BOSTON –– Energy customers who shop for their electricity took to the halls of the State House Wednesday to share the benefits they receive from shopping for their electric supplier. In meetings with lawmakers, these shoppers –– who traveled from across the state –– provided examples of positive shopping experiences that rewarded them with significant cost savings. As Governor Healey rolls out her affordable energy initiative amid rising utility rates, the energy shoppers reminded lawmakers of the choices energy users have that can immediately save them money.
Energy shoppers at Massachusetts State House, left to right, David Miller (Jamaica Plain), Larry Cole (Weymouth), and Mike Lucarelli (Upton).
“I have been selecting the best electric rate from a range of suppliers for the past 10 years and saved quite a bit of money,” said Gerard Ventola of Quincy. “Without the ability to shop for the lowest electric rate, it would be a disaster for me. I’m retired and on a fixed income and need to save on my utility expenses whenever and wherever I can.”
“I wanted cleaner energy and found it by shopping on the state’s energy shopping website,” said Larry Cole of Weymouth, an electricity shopper for nearly four years. “Even with a 100 percent renewable energy product, the rate I locked in with my supplier is still less than the current rate of the basic product my utility company is offering.”
With shopping totes in hand, full of educational materials to share with constituents of legislators, the shoppers also delivered a petition and quotes on behalf of more than 5,000 residents statewide asking legislators to protect their energy choices and oppose proposed legislation (Senate Bill 2255, Sen. Brendan Crighton and House Bill 3534, Rep. Frank Moran) that would take away the ability for residential customers to shop for the one item on their electric bill they have the option to change.
In meetings with lawmakers, a common theme of dissatisfaction with what utility companies offered customers was emphasized by the energy choice advocates. While many customers shop for value-added products such as 100% renewable energy, one of the biggest reasons customers say they shop is for savings.
“Energy bills hit wallets hard this winter, but the testimonials we heard today demonstrate how shopping for electric supply can help control monthly household spend,” said Chris Ercoli, the president and CEO of the Retail Energy Advancement League. “Educating more consumers about how to shop for their electricity –– as we see other states do –– is an initiative that can immediately help drive savings back to Massachusetts energy customers.”
A recent analysis of electric rate state averages revealed energy customers who shop and use 1,000 kilowatt hours a month could have saved $300 –– or $50 a month –– from August through January when compared to the average rate of all seven utility companies during that time.
“Eliminating competitive electric supply options for residential customers eliminates the potential to lower costs and facilitate cleaner energy options in a cost-effective manner. This is important now more than ever as utility bills in Massachusetts are among the highest in the country” said State Senator Patrick M. O’Connor (R-Weymouth.) “Retail competition offers customers lower supply rates and the freedom to choose an energy option that is best for them. The competitive market is healthy for the economy, and by implementing strategies that would hold these energy suppliers accountable, it would benefit not just the consumers, but the grid, and the environment.”
“Protecting consumer choice within the retail supply market is crucial, especially given the unpredictable nature of utility rates. Cementing key regulations will result in more accountability for suppliers and make it more challenging for predatory companies to enter the marketplace,” said State Representative Tackey Chan (D-Quincy). “Consumer-oriented laws can protect against unsavory practices, while those wishing to shop for their own electricity can continue to benefit from savings and choose to utilize renewable energy that is better for the environment. I appreciate the efforts of consumers and advocates to ensure the market works for everyone.”
The competitive energy market could be improved by enhancing the customer shopping experience and adding new safeguards to protect inexperienced shoppers. During this year’s legislative session, the Retail Energy Advancement League (REAL) is advocating for House Bill 3459 and Senate Bill 2311, sponsored by Rep. Tackey Chan and Sen. Patrick O’Conner, to modernize competitive energy supply.
More than 400,000 Massachusetts residents shop for their electricity to earn better rates, receive 100% renewable energy or enroll in a plan that is conducive to their lifestyle.
A comparison of March electric utility rates vs. the lowest fixed rate competitive supply offer revealed that customers who use 1,000 kilowatt hours a month could be saving between $8-27 if they shopped for the lowest rate available.
Energy customers interested in learning how to shop can learn more from REAL’s shopping guide.
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