Average energy rates in Massachusetts
Here’s what you need to know about Massachusetts electricity rates, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA):
- Massachusetts’s current average residential rate is 29.17 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
- Massachusetts’s current average commercial rate is 20.70 cents per kWh.
Massachusetts shifted to a deregulated energy market in 1998 to give residents energy choice. Deregulation creates competition among providers, allowing consumers to shop for the best plan. SaveOnEnergy’s free marketplace takes the guesswork out of shopping for energy plans. Read on to learn more about finding the best Massachusetts electricity plans.
Types of energy plans in Massachusetts
When searching for energy plans in Massachusetts, you’ll find various plan features, rates, and term lengths. Let’s break down a few common plan types you may come across while shopping for energy.
Fixed-rate plans
A fixed-rate plan allows you to lock in your energy rate for the length of your contract, which usually ranges from 12 to 36 months. The good news is that you’ll have more stability in your budget. However, you might have to pay an early cancellation fee if you end your service before your contract is up. Many providers waive this fee if you move outside of the service area.
Variable-rate plans
A variable-rate plan changes according to market conditions. Your rate will fluctuate monthly based on the current energy demand, causing your energy bill to spike in certain months and decrease in others. Because there is no contract, you can switch energy providers anytime without a penalty fee.
No-deposit and prepaid energy plans
Depending on your credit score, you may have to pay a deposit when you sign up for your energy plan. You can avoid a deposit by shopping for a no-deposit plan. One popular type of no-deposit plan is a prepaid energy plan, which allows you to pay for your electricity in advance and refill your account as needed.
Green energy plans
Like many states, Massachusetts has invested heavily in green energy sources, including solar power, wind energy, and hydropower. As a result, Massachusetts residents can easily find competitive and affordable green energy plans.
Understanding deregulation in Massachusetts
Two main players operate in deregulated markets: energy suppliers and utility companies. Knowing how these companies function is important to better understand your options.
Energy suppliers
Energy suppliers are retail electric companies that purchase electricity from power generators and sell it to consumers. Suppliers compete for your business by offering cheap rates and various plan options. They also maintain your account, including usage, billing, and customer service.
Utility companies
Energy customers in Massachusetts don’t have the option to choose which utility company serves their home or business. Instead, utilities are assigned by location. These companies are first on the scene to restore power outages, as they are responsible for maintaining the power grid and transmitting electricity to your home. Massachusetts has three major utilities — Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil. You can purchase electricity directly from your utility in Massachusetts or sign up for a plan from an energy provider.
How to contact your Massachusetts utility company
If you experience a power outage or another interruption to your electricity, you should contact your local utility company, not your energy provider. Here’s how to contact your Massachusetts utility company:
- Call Eversource at 800-592-2000.
- Call National Grid at 1-800-465-1212.
- Call Unitil at 888-301-7700.
Massachusetts price to compare
Utility companies set the baseline rate for electricity, called the price to compare (PTC). If you do not select an electricity supplier, you will be automatically enrolled into a default energy plan from your local utility company. Learn what the current PTC is for each major Massachusetts utility company.
| Utility | Price to Compare (cents per kWh) | Effective
since |
|---|
| National Grid | 16.03 | Nov. 1, 2024 |
| Eversource | 15.77 | Aug. 1, 2024 |
| Unitil | 19.30 | Aug. 1, 2024 |
* These rates will change on January 1, 2025, because utility companies periodically update their price to compare.
Average electricity bill in Massachusetts
Your electricity bill consists of three main components: your electricity rate, the utility delivery charge, and taxes. Massachusetts’s average residential electricity bill is about $164.46 per month, based on the average rate of 29.42 cents per kWh and the typical household usage of 559 kWh per month.
How to find the best energy plan in Massachusetts
Electricity rates fluctuate throughout the year based on the season, energy demand, commodity prices, and other factors. With the SaveOnEnergy marketplace, you can compare today’s electricity rates in Massachusetts to find the best plan for your home or business. Here’s how to get started:
- Enter your ZIP code. You can browse energy plans near you and compare rates from multiple providers.
- Choose the best plan for you. Sign up online in just a few minutes, or call the number on the screen to speak to an energy expert.
- Enjoy your new energy plan. Your new provider will take care of the service transfer. Once the setup is complete, you can relax and enjoy your energy plan.
Solar energy in Massachusetts
Massachusetts ranks in the top 10 states for solar energy generation in the U.S. It also offers state-level solar incentives if you decide to go solar. Explore our resources for solar energy in Massachusetts to find solar installers and incentives near you.
Community solar is a great alternative if you are on the fence about purchasing a solar system. Community solar allows multiple residents in the same area to share the cost of solar power by subscribing to a central solar farm. One community solar facilitator serving Massachusetts is Arcadia — learn more by filling out your ZIP code.
Not sure which energy plan is right for you?
Navigating the deregulated energy market can be confusing. SaveOnEnergy offers expertly written guides explaining each option to help you learn more and choose the right plan. Our library provides everything from how to pick an energy plan to information on energy-saving tips. You can also use the SaveOnEnergy usage calculator to estimate your electricity usage, which can help you choose the right energy plan.