BOSTON –– Electric utility rates for most Massachusetts customers will increase on August 1, rising from $13.4 to $14.8 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) in Eversource’s service territory and from $14.7 to $15.4 cents/kWh in National Grid territory. Unitil, which serves electric customers in just four Massachusetts municipalities, is the only utility in the state that will reduce its rates this summer.
As the summer heat continues and air conditioner usage remains in high demand, consumers can expect to see increases in their August electric bill. The new rate term will last through the end of January, impacting the first half of the upcoming winter heating season as well. Aside from adjusting the thermostat and using less electricity, the easiest way consumers can reduce their electric costs is by shopping for a retail electric supply product that is priced less than the utility rate.
In Massachusetts, customers can shop for the supply portion of their electric bill. More than 400,000 Massachusetts residents shop for their electricity individually to earn better rates, receive 100% renewable energy or enroll in a plan that is conducive to their lifestyle. Another roughly 1 million residents are enrolled in municipal aggregation plans, in which municipalities bundle their residents into a single plan served by a competitive supplier.
In July, the state’s electric supply shopping website (www.energyswitchma.gov) listed 58 fixed-rate offers from competitive energy suppliers that were less than the standard supply rate offered by utility companies — even before the August rate increases. The average July rate for competitive energy supply offers was 12.24 cents/kWh, while the average July utility rate was 13.72 cents/kWh. Customers who shop for the lowest competitive energy supply offer can save up to 20 percent on their electric bill. For a residential customer who uses 1,000 kWh of electricity a month, their potential monthly savings could be up more than $30.
More than 5,000 customers across the state have spoken out publicly about the benefits of the competitive electric market.
“With the rising costs of energy to heat and cool in New England, being able to find the best price is essential,” said Lorraine Merrick of Yarmouth.
“I have for years chosen energy suppliers; I am on a fixed income and this has helped out a great deal,” said Kathy Daigneau of Agawam.
“I cannot afford electricity through National Grid! My competitive supplier provides a rate that I can afford while providing a roof over my family and putting food on the table,” said Isabelle Parker of Athol. “If I am forced to go with National Grid then I will struggle to provide other life necessities to my family.”
“My choice of an alternative energy source is saving me about $200 a month,” said Elizabeth Brown of West Bridgewater. “A difference much appreciated by this 85-year-old widow.”
“I am extremely happy with my choice of electricity supplier, and have been with them many years with absolutely NO complaints!” said Christine Woynar of Orange. “I love that everyone has the option to choose and not be locked into the overpriced major companies.”
A total of 245 competitive electric supply offers were available in July. Customers had 109 100% green energy supply offers to choose from.
This monthly rate summary analysis can be found here. Massachusetts residents can review offers from competitive energy suppliers using the state shopping website EnergySwitchMA.gov. View a guide to shopping here.
Data for this analysis is sourced from Massachusetts’ state-managed energy shopping website, EnergySwitchMA.gov.
