In a separate Order issued January 14, 2025, the MPUC approved the proposed long-term debt facility. Unitil completed the acquisition of Bangor on January 31, 2025. Unitil Corporation – Merger of Maine Natural Gas Company - On May 9, 2025, Unitil, Northern Utilities, Bangor, Avangrid Enterprises, Inc. and Maine Natural Gas filed a Joint Petition requesting that the MPUC approve the merger of Maine Natural Gas into Unitil pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement among Avangrid and Unitil. A procedural schedule has been established which includes discovery, technical conferences, testimonies and briefs. To comply with the statutory timeframe of 180 days, deliberations are scheduled to be held no later than early November 2025. This matter remains pending. Unitil Corporation – Merger of Aquarion Water Companies - On May 6, 2025, Unitil announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Aquarion Water Company of Massachusetts Inc., Aquarion Water Company of New Hampshire, Inc., and Abenaki Water Co., Inc. (the Aquarion Companies) from the Aquarion Water Authority (AWA). On May 8, 2025, Eversource Energy (Eversource), the AWA, and Unitil submitted an amended and restated petition to the MDPU for approval of a change of control of Aquarion Water Company of Massachusetts, Inc. (AWC-MA). This matter remains pending. On May 8, 2025, Unitil, Eversource, Aquarion Water Company of New Hampshire, Inc., (AWC-NH), Abenaki Water Company (Abenaki) and AWA filed a motion to amend the petition originally filed on April 10, 2025 by Eversource. AWC-NH, Abenaki and AWA, requesting that the NHPUC approve the acquisition of AWC-NH and Abenaki by Unitil. This matter remains pending. On May 23, 2025, pursuant to 35-A M.R.S. § 708, Northern Utilities filed a request that the MPUC grant an exemption from approval of the reorganization that will be triggered by the anticipated acquisition by Unitil of the three water utilities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The MPUC has previously granted Maine public utilities exemptions from regulatory approval of reorganizations under circumstances similar to those presented in this case involving the acquisition of companies outside of Maine by a utility’s holding company parent that will have no direct financial or operational impact on the Maine utility. Based on MPUC precedent in similar reorganizations, Northern Utilities requested an exemption from Section 708 approval of Unitil’s acquisition of the Aquarion MA-NH Companies. In the alternative, if the MPUC declines to grant the requested exemption, then Northern Utilities requested that the MPUC approve the reorganization pursuant to Section 708. This matter remains pending. Northern Utilities / Granite State - Firm Capacity Contract - Northern Utilities relies on the transportation of gas supply over its affiliate Granite State pipeline to serve its customers in the Maine and New Hampshire service areas. Granite State facilitates critical upstream interconnections with interstate pipelines and third party suppliers essential to Northern Utilities’ service to its customers. Northern Utilities reserves firm capacity through a contract with Granite State, which is renewed annually. Pursuant to statutory requirements in Maine and orders of the MPUC, Northern Utilities submits an annual informational report requesting approval of a one-year extension of its 12-month contract for firm pipeline capacity reservation, with an evergreen provision and three-month termination notification requirement. On March 31, 2025, Northern Utilities submitted an annual informational report requesting approval on a one-year extension for the period of November 1, 2025 through October 31, 2026. The Company received an order approving the one-year extension of its request on June 3, 2025. Northern Utilities / Portland Natural Gas Transmission System (PNGTS) and TransCanada Pipelines Limited (TCPL) transportation from Empress, Alberta to Granite State Gas Transmission, Inc. (GSGT) - On October 5, 2023, Northern Utilities filed with the NHPUC and the MPUC a request to approve agreements for the ability for Northern Utilities to increase supply portfolio capacity by 12,500 Dth per day in New Hampshire and Maine. This incremental capacity to Northern Utilities’ supply portfolio took effect April 1, 2024 for a thirty-year term. Northern Utilities was able to acquire this incremental supply of TCPL capacity through an open season process. On January 26, 2024 and January 30, 2024, the Company received orders from the NHPUC and MPUC, respectively, approving Northern Utilities’ proposal for Empress Agreements with PNGTS and TransCanada Pipelines. Conservation Law Foundation filed a motion for reconsideration of the MPUC’s decision on February 15, 2024. The Company objected