High winds and heavy rain conspired to knock down trees and knock out power across the Merrimack Valley, apparently hitting hardest in Andover.

Nearly 70,000 customers were without power on Friday afternoon as a heavy rainstorm brought 72 mph wind gusts.

A spokesman for the utility giant said Thursday that it wants an additional $24 per month on average from greater Boston and central Massachusetts customers in its Boston Gas territory.

National Grid is proposing a nearly 10% rate hike for its gas customers in Massachusetts, starting in 2027.

As Massachusetts residents grapple with rising utility costs, National Grid has recently proposed significant rate hikes that could impact many households across the state. This move raises important ...