Massachusetts Electric Rates Are Increasing. Tips to Shop for Electricity.

Massachusetts electric utility rates are increasing on August 1. 

The supply rate on electric bills will increase between 11% and 16% depending on who your utility company is. 

As utilities once again increase rates, it further underscores the need for consumers to have the ability to shop for more affordable options.

In some service territories, shoppers could save up to $50 a month if they are using 1,000 kWh of electricity. Recent heat waves have Bay Staters using more power as air conditioning units are running overtime. This is already causing bills to increase. The rate hike will make bills jump even higher.

Here are a few tips for shopping that can help you reduce electricity costs –– share these tips with family and friends to help them save too! For those less familiar with shopping for their electricity, here’s a link to a shopping guide that will walk you through how to shop.

• The state shopping website, managed by the Public Service Commission, is a great resource for comparing utility rates and product options. By visiting the website and entering your zip code, you can shop for products offered in your area.

• Locking in a retail supply offer can protect consumers from unexpected cost adjustments passed down by utilities. Shopping for a fixed rate also helps prevent any price adjustment during your contract term. 

• If you are looking for better price certainty over an extended period of time, you can search for competitive supply offers that last up to 36 months. 

• When comparing offers, take note of any additional fees such as monthly charges or enrollment or cancellation fees.

• Know what you want to shop for. Some consumers prefer to shop for the lowest price. Other consumers prefer to shop for specific renewable energy products. Consumers sometimes find 100% renewable energy products that are less than the basic utility service, which only has to meet a 69% renewable energy requirement.

• Be mindful of when your offer expires and what your contract terms are. If you stay with a supplier through the length of your contract, you can shop for another supplier, negotiate directly with the supplier for a new offer, or request to return to your basic utility service or a municipal program if available. Having a choice gives you options.

To shop for electricity, visit EnergySwitchMA.gov.

For information, about rate changes visit Mass.gov.

To learn more about how to support energy choice in Massachusetts, click here.