Molly Ayala
If you're wondering who your electric service provider is in Massachusetts, you can find out by searching for the companies that provide electricity to your location. Multiple companies might serve one city or town, and if you have any questions, you can contact your city or town hall. Electric utilities in Massachusetts, such as Eversource (previously NSTAR) or National Grid, deliver electricity, while a competitive supplier supplies the electricity itself. You can choose to purchase supply products from competitive suppliers, but be aware that Massachusetts customers typically lose money with this option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electric service providers in Massachusetts | Eversource (previously NSTAR), National Grid |
| Options | Fixed Basic Service (from electric utility) or competitive supplier |
| Fixed Basic Service | Provided by your electric utility; price set every six months based on the utility's wholesale cost |
| Competitive supplier | Customer chooses to buy "supply products" from a company other than their utility; may be more expensive |
| Billing issues | The Consumer Division may be able to help |
| Power outages | The DPU can point you in the right direction to report an outage and get more information |
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What You'll Learn
Electric utilities in Massachusetts
Eversource was previously known as NSTAR and provides retail electricity and natural gas to 1.4 million customers in Eastern and Central Massachusetts, including the Boston urban area. NSTAR was formed in 1999 by the merger of BEC Energy and Commonwealth Energy System and became a subsidiary of Northeast Utilities in 2012. In 2015, Northeast Utilities and all of its operating companies became one large utility company known as Eversource Energy.
National Grid is another major electric utility in Massachusetts.
Unitil serves approximately 102,500 electric customers and 70,000 natural gas customers in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire. They are committed to providing affordable and sustainable energy solutions and maintaining high-quality distribution systems.
It's important to note that multiple companies might serve one city or town in Massachusetts. If you have questions about what company provides service to your specific location, you can contact your city or town hall for more information.
Additionally, the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) oversees competitive electric supply in Massachusetts. They can assist with issues such as unauthorized changes to your electric supplier, unclear cancellation or early termination fees, and billing problems with competitive rate suppliers.
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Competitive suppliers
If you are a Massachusetts resident and a customer of an electric company, you have the option to purchase "supply products" or electricity from competitive suppliers. An electric utility, such as Eversource (previously NSTAR) or National Grid, delivers electricity, while a competitive supplier supplies electricity.
Electric utilities in Massachusetts do not profit from selling electricity supply. Every six months, your electric utility sets the Fixed Basic Service price for residential customers based on the cost of wholesale electricity. If you do not choose a competitive supplier, you will continue to receive electricity from your electric utility, which is called Fixed Basic Service.
If you are considering buying electricity from a competitive supplier, you should ask the supplier for the following information:
- Price per kWh (price per unit of electricity sold)
- Contract duration
- Whether the contract provides renewable power, and if so, the source (wind, solar, hydroelectric, etc.)
You have three days from receiving your competitive supply contract to cancel without charge or penalty. If you cancel your contract after three days, you can return to Basic Service, but there may be an early termination fee depending on your contract with the competitive supplier.
It is important to note that the Attorney General's Office issued a report in 2018, with updates in 2019 and 2021, finding that Massachusetts customers typically lost money when using competitive electric suppliers. From July 2015 to June 2020, Massachusetts residents on competitive electric supply paid $426 million more than they would have to their utility provider for electricity.
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Fixed Basic Service
In Massachusetts, electricity is delivered by an electric utility company, such as Eversource (formerly NSTAR) or National Grid, and supplied by a competitive supplier. If you do not choose a competitive supplier, you will receive electricity from your electric utility company. This supply is called "Fixed Basic Service".
Residential and small commercial and industrial (C&I) basic service customers have two pricing options: a 6-month fixed-price option, where the price remains constant for 6 months, and a monthly pricing option, where the price changes each month. Electric companies place residential and small C&I basic service customers on the 6-month fixed-price option. Medium and large C&I basic service customers have the choice between a monthly pricing option and a 3-month fixed-price option.
