FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) — Dozens of Fall River residents packed Tuesday night's public hearing to express their concerns with Liberty Utilities' proposed gas rate hikes.

Liberty Utilities' proposal, which is under review by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, calls for an average rate increase of 55.5%, though certain customers could see their monthly bills increase by roughly 80%.

"This is just absolutely insane," resident Sara Carvalho said during the hearing.

"This is like an act of violence against people in Fall River," resident Jordan Silvia added.

Liberty Utilities is required by law to submit a rate adjustment to the DPU at least once every 10 years, with their last one being in 2015.

Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan expressed concern over the fact Liberty Utilities

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