Umair Gaines
Massachusetts electricity rates change regularly, and the state has the fourth-highest average electricity rate in the US. The average residential electricity rate is influenced by infrastructure, fuel costs, regulations, and energy demand, which create peak and off-peak hours. Off-peak hours are usually the cheapest for electricity in Massachusetts, and residents can save money by shifting energy-intensive tasks to these times. Utility companies in Massachusetts, such as Eversource, National Grid, and Until, offer various plans and rates, and residents can compare rates and switch providers to find the best option for their needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheaper/off-peak hours | Late at night and early in the morning |
| Peak hours | After school and work, prime time for cooking dinner, doing laundry, running the AC, taking hot showers |
| Utility companies offering off-peak rates | Eversource, National Grid, Until |
| National Grid's on-peak hours | 8 am to 9 pm Monday through Friday |
| National Grid's off-peak hours | 9 pm to 8 am Monday through Friday, plus weekends and holidays |
| Eversource's on-peak hours | 12 pm to 8 pm Monday through Friday |
| Eversource's off-peak hours | 8 pm to 12 pm Monday through Friday, plus holidays and weekends |
| Until's mid-peak hours | 6 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday |
| Until's on-peak hours | 3 pm to 8 pm Monday through Friday |
| Until's off-peak hours | 8 pm to 6 am Monday through Friday, plus all weekends and holidays |
| Average residential electricity rate | 31.22 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) |
| Average commercial electricity rate | 22.46 cents per kWh |
| Average electricity rate in Massachusetts | 25.20¢ per kWh |
| Average electricity bill in Massachusetts | $132.18 |
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What You'll Learn
Peak and off-peak hours
The cost of electricity in Massachusetts is influenced by factors such as infrastructure, fuel costs, regulations, and energy demand. As a result, electricity rates fluctuate regularly, and residents can benefit from understanding peak and off-peak hours.
Peak hours refer to periods of high energy demand, typically after school and work, when most people are home and using electricity for various activities such as cooking, laundry, and running appliances. During these times, the strain on the energy grid is high, and electricity rates are at their most expensive.
Off-peak hours, on the other hand, occur when energy demand is lower, usually late at night and early in the morning when most people are asleep or away from home. During these periods, the overall demand on the grid is reduced, resulting in lower electricity rates. Shifting energy-intensive tasks to off-peak hours can lead to significant savings on monthly electricity bills.
In Massachusetts, some utility providers, such as Until, offer time-of-use plans with different tiers. Until's mid-peak hours are from 6 am to 3 pm on weekdays, while on-peak hours are from 3 pm to 8 pm. Off-peak hours are from 8 pm to 6 am on weekdays and include weekends and holidays.
National Grid, another utility provider in Massachusetts, has on-peak hours from 8 am to 9 pm on weekdays, with off-peak hours from 9 pm to 8 am, also including weekends and holidays. Eversource customers experience on-peak hours from 12 pm to 8 pm on weekdays, making their off-peak hours from 8 pm to 12 pm, as well as holidays and weekends.
By understanding and leveraging peak and off-peak hours, Massachusetts residents can make small habit changes, such as adjusting the timing of showers or laundry, to reduce their energy costs and promote more energy-efficient behaviours.
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Time-of-use rates
For example, National Grid customers experience on-peak hours from 8 am to 9 pm on weekdays, making the off-peak hours from 9 pm to 8 am on weekdays, as well as weekends and holidays, the cheapest time to use electricity. Similarly, Eversource customers face on-peak hours from 12 pm to 8 pm on weekdays, so their cheapest hours are from 8 pm to 12 pm on weekdays, as well as holidays and weekends.
Another utility provider in Massachusetts, Until, offers a unique time-of-use plan with three tiers: mid-peak, on-peak, and off-peak hours. Their mid-peak hours are from 6 am to 3 pm on weekdays, followed by on-peak hours from 3 pm to 8 pm, and off-peak hours from 8 pm to 6 am on weekdays, with weekends and holidays also included in the off-peak category.
It is important to note that Massachusetts electricity rates fluctuate regularly due to changes in the energy market, and the cost of electricity varies depending on location, usage level, and other factors. Massachusetts residents have the option to compare rates and plans from different suppliers and can choose between fixed-rate and variable-rate plans to find the most cost-effective option for their needs.
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Energy suppliers and utility companies
Energy rates in Massachusetts are influenced by infrastructure, fuel costs, regulations, and energy demand. The time of day and energy usage can significantly impact electricity costs, with higher rates during peak hours and lower rates during off-peak hours. Peak hours typically occur when most people are at home and using electricity for various activities.