If you are considering buying electricity from a competitive supplier, you should ask the supplier for the price per kWh and whether the contract provides renewable power. If it does, ask for the source of this power. You have three days from receiving your competitive supply contract to cancel without charge or penalty. If you cancel your contract after three days, you can return to Fixed Basic Service, but there may be an early termination fee depending on your contract with the competitive supplier.
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Power outages
Reporting an Outage
If you experience a power outage in Massachusetts, you can visit the Power Outages page on the official Mass.gov website. There, you will find guidance on reporting an outage and the steps to take to get more information from your electric company. The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) can also provide assistance and direct you to the appropriate resources.
Identifying Your Provider
It is important to know which company provides your electricity. In Massachusetts, multiple companies might serve a single city or town. If you are unsure, you can contact your city or town hall to identify your electric service provider. Knowing your provider is crucial for efficient communication and receiving updates during an outage.
Choosing a Supplier
In Massachusetts, you have the option to choose between Fixed Basic Service, provided by your electric utility company (such as Eversource or National Grid), and competitive suppliers. Electric utilities set the Fixed Basic Service price every six months based on their wholesale electricity purchase costs. If you opt for a competitive supplier, be cautious of pushy sales agents and carefully consider the terms, as Massachusetts customers have historically lost money with competitive electric supply options.
Billing and Support
For billing issues or concerns, you can reach out to the Consumer Division for assistance. They may be able to help resolve problems related to your electric service. Additionally, if you encounter issues with a competitive rate supplier, such as unexpected cancellation or early termination fees, you can contact the DPU at their provided phone number.
Preparing for Outages
While we cannot always predict power outages, preparing in advance can make a significant difference in comfort and safety. Stock up on flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food items. Ensure you have a well-stocked first aid kit and any essential medications. Keep a portable power bank charged to power essential devices, and consider investing in a generator for longer outages. During an outage, remember to keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed to maintain the cold temperature and preserve your food for as long as possible.
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Billing issues
If you are facing billing issues with your electric service provider in Massachusetts, there are several options available to you. Firstly, it is important to identify whether you are a customer of an electric company or a competitive supplier. Electric utilities in Massachusetts include Eversource (previously NSTAR) and National Grid, while competitive suppliers are entities that supply electricity separately from your utility.
If you are a customer of an electric company, you can reach out to them directly to discuss any billing issues. You can also contact your city or town hall to identify your electric service provider and seek guidance on resolving billing concerns. Additionally, the Consumer Division of the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) may be able to assist with billing issues and other related matters.
On the other hand, if you are a customer of a competitive supplier, you have specific rights and options available to you. Firstly, you have the right to return to Fixed Basic Service provided by your electric utility if you cancel your contract with the competitive supplier within the first three days, as per the Attorney General's Office (AGO) report. After this initial period, you may still cancel, but there could be an early termination fee, depending on your contract. If you have been charged unexpected cancellation or early termination fees, or you are experiencing billing problems with a competitive supplier, you should contact the DPU at 877-886-5066.
It is worth noting that the AGO has consistently found that Massachusetts customers typically lose money when they purchase electricity from competitive suppliers. Competitive suppliers often charge higher rates than your utility's Fixed Basic Service. Therefore, if you are facing billing issues with a competitive supplier, it may be advisable to consider returning to basic service provided by your electric utility or exploring other options like municipal aggregation or community choice.
Additionally, if you are experiencing financial hardship and are struggling to pay your utility bills, there are assistance programs available. These include the low-income discount rate program and the Arrearage Management Program (AMP), which can help make your bills more manageable or provide opportunities for arrearage forgiveness. If you are a residential customer, payment plans are also available to avoid shut-off and better manage your utility bills.
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Frequently asked questions
Multiple companies might serve one city or town in Massachusetts. To find out which company provides electric service to your location, contact your city or town hall.
You can buy "supply products" (the actual electricity) from a competitive supplier or continue to receive electricity supply from your electric utility. This electricity supply is called "Fixed Basic Service".
Examples of electric utilities in Massachusetts include Eversource (previously NSTAR) and National Grid.
Electric utilities deliver electricity, while competitive suppliers supply the electricity. If you choose to buy electricity from a competitive supplier, you have three days from when you receive your contract to cancel without charge or penalty.
