Energy guides and electricity savings resources - ElectricRates.org blog
20 guides

Massachusetts Energy

Navigate Massachusetts electricity choice with confidence. MA DPU licenses 30+ competitive suppliers serving Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil territories. Massachusetts residential rate: 31.4¢/kWh (EIA 2026). Compare Basic Service rates on ElectricRates.org. Call MA DPU at 617-305-3500.

National Grid Heat Pump Rate in Massachusetts (2026)
Massachusetts Energy

National Grid Heat Pump Rate in Massachusetts (2026)

National Grid's heat pump rate program gives qualifying Massachusetts customers a reduced per-kWh price during off-peak hours, helping offset the higher electricity demand a heat pump adds to a home. Understanding how the rate stacks up against Basic Service and competitive suppliers can make a real difference on a winter bill.

Aug 68 min
Mass Electric Providers: Your 2026 Comparison Guide
Massachusetts Energy

Mass Electric Providers: Your 2026 Comparison Guide

Most Massachusetts households pay their utility's Basic Service rate by default, but competitive suppliers licensed by the state can offer lower prices. As of August 2026, the lowest available competitive rate in the state sits around 15.1 cents/kWh, compared to roughly 17.2–17.3 cents on Basic Service.

Aug 58 min
Power Companies in Massachusetts (2026 Guide)
Massachusetts Energy

Power Companies in Massachusetts (2026 Guide)

Two utilities, Eversource and National Grid, deliver electricity to virtually every Massachusetts household. Knowing which one serves your address is the first step to understanding your bill and finding a competitive rate as low as 15.1 cents/kWh as of August 2026.

Aug 36 min
Average Electric Bill in Massachusetts (2026)
Massachusetts Energy

Average Electric Bill in Massachusetts (2026)

The average Massachusetts household spends more on electricity than most Americans, driven by some of the highest default supply rates in New England. As of August 2026, Eversource customers pay roughly 17.3 cents per kilowatt-hour for Basic Service, while National Grid sits just under that at 17.2 cents, but competitive suppliers are offering rates as low as 15.1 cents in some territories.

Aug 28 min
How to Report a National Grid Outage in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Energy

How to Report a National Grid Outage in Massachusetts

Reporting a National Grid outage in Massachusetts takes less than two minutes, but knowing the right channel speeds up crew dispatch. This guide covers the phone line, online portal, outage map, and what to do while you wait.

Aug 28 min
National Grid Rate Increases in Massachusetts (2026)
Massachusetts Energy

National Grid Rate Increases in Massachusetts (2026)

National Grid's default supply rate in Massachusetts reached approximately 15.4 cents/kWh as of July 2026, leaving many customers asking why their bill keeps rising. Basic Service rates reset on a set schedule, and each reset reflects wholesale market conditions that have been running hot. Switching to a competitive supplier or auditing your usage are the two fastest ways to fight back.

Jul 307 min
Start Service with National Grid in Massachusetts (2026)
Massachusetts Energy

Start Service with National Grid in Massachusetts (2026)

Starting electric service with National Grid in Massachusetts takes about 15 minutes online, but the decisions you make at sign-up can affect what you pay for months. Here's a clear walkthrough of the process, the default Basic Service rate you'll land on, and when it's worth comparing suppliers before your first bill arrives.

Jul 307 min
SmartEnergy Reviews: Massachusetts Rates & Facts (2026)
Massachusetts Energy

SmartEnergy Reviews: Massachusetts Rates & Facts (2026)

SmartEnergy Holdings operates as a competitive supplier in Massachusetts, offering rates that may undercut utility Basic Service, but the details matter. As of July 2026, the lowest competitive supplier rate in the state sits around 15.1 cents/kWh, versus roughly 15.6 cents/kWh on Eversource and 15.4 cents/kWh on National Grid. Shoppers should compare carefully before signing anything.

