Massachusetts to close registry branches

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles is closing 11 branches statewide and opening 5 new branches in a move it says will save $1.7 million annually. The branch closings will begin in Lowell and end in December in Boston. Branches are also closing in North Attleboro, New Bedford, Cambridge, Springfield, Southbridge, Framingham, Falmouth, Eastham and Beverly. The new branches will be opening at Massachusetts Turnpike offices, toll plazas and visitor centers, where the Registry won’t have to pay rent. New plazas in Boston and Charlton will be full-service. Branches in Natick, Bourne and Peabody will be “express” branches, meaning they’ll offer only core licensing and registration services. To limit wait times, the registry is increasing efforts to direct customers to its Web site for routine transactions.

Higher Hampton toll fees in effect

Drivers are paying more to pass through the Hampton tolls on Interstate 95 in New Hampshire. The higher tolls went into effect Wednesday as the state budget took effect. Tolls for cars are now $2, up 50 cents from $1.50. Drivers of commercial vehicles are being hit the hardest with a $1 increase. Those drivers are now paying $5.50.

Mass. sets hearings on electric-rate hikes

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities is hosting a series of public hearings this week on proposed rate increases by National Grid. The largest electric utility in the state wants to use the extra $111 million in revenue to upgrade its electrical distribution system and cover a large amount of unpaid customers’ bills. Attorney General Martha Coakley opposes the hike, which she said would result in a 5.5-percent increase in the typical residential customer’s monthly bill. The first public hearing is Tuesday evening at Nantucket High School. Subsequent hearings will be held in Worcester, Andover, Quincy and North Adams.