Consumer Advocate · 7+ years in energy markets
Energy market veteran focused on making electricity shopping simple and transparent.
How We Ensure Accuracy
Since 2009, the team at ElectricRates.org has helped over 5 million energy consumers find better electricity rates. Supplier information comes from state regulators, company filings, and documented customer feedback. Read the editorial standards & see our methodology.
Massachusetts Electricity Market at a Glance
Important: Compare Before Switching
Massachusetts Attorney General research found consumers paid $651 million more between 2015-2024 by choosing competitive suppliers vs. Basic Service. This doesn't mean all suppliers are bad—but always compare to your utility's current Basic Service rate before signing.
What "electricity choice" means in Massachusetts
Massachusetts deregulated electricity in 1997. Here's what you need to know:
- Basic Service is always available. Your utility's default rate changes every 6 months (Feb/Aug for Eversource, Jan/Jul for National Grid).
- Municipal aggregation may apply. 167 of 351 MA municipalities have opted for group rates. Check if you're enrolled.
- 3-day rescission right. Massachusetts law lets you cancel any new contract within 3 business days without penalty.
- All suppliers must be MA DPU-licensed. This ensures basic consumer protections.
Suppliers by situation
Consider Basic Service first: In Massachusetts, your utility's Basic Service rate changes every 6 months and can often be competitive with or better than supplier rates. Check EnergySwitchMA.gov to compare current rates.
Try before committing
One supplier lets you cancel within 90 days with no penalty.
Constellation has a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. After that, ETF is $100-150. Green energy
Some suppliers offer renewable energy plans. But watch the fine print on variable rates.
Clearview Energy has green plans. Read the variable rate terms carefully. Confirmed Massachusetts Suppliers
| Supplier | Min term | Monthly fee | Cancel fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constellation | 12 months | $0 | $100-150 | 90-day trial |
| Clearview | 1 month | See plan | See contract | Green plans |
Rates and terms change. Always compare to your utility's Basic Service rate before signing.
Available Through This Platform
Enroll directly and compare real-time rates
AP Gas & Electric
Short contracts, no monthly fees
Contract Details
Positive Notes
- + Short-term contracts (4-12 months) for flexibility
- + BBB A+ rating and accredited since 2018
- + Fixed rates lock in your price during contract
- + Some customers report easy enrollment process
Watch Out For
- ! Rates may increase significantly after contract expires—set a reminder
- ! 38 BBB complaints in past 3 years (24 in past 12 months)
- ! Mixed reviews: 1.9-2.3 stars on energy rating sites
- ! Some reports of long customer service hold times
Available Plans
Clearview Energy
Green plans and EV perks—but read the fine print carefully
Contract Details
Positive Notes
- + BBB A+ rating and accredited since 2011
- + Actual green energy plans (not just offsets)
- + Perks for EV owners on some plans
- + Fixed-rate options available 6-24 months
Watch Out For
- ! Fined $500,000 by Connecticut and banned for 6 years (2021) over billing violations
- ! BBB customer reviews: 1 out of 5 stars (44 reviews)
- ! 63 BBB complaints in past 3 years, 11 in past 12 months
- ! Variable rates can spike dramatically—bills reported jumping 4x after contract ends
- ! Reports of rates charged different from contract price
Available Plans
Constellation
90 days to cancel, no questions asked
Contract Details
Positive Notes
- + 90-day satisfaction guarantee—cancel without ETF during this period
- + Been around since 1999, one of the largest retail suppliers
- + OH Energy Ratings: 4.47/5 (Top Provider designation)
- + BBB A+ rating and accredited since 2013
Watch Out For
- ! $100-150 ETF kicks in after day 90
- ! BBB customer reviews: 1.14/5 stars (75 complaints in 3 years)
- ! 90-day guarantee NOT valid in Texas, CT, or IL
- ! Some complaints about rates higher than expected
Available Plans
Santanna Energy
Employee-owned, been around since 1988
Contract Details
Positive Notes
- + 100% employee-owned (no outside shareholders)
- + 37+ years in business since 1988
- + BBB A+ rating and accredited since 2009
- + 90-day trial on some plans
Watch Out For
- ! Some plans have a $9.99/month admin fee
- ! BBB customer reviews: 1.44/5 stars despite A+ rating
- ! Aggressive door-to-door sales tactics reported (targeting young consumers)
- ! Complaints about salespeople misrepresenting affiliation with local utilities
- ! Reports of renewal rates jumping 200-300% over market rate
Available Plans
WGL Energy
AltaGas-backed, 25+ years in Mid-Atlantic energy
Contract Details
Positive Notes
- + BBB A+ rating and accredited since 2012
- + AltaGas-backed with 100,000+ electricity customers
- + 25+ year track record in Mid-Atlantic energy
- + Can bundle electricity and gas from one company
Watch Out For
- ! PissedConsumer rating: 1.6/5 stars (48 reviews)
- ! Some complaints about aggressive telemarketing (36 calls in 5 weeks reported)
- ! Reports of rates not matching promised savings
- ! MD Energy Ratings: 1.0/5 average score
Available Plans
Other Massachusetts Suppliers
Not available through this platform - contact directly