Jul 267 min
REC Credits Explained for Massachusetts Shoppers
Massachusetts Energy

REC Credits Explained for Massachusetts Shoppers

A renewable energy certificate (REC) represents one megawatt-hour of electricity generated from a renewable source, and Massachusetts electricity shoppers encounter them constantly without always knowing what they mean. Understanding what a REC credit actually is helps you evaluate supplier offers more honestly and avoid paying a premium for something you may already be getting.

Jul 207 min
NStar Electric Is Now Eversource: What Changed
Massachusetts Energy

NStar Electric Is Now Eversource: What Changed

NStar Electric no longer exists as a separate brand. The utility rebranded to Eversource in 2015, but the service territory, billing structure, and Massachusetts DPU oversight all stayed the same. If you're searching for NStar, you're already an Eversource customer.

Jul 207 min
Mass Save Program Guide: Rebates & Savings in 2026
Massachusetts Energy

Mass Save Program Guide: Rebates & Savings in 2026

Mass Save is Massachusetts' statewide energy efficiency program, offering free home energy assessments, generous rebates on insulation and heat pumps, and zero-interest financing. Homeowners who combine Mass Save upgrades with a lower competitive electricity rate can cut their energy costs significantly.

Jul 158 min
Massachusetts Electricity Rates: What You Pay in 2026
Massachusetts Energy

Massachusetts Electricity Rates: What You Pay in 2026

Massachusetts electricity rates sit among the highest in the nation, but a competitive supplier market gives residents a real shot at paying less. As of July 2026, National Grid's Basic Service rate is about 15.4 cents/kWh and Eversource's is about 15.6 cents/kWh, while the lowest competitive offers in the state dip to around 12.4 cents/kWh.

Jul 137 min
Massachusetts Electricity Choice: Compare & Switch
Massachusetts Energy

Massachusetts Electricity Choice: Compare & Switch

Massachusetts deregulated electricity in 1997—but most switchers paid more than Basic Service (per MA Attorney General data). Eversource and National Grid customers can choose suppliers, but you need to compare carefully. Use ElectricRates.org to find real savings.

Jan 257 min
MA DPU Consumer Protection: Massachusetts Utility Guide
Massachusetts Energy

MA DPU Consumer Protection: Massachusetts Utility Guide

The Massachusetts DPU licenses competitive suppliers and handles complaints at 617-305-3500. They regulate Eversource and National Grid, and enforce consumer protections. File complaints online at mass.gov/dpu or verify any supplier's license before signing.

Feb 1511 min
Massachusetts Basic Service vs Competitive Suppliers Guide
Massachusetts Energy

Massachusetts Basic Service vs Competitive Suppliers Guide

MA Attorney General data: competitive supply customers lost $73.7 million vs Basic Service in one year. Eversource and National Grid Basic Service rates update every 6 months and often beat supplier offers. Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) programs may offer better value. Compare on ElectricRates.org.

Mar 811 min
Eversource Massachusetts: Boston Electric Service & Rates
Massachusetts Energy

Eversource Massachusetts: Boston Electric Service & Rates

Eversource serves 1.4 million customers in Boston, Cambridge, Springfield, and eastern/western MA. Their Basic Service rate updates every 6 months via MA DPU. Before switching to a competitive supplier, compare against Basic Service—AG data shows most switchers pay more. Check rates on ElectricRates.org.

Jan 1711 min
National Grid Massachusetts: Worcester Electric Rates Guide
Massachusetts Energy

National Grid Massachusetts: Worcester Electric Rates Guide

National Grid serves 1.3 million customers in Worcester, the Merrimack Valley, and the North Shore. Their Basic Service rate updates every 6 months via MA DPU—often beating competitive supplier offers. Many towns offer Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) as an alternative. Compare all options on ElectricRates.org.

Jan 1711 min
Boston Electricity Rates: Eversource Service & Choice Guide
Massachusetts Energy

Boston Electricity Rates: Eversource Service & Choice Guide

Boston electricity is delivered by Eversource with three supply options: Basic Service (updated every 6 months), Boston Community Choice Electricity (BCCE), or competitive suppliers. BCCE offers 100% renewable energy at competitive rates. Compare all Boston options on ElectricRates.org before switching.

Dec 611 min

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