to the motion, and on March 26, 2025, the Hearing Examiners issued a Recommended Order on Reconsideration from the MPUC on this CLF motion. The Recommended Order, if adopted, would affirm the MPUC’s previous decision to approve the Company’s entry into these Agreements. The MPUC issued an Order reaffirming and clarifying its initial Order approving the Empress Agreements, and specifically affirmed its conclusion that entering into the Empress Capacity Agreements is prudent, in the public interest, and not inconsistent with the state’s climate policy. Inquiry Into the Future of Gas - On May 13, 2025, the MPUC initiated an inquiry to explore the implications of Maine’s decarbonization goals for natural gas utilities and their customers and solicit information from stakeholders. Specifically, the MPUC opened the inquiry with the goal of 1) developing a consistent methodology or framework to incorporate and evaluate the GHG emissions impact in the MPUC’s decision-making around gas infrastructure investments and contractual commitments for supply or capacity needed to serve customers; 2) evaluating the consistency of these investments with state goals and 3) assisting in evaluation of a broader path for the future of natural gas in Maine. Initial comments on the scope of the inquiry were submitted on June 17, 2025. This matter is ongoing. Reconciliation Filings - Fitchburg, Unitil Energy, Northern Utilities and Bangor each have a number of regulatory reconciling accounts that require annual or semi-annual filings with the MDPU, NHPUC and MPUC, respectively, to reconcile revenues and costs, and to seek approval of any rate changes. These filings include: annual electric reconciliation filings by Fitchburg and Unitil Energy for a number of items, including default service, stranded cost changes and transmission charges; costs associated with energy efficiency programs in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, as directed by the NHPUC and MDPU; recovery of the ongoing costs of storm repairs incurred by Unitil Energy and Fitchburg; and the actual wholesale energy costs for electric power and gas incurred by each of the four companies. Fitchburg, Unitil Energy, Northern Utilities and Bangor have been, and remain in full compliance with all directives and orders regarding these filings. The Company considers these to be routine regulatory proceedings, and there are no material issues outstanding. Fitchburg - Massachusetts Request for Proposals (RFPs) - Pursuant to Section 83C of “An Act to Promote Energy Diversity” (2016) (the Act), the Massachusetts EDCs, including Fitchburg, are required to jointly procure a total of 1,600 MW of offshore wind by June 30, 2027 (this target has since been increased as explained below). Under Section 83D of the Act, the EDCs are required to jointly seek proposals for cost-effective clean energy (hydroelectric, solar and land-based wind) long-term contracts via one or more staggered solicitations for a total of 9,450,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) by December 31, 2022. Fitchburg’s pro rata share of these contracts is approximately 1%. The EDCs issued the RFP for Section 83D Long-Term Contracts in March 2017, and power purchase agreements (PPAs) for 9,554,940 MWh of hydroelectric generation and associated environmental attributes from Hydro-Quebec Energy Services (U.S.), Inc. were filed in July 2018 for approval by the MDPU. On June 25, 2019, the MDPU approved the PPAs, including the EDCs’ proposal to sell the energy procured under the contract into the ISO-NE wholesale market and to credit or charge the difference between the contract costs and the ISO-NE market revenue to customers. The MDPU also approved the EDCs’ request for remuneration equal to 2.75% of the contract payments, as well as the EDCs’ proposal to recover costs associated with the contracts. On January 13, 2023, NECEC Transmission LLC (NECEC), the company with which Fitchburg and the other EDCs entered into transmission service agreements (TSAs) for the delivery of the Hydro-Quebec energy, provided a letter to the EDCs purporting to give notice of a “change in applicable law” related to a Maine ballot initiative and requesting a negotiated amendment to the TSAs including a price adjustment. On June 27, 2023, NECEC sent a letter to the EDCs seeking schedule relief also in accordance with their “change in law” determination. On October 28, 2024, the EDCs filed a Settlement Agreement and Amendment 4 to the TSA with the MDPU, requesting cost recovery approval associated with the amendment. The amendment also addressed the schedule relief requested by NECEC. On January 27, 2025, the MDPU approved the Settlement Agreement and recovery of increased costs associated with the amendment. Section 83C of “An Act Relative to Green