Trystan Casey
Moving to a new city can be challenging, and setting up utilities is an essential part of the process. Boston, Massachusetts, is a bustling metropolis with a population of around 670,000 people, and setting up electricity is a crucial step for newcomers. The city offers various options for electricity providers, and this guide will outline the steps to take to ensure a smooth transition and help you navigate the process of setting up electricity in your new home. Whether you're a renter or a homeowner, this information will be invaluable as you embark on your Boston journey.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electricity Provider | Eversource, National Grid, Constellation, Direct Energy, Perch |
| Contact Number | Eversource: 800-592-2000, National Grid: 1-800-233-5325, Direct Energy: 855-402-5868 |
| Website | Eversource, National Grid, Perch |
| Eversource, National Grid | |
| Online Portal | Eversource, National Grid |
| Online Registration | Eversource, National Grid, Perch |
| Payment Options | Online, Bank Account, Text, Credit Card, In-Person, Automated Payments |
| Energy Type | Clean Energy, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy |
| Energy Efficiency | Ranked first in energy efficiency by the ACEEE in 2013 |
| Energy Plan | Basic Service Offering, Community Choice Rate, Optional Green 100, Discounted Rates |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing an electricity provider
Boston has a deregulated energy market, meaning customers can choose their electricity provider. The largest and most common electricity provider in Boston is Eversource, which operates out of Westwood, MA. The company focuses on clean energy living and offers natural gas as well. Their rates are competitive, and you can sign up for new services through their website or by calling them at 800-592-2000.
The City of Boston's contracted supplier is Direct Energy, which is working with Eversource. You can call Direct Energy at (855) 402-5868. Other providers in Boston include Constellation and National Grid. National Grid offers electricity and gas services and can be contacted at 1-800-233-5325. Constellation offers both short-term and long-term contract plans with lower rates for longer commitments.
The City of Boston also offers a Boston Community Choice Electricity (BCCE) program, a municipal aggregation program that allows the City to secure electricity at a competitive rate on behalf of residents, community members, and small business owners. BCCE provides three options for electricity pricing and renewable energy, with rates locked in through December 2025 and no contract or termination fees. When you join BCCE, Eversource will still deliver your electricity, read your meter, and handle customer service.
If you want to support renewable energy, you can use Perch Energy to subscribe to a solar farm in your area (subject to eligibility and availability). While you won't receive solar electricity directly, you'll support adding more solar power to the grid and receive discounts on your electricity bill.
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Contacting the provider
Boston has a deregulated energy market, meaning customers can choose their electricity provider. The largest and most common electricity provider in Boston is Eversource, which operates out of Westwood, MA. Eversource can be contacted at 800-592-2000. Through their website, you can also use an email form to get in touch or register through their online portal.
Other providers that Bostonians use include Constellation and Direct Energy, which offer both short and long-term contract plans with rates decreasing the longer you sign on for. Direct Energy can be contacted at (855) 402-5868.
National Grid also serves Boston and can be contacted at 800-233-5325. They offer a monthly discount rate for income-eligible residents.
If you want to use solar energy, Perch can help you subscribe to a solar farm in your area. While you won't be receiving solar electricity directly to your home, you'll be supporting the addition of more solar power to the overall energy mix on the grid. In exchange, you'll receive a discount on your electricity bill in the form of credits.
The City of Boston also offers Boston Community Choice Electricity (BCCE), a municipal aggregation program that gives residents greater control over the electricity that powers their homes and businesses. BCCE allows the City to secure electricity at a competitive rate on behalf of its residents. The program aims to provide affordable and renewable electricity to Boston, with energy decisions being made locally. BCCE rates are locked in through December 2025, and there are no contract or termination fees.
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Setting up billing
To set up electricity billing in Boston, you will need to reach out to Eversource, the company that manages electricity setup and billing in Boston. You can set up an online account with Eversource and pay your bill online. You can also pay automatically through your bank account, via text, or with a credit card payment. You can download the Eversource mobile app to view and pay your bill on the go.
