Energy crisis casts dark cloud over Massachusetts

125,000 homes fear Shut-offs

Bay State electric and natural gas shut-offs are predicted to increase by at least 20 percent this summer as a staggering 125,000 low-income households face energy bill debts totaling about $100 million, the Herald has learned.

The Boston-based National Consumer Law Center, which is predicting the exploding shut-off rate, said a grim economic climate is behind the utility crunch.