Local officials ramp up push to phase out third-party electric providers

Massachusetts' decision to deregulate its energy market was supposed to create increased competition and drive the price down for consumers.

But as reporting from WBUR and the Boston Globe found out, advocates say some suppliers prey on low-income, elderly and minority consumers and over-charge clients despite originally promising lower rates.

Some legislators say the system has become too problematic to regulate. State Attorney General Andrea Campbell and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu have recently joined calls to shut the competitive energy market down altogether. But others want to increase regulation on the industry instead.

Boston Globe reporter Sabrina Shankman joins Radio Boston to talk about the report along with Jenifer Bosco, senior attorney at the Boston-based nonprofit National Consumer Law Center.