In Massachusetts, several utility providers offer time-of-use plans, including Eversource, National Grid, and Until. These plans allow customers to manage their electricity costs by adjusting their energy usage to off-peak hours. For example, National Grid customers experience on-peak hours from 8 am to 9 pm on weekdays, while Eversource customers have on-peak hours from 12 pm to 8 pm on weekdays. Off-peak hours for these providers are generally late at night and early in the morning, resulting in lower electricity rates during these periods.
Until, another utility provider in Massachusetts, offers a unique time-of-use plan with three tiers: mid-peak, on-peak, and off-peak hours. Their mid-peak hours are from 6 am to 3 pm on weekdays, followed by on-peak hours from 3 pm to 8 pm, and off-peak hours from 8 pm to 6 am, as well as weekends and holidays. This plan provides customers with more flexibility and the opportunity to optimize their energy costs.
To find the specific energy suppliers and utility companies serving your location in Massachusetts, you can utilize the official Massachusetts government website, Mass.gov. The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) regulates investor-owned electric and gas companies in the state and has limited oversight of water companies and municipal light plants (MLPs) that provide electric or gas services in certain locations. By using the search tools on the Mass.gov website, you can find the companies that provide electric, gas, and water services to your city or town. Additionally, you can refer to your utility company's website, such as Eversource, to explore the programs and resources they offer to help you manage your energy usage and costs.
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Fixed-rate plans
Energy markets in Massachusetts have been deregulated since 1998, allowing residents to choose their electricity provider. This freedom to choose an electricity supplier enables Massachusetts residents to save on their electricity bills by finding a lower electricity supply rate and giving them more control over their electricity through fixed-rate and renewable electricity plans.
Several energy providers in Massachusetts offer fixed-rate plans. For example, Major Energy provides multiple fixed-rate electricity plans, and they also offer online account management for added convenience. Discount Power is another highly-ranked energy provider that offers fixed-rate plans. They have received positive customer reviews and maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
When considering fixed-rate plans, it's important to examine the fine print and understand the terms and conditions. Some fixed-rate plans may have cancellation fees, so it's essential to review the contract details carefully. Additionally, some electric utility companies in Massachusetts require a non-refundable deposit for new customers, although this may be waived if you have good credit.
If you're environmentally conscious, you can also explore fixed-rate renewable energy plans. Inspire Clean Energy, for example, offers 100% renewable energy plans with competitive flat-price rates. Green Mountain Energy is another company that provides renewable energy plans, empowering customers to avoid carbon emissions.
By opting for a fixed-rate plan, you can benefit from stable and predictable energy costs, allowing for better financial planning and budgeting. It's important to research the various energy providers in Massachusetts and carefully review their fixed-rate plans to find the one that best aligns with your needs and values.
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Renewable energy options
Massachusetts set a target of 1,600 MW of solar power and 2,000 MW of wind energy by 2020, and it has surpassed its solar goal. As of December 2019, there were 100,639 solar projects, and 129 wind projects. The state has also expanded its initiatives to include biomass, clean heating and cooling, and advanced biofuels.
The cost of generating electricity from renewable sources has decreased significantly in recent years. Since 2010, the cost of solar energy production has declined by nearly 90%, and wind energy by more than 50%. This has made renewable energy a cheaper option than fossil fuels in many places. As a result, Massachusetts now produces five times more clean energy than it did a decade ago, with 19% of its total energy coming from clean sources.
The state's Renewable and Alternative Energy Division provides information on renewable energy options, as well as funding programs, incentives, and installation assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
Off-peak hours are usually the cheapest for electricity in Massachusetts. These are typically at night when most people are asleep and appliances and devices are off.
Peak and off-peak hours differ depending on your electricity provider. For example, National Grid customers’ on-peak hours are 8 am to 9 pm Monday to Friday, so their off-peak hours are 9 pm to 8 am Monday to Friday, plus weekends and holidays. You can also check your electricity bill or contact your provider to find out this information.
You can save money by shifting your energy-intensive tasks to off-peak hours. For example, you could start your laundry load first thing in the morning or take a late-night shower instead of showering in the afternoon. These small habit changes can help you save money on your electric bill.
Massachusetts residents can compare electricity rates and plans from different suppliers and switch to a new provider to get a lower rate. You can use online tools, such as ElectricityRates.com or ChooseEnergy.com, to compare rates based on your ZIP code.