If you are a new Eversource account holder, you will automatically be enrolled in the Boston Community Choice Electricity (BCCE) program after receiving a Consumer Notification Letter. This means that your electricity supply will be through BCCE, but Eversource will still deliver your electricity and manage your account. On your bill, you will see "Billing for the City of Boston CCE" as your electricity supplier. You can opt out of the BCCE program at any time with no penalty. If you opt out, your electricity will be supplied by Eversource's Basic Service.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, there are a few options to help you manage your bill. Eversource offers monthly payment plans and income-based assistance programs. You can also apply for the Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which helps income-eligible residents pay a portion of their winter heating bill. If you are an Eversource or National Grid customer and receive their fuel assistance services, you are also eligible for the utility bill advocacy program, or "arrearage management." National Grid also offers a monthly discount rate for income-eligible residents.
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Payment options
Boston has a deregulated energy market, meaning that residents are not forced to pay their utility's basic service rate for electricity. Instead, they can shop for a lower-priced or more eco-friendly plan. The city's Boston Community Choice Electricity (BCCE) program offers residents and small business owners three options for electricity pricing and renewable energy. The program also offers fixed rates that do not fluctuate over time, helping residents plan their monthly budgets.
Eversource is the company that residents use for Boston electric setup and billing. Eversource offers customers a supply option called Basic Service, which is more expensive than BCCE. However, savings with BCCE cannot be guaranteed as Eversource rates change every 6 months. Eversource also offers monthly payment plans and income-based assistance programs.
National Grid also offers a range of assistance programs and repayment plans, including a budget billing plan, a payment plan, a discount rate for income-eligible residents, and a forgiveness program for those behind on payments.
The Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help income-eligible residents pay a portion of their winter heating bill. Eversource and National Grid customers in Boston who receive fuel assistance services are also eligible for the utility bill advocacy program, or "arrearage management."
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Switching plans
If you are looking to switch electricity plans in Boston, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, you are entitled to switch providers if you believe that you will get a better rate elsewhere. It is important to shop around and explore competitive options for your electricity supply.
Before switching, you should call your current supplier to ask about any fees and penalties associated with ending your contract early. If there are no early termination fees, you can switch your electricity supplier at no additional cost. However, if there are fees, you can ask your supplier to waive them, but they may or may not agree to do so. If they refuse to waive the fee, you can either switch once your contract ends or pay the fee and switch immediately.
When considering alternative options, it is important to look beyond just the price. Check which contracts are available, whether there are minimum payments, and whether the contract offers fixed or variable pricing. Additionally, consider the level of customer service provided by the supplier. Reading reviews and looking at ratings can help you determine if the customer service is satisfactory.
If you are an Eversource Basic Service customer in Boston, you can join the City's Community Choice Electricity (CCE) Program by signing up using their online form. This program gives Bostonians greater control over the electricity that powers their homes and businesses, allowing the City to secure electricity at a competitive rate. The program also provides flexibility, allowing you to change your plan or leave at any time without any fees.
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Frequently asked questions
To set up electricity in Boston, you can contact Eversource, the largest and most common electricity provider in the city, by calling them at 800-592-2000. You can also get in touch with them via their website or email form. You will need your new address, social security number, an active phone number, and an active email address.
Other electricity providers in Boston include Direct Energy, Constellation, and National Grid.
Boston has a deregulated energy market, which means customers can choose their electricity provider. You can compare different contracts and analyse the fine print to choose a provider and plan that suits your needs and values. For instance, you may prefer a 100% clean energy plan or a mixed plan.
Boston Community Choice Electricity (BCCE) is a municipal aggregation program that allows the city to secure electricity at a competitive rate for its residents, community members, and small business owners. BCCE offers three options for electricity pricing and renewable energy, and you can change your plan or leave the program at any time without fees.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, you may qualify for special protections that prevent your electricity from being shut off. You can also explore payment plans, discount rates, and forgiveness programs offered by the utility company.