Energy Harbor
Nuclear power, often competitive rates
Contract Details
Positive Notes
- + BBB A+ rating with 4.46/5 customer reviews (317 reviews)
- + Nuclear power = carbon-free electricity
- + Ohio-based, serving ~1 million customers
- + Competitive rates especially through municipal aggregation
Watch Out For
- ! Can't sign up through us—contact directly or via aggregation
- ! Connected to House Bill 6 bribery scandal ($43M+ in alleged bribes)
- ! Emerged from FirstEnergy Solutions bankruptcy (2020)
- ! Some reports of customers switched without consent via "sweeps"
- ! 45 BBB complaints in 3 years
Public Power
Simple fixed rates, Vistra-owned
Contract Details
Positive Notes
- + BBB A+ rating with ZERO complaints in 3 years
- + Vistra backing (Fortune 500 power company)
- + 17 years in business, serving 200,000+ customers
- + Simple fixed-rate plans, no hidden fees
Watch Out For
- ! Can't sign up through us—contact directly
- ! $50 early termination fee in PA (may vary by state)
- ! Some Yelp reviews mention high prices vs utility
Direct Energy
Big name, BBB D- rating, aggressive door-to-door sales
Contract Details
Positive Notes
- + 41 years in business—one of the oldest retail energy suppliers
- + Wide variety of plan options (fixed, variable, green, rewards)
- + Free nights and weekends plans available in some markets
- + Online account management and smart home integrations
Watch Out For
- ! BBB rating: D- (NOT accredited)
- ! 136 BBB complaints in past 3 years, 30 in past 12 months
- ! BBB customer reviews: 1.02/5 stars (84 reviews)
- ! Cancellation fees up to $295 depending on plan
- ! Door-to-door sales complaints: customers signed up without consent
- ! Reports of accounts changed without proper authorization
- ! Pattern of complaints about rate increases and unexpected charges
Massachusetts utilities
Pro Tips for Massachusetts Electricity Shoppers
Your utility's Basic Service rate changes every 6 months (Feb/Aug for Eversource, Jan/Jul for National Grid). Many supplier rates don't beat it.
167 of 351 MA municipalities have group energy programs. If you're enrolled, you may already have a competitive rate.
Variable rates can increase significantly based on market conditions. Check rate change notification terms in your contract.
Massachusetts law lets you cancel any new contract within 3 business days without penalty.
The state's official comparison tool shows all licensed suppliers and current rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Basic Service in Massachusetts?
Basic Service is your utility's default electricity supply. The rate changes every 6 months - February and August for Eversource customers, January and July for National Grid. You're never locked in and can switch anytime. Research shows many customers do just as well or better on Basic Service than with competitive suppliers.
What is municipal aggregation in Massachusetts?
Municipal aggregation is when your city or town negotiates a group electricity rate for all residents. 167 of 351 MA municipalities have these programs, serving 46% of households. You're automatically enrolled unless you opt out. Check with your town to see if you're in a municipal aggregation program.
Can I cancel a supplier contract in Massachusetts?
Yes. Massachusetts law gives you 3 business days to cancel any new supplier contract without penalty (rescission period). After that, you may face early termination fees depending on your contract. Basic Service and municipal aggregation have no cancellation fees.
Why are Massachusetts electricity rates so high?
Massachusetts has the 3rd highest electricity rates in the US (30.41¢/kWh average). Contributing factors include: reliance on natural gas generation, aging infrastructure, high RPS (renewable) requirements (63.3% for 2026), and transmission costs for a geographically isolated grid.
Should I switch from Basic Service to a competitive supplier?
Not necessarily. Massachusetts Attorney General research found consumers paid $651 million more over 9 years by choosing competitive suppliers vs. Basic Service. However, if you want a fixed rate, green energy, or find a supplier genuinely beating Basic Service rates, switching can make sense. Always compare current rates before deciding.
How We Evaluate Suppliers
Information is gathered from multiple verified sources including EnergySwitchMA, BBB profiles, MA DPU records, and company websites. This guide reports factual information including:
- Contract terms - Rate ranges, term lengths, early termination fees
- Monthly fees - Any recurring charges beyond the per-kWh rate
- Red flags - Documented issues from customer complaints or regulatory records
- Company background - Ownership, headquarters, years in business
Verify supplier licensing: MA DPU licensed supplier list
Disclosure: ElectricRates.org may receive compensation when you enroll through this platform. This does not affect which suppliers are featured or their rates.
These are factual comparisons organized by customer needs. The electricity product is identical across all suppliers - what varies is price and contract terms.
Last updated: December 2025. Rates and terms change frequently. Always verify current rates before signing up.
Basic Service rates change every 6 months • Compare before the next reset
See If You Can Beat Basic Service
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