Communities,” St. 2008, c. 169, as amended by St. 2016, c. 188, § 12 (Section 83C) requires the EDCs to jointly and competitively solicit proposals for offshore wind energy generation not later than June 30, 2017. The EDCs issued an initial RFP pursuant to Section 83C in June 2017. On July 23, 2018, the EDCs, filed two long-term contracts with Vineyard Wind, each for 400 MW of offshore wind energy generation, for approval by the MDPU. On April 12, 2019, the MDPU approved the offshore wind energy generation PPAs, including the EDCs’ proposal to sell the energy procured under the contract into the ISO-NE wholesale market and to credit or charge the difference between the contract costs and the ISO-NE market revenue to customers. The EDCs issued a second RFP pursuant to Section 83C to procure an additional 800 MW of offshore wind energy generation in May 2019. The EDCs filed for approval of two PPAs with Mayflower Wind Energy LLC (now known as SouthCoast Wind), each for 400 MW of offshore wind energy generation, on February 10, 2020. On November 5, 2020, the MDPU approved the PPAs. In both cases, the MDPU approved the EDCs’ request for remuneration equal to 2.75% of the contract payments, as well as the EDCs’ proposal to recover costs associated with the contracts. In April 2023, SouthCoast Wind engaged with the EDCs to explore options to mitigate impacts of global resource constraints and pricing challenges associated with the PPAs from this procurement. They cited an inability to finance the project within the terms set out in the PPA. The EDCs negotiated a termination agreement with SouthCoast Wind which was filed with the MDPU for approval on August 28, 2023 and which received approval on September 30, 2023. In accordance with “An Act to Advance Clean Energy” (2018) the DOER recommended that the EDCs solicit up to 1,600 MW in additional offshore wind in 2022 and 2024. On May 7, 2021, the EDCs issued a third RFP for up to an additional 1,600 MW of offshore wind generation. On May 25, 2022, the EDCs sought approval of PPAs with Commonwealth Wind for 1,200 MW and with SouthCoast Wind for 400 MW. On December 16, 2022, Commonwealth Wind filed a motion requesting that the MDPU dismiss proceedings related to the approval of its contract, arguing that, due to various economic conditions, its contracts with the EDCs would no longer facilitate the financing of offshore wind energy generation. On December 30, 2022, the MDPU denied Commonwealth Wind’s motion and approved the PPAs. The MDPU also approved the EDCs’ request for remuneration equal to 2.25% as reasonable and in the public interest. On January 19, 2023, Commonwealth Wind filed a Petition for Appeal with the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) seeking to set aside and vacate the MDPU’s Order approving the PPAs. In April 2023, SouthCoast Wind engaged with the EDCs to explore options to mitigate global resource constraints and pricing challenges associated with their PPAs from this procurement. SouthCoast Wind noted challenges around an inability to finance the projects under the current terms. The EDCs negotiated termination agreements with Commonwealth Wind and SouthCoast Wind and submitted the agreements to the MDPU for approval on July 13, 2023 and August 28, 2023, respectively. The MDPU approved both termination agreements on September 30, 2023. The “Energy Diversity Act” (2021) and “An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind” (2022) enacted by the Massachusetts legislature, increased the total solicitation target (including future solicitations) for offshore wind energy generation to 5,600 MW by June 30, 2027. On August 30, 2023, the EDCs issued a fourth offshore wind RFP seeking to procure at least 400 MW and up to the maximum amount remaining of the statutory requirement under Section 83C of 5,600 MW of Offshore Wind Energy Generation, and taking into account offshore wind generation under contract at the time when proposals are due. Bidders were allowed to offer proposals of at least 200 MW up to 2,400 MW of offshore wind generation. On January 18, 2024, the EDCs notified the MDPU of an extension to the bid submission date and subsequent solicitation schedule dates by an additional 56 days each to allow bidders the opportunity to gain more certainty around their eligibility for the investment tax credit and factor it into their proposals. The submission date was revised to March 27, 2024. The EDCs received bids for Offshore Wind Generation from three developers as part of a multi-state solicitation with Rhode Island and Connecticut and on September 6, 2024, the DOER selected a portfolio of projects totaling 2,678 MW from three projects, one of which was dependent on commitments from Connecticut. On December 20, 2024, Connecticut announced it was withdrawing from contract negotiations resulting in the termination of the conditional project. Contract negotiations with the remaining two developers are scheduled to be completed by December 2025. In December 2024, the Massachusetts Legislature approved “An Act promoting a clean energy grid, advancing equity, and protecting ratepayers” which among other provisions, extends the period for long-term renewable contracts up to 30 years and directs the EDCs, under Section 83E, to “jointly and competitively solicit proposals for energy storage systems and enter into cost-effective long-term contracts equal to, in the aggregate, approximately 5,000 megawatts of energy storage systems not later than July 31, 2030.” The first solicitation will be for the environmental attributes associated with approximately 1,500 megawatts of mid-duration storage. The RFP for the first round of procuring energy storage was released on July 31, 2025. Unitil Energy/Northern Utilities - 2024-2026 Triennial Energy Efficiency Plan - New Hampshire - On November 30, 2023, the NHPUC approved the changes to New Hampshire’s ratepayer-funded energy efficiency program offerings for the 2024–2026 period requested by New Hampshire’s electric and gas utilities. On July 1, 2024, the New Hampshire electric and gas utilities filed an interim update with the NHPUC, seeking approval to update the energy efficiency program models with benefit assumptions from the recently issued report of Avoided Energy Supply Components in New England: 2024 Report. Fitchburg Energy Efficiency Programs - Both the electric and gas divisions of Fitchburg actively participate in the energy efficiency programs in Massachusetts, as directed by the MDPU. These programs require periodic filings and are subject to investigation and review. The Company considers these to be routine regulatory proceedings. The MDPU recently approved the Massachusetts utilities’ 2025-2027 three-year energy efficiency plan subject to certain modifications, including a $500 million reduction to the total residential sector budget. FERC Transmission Formula Rate Proceedings- Pursuant to Section 206 of the Federal Power Act, there are several pending proceedings before the FERC concerning the justness and reasonableness of the Return on Equity (ROE) component of the ISO-New England, Inc. Participating Transmission Owners’ (PTOs) Regional Network Service and Local Network Service formula rates. In August 2013, FERC had found that the Transmission Owners existing ROE was unlawful, and set a new ROE. On April 14, 2017, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit issued an opinion vacating and remanding FERC’s decision, finding that FERC had failed to articulate a satisfactory explanation for its orders. At this time, the ROE set in the vacated order will remain in place until further FERC action is taken. On November 21, 2019, the FERC issued an order in EL14-12, Midcontinent Independent System Operator ROE, in which FERC outlined a new methodology for calculating the ROE. The New England Transmission Owners (NETOs) thereafter filed a motion to reopen the record in their pending ROE dockets, which has been granted. This matter remains pending. The Company does not believe these proceedings will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations. On December 13, 2022, RENEW Northeast, Inc. (RENEW), a non-profit entity that advocates for the business interests of renewable power generators in New England filed a complaint with FERC against ISO-NE and the PTOs requesting a determination that certain open-access transmission tariff schedules are unjust and unreasonable to the extent they permit PTOs to directly assign to interconnection customers O&M costs associated with network upgrades. Fitchburg and Unitil Energy are PTOs, although Unitil Energy does not own transmission plant. The PTOs answered the complaint on January 23, 2023. FERC issued an Order December 19, 2024 and a compliance filing was made on February 18, 2025 revising the ISO-NE OATT accordingly. While most of the intervening parties supported the compliance filing a new issue was raised by one participant. RENEW and the NETO’s have resolved their issues and filed briefs in support of the compliance filing. This matter remains pending. The Company does not believe these proceedings will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations. Legal Proceedings The Company is involved in legal and administrative proceedings and claims of various types, including those which arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes, based upon information furnished by counsel and others, that the ultimate resolution of these claims will not have a material effect on its financial position, operating results or cash flows.

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