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Find Your Massachusetts Utility Account Number & Required Fields

Massachusetts utilities require additional information beyond your account number. Here's exactly what you need to find for Eversource and National Grid.

Massachusetts Requires Additional Fields

Unlike other states, Massachusetts utilities require more than just your account number to switch suppliers. You'll need different combinations of fields depending on your utility:

Eversource: Account Number + Name Key + POD ID (Reference Number)

National Grid (Worcester): Account Number + Name Key

National Grid (Nantucket): Account Number only

Quick Reference by Utility

Eversource (Boston, Cambridge, Springfield)

• Account Number: 11 digits

• Name Key: 2-4 characters (usually last name initials)

• POD ID: Letter + 5-8 digits OR 7-9 digits

National Grid (Worcester, Lowell)

• Account Number: 10 digits

• Name Key: 2-4 characters (usually last name initials)

National Grid (Nantucket)

• Account Number: 10 digits only

What is a "Name Key"?

Understanding this required Massachusetts field

Name Key Explained

The Name Key is a 2-4 character code that utilities use to verify your identity. It's typically based on the first few letters or initials of the account holder's last name.

Examples

• Last name "Smith" → Name Key might be "SMIT" or "SM"

• Last name "Johnson" → Name Key might be "JOHN" or "JO"

• Last name "Lee" → Name Key might be "LEE" or "LE"

Important: Your exact Name Key is shown on your electric bill. Don't guess - always use the exact value from your bill.

Where to Find Your Name Key

On your electric bill near account number

May be labeled "Name Key" or "Key"

Usually 2-4 uppercase letters

Sometimes near customer information section

What is a "POD ID" (Reference Number)?

Required only for Eversource customers

POD ID Explained

The POD ID (Point of Delivery ID), also called Reference Number, is a unique identifier for your physical service location. Think of it as your electricity meter's address in the utility's system.

Accepted Formats

• Format 1: One letter followed by 5-8 digits (e.g., A1234567, B12345)

• Format 2: 7-9 digits only (e.g., 1234567, 123456789)

Eversource customers only: This field is required for Eversource but NOT required for National Grid customers.

Where to Find Your POD ID

On your Eversource bill

May be labeled "POD ID" or "Reference Number"

Usually near meter information

Different from your account number

Method 1 - Check Your Electric Bill

Most reliable method - all required information is on your bill

What to Look For on Your Bill

All Customers Need

Account Number: Usually top-right corner (10-11 digits)

Eversource Customers Also Need

Name Key: 2-4 characters (near account info)

POD ID: Letter + digits or 7-9 digits (near meter info)

National Grid Worcester Customers Also Need

Name Key: 2-4 characters (near account info)

National Grid Nantucket Customers

Account Number only - No additional fields required

MASSACHUSETTS UTILITY COMPANY

Amount due: $156.28

Bill date: October 15, 2024

Account #: 12345678905

Name Key: SMIT

POD ID: A1234567

JANE SMITH

789 COMMONWEALTH AVE

BOSTON, MA 02108

Method 2 - Online Account Dashboard

Log into your utility's website to view your account details

Eversource

• Visit eversource.com

• Select Massachusetts from state dropdown

• Click "Sign In" or "My Account"

• Account number shows on dashboard

• Look for Name Key and POD ID in account details

National Grid

• Visit ngrid.com

• Choose Massachusetts service area

• Sign into your account

• Account number displays on overview

• Name Key (Worcester only) shown in account details

Method 3 - Mobile Apps

Download your utility's official mobile app

Available Apps

• Eversource:

"Eversource Energy" app - All required fields visible in account section

• National Grid:

"National Grid US" app - Account number and Name Key (if required) in account details

Method 4 - Call Customer Service

When all else fails, call your utility directly

Eversource

1-800-592-2000

National Grid

1-800-322-3223

When Calling

• Have your Social Security number ready

• Provide your service address

• Ask specifically for your "account number" AND any required fields for supplier switching

• Mention you need the "Name Key" (Eversource & National Grid Worcester)

• Mention you need the "POD ID" or "Reference Number" (Eversource only)

Common Issues & Solutions

Missing Name Key or POD ID

If you can't find these fields on your bill, call your utility's customer service. They can provide these values over the phone after verifying your identity.

Can't Find Required Fields on Bill

Look for alternative labels: Name Key might be labeled just "Key", and POD ID might be "Reference Number", "Service Point ID", or "Delivery Point ID".

Don't Confuse With Meter Number

Your meter number is different from your account number, Name Key, and POD ID. The meter number is usually on your physical electric meter.

New Customer / Just Moved

If you just moved or are a new customer, you'll need your first bill before you can switch suppliers. This usually arrives 30-45 days after service starts.

Digital Bills

Check your email for digital bills, or search for emails from your utility company. All required fields will be in the same locations as paper bills.

Which Utility Am I With?

Not sure if you're Eversource or National Grid? Check the top of your bill for the utility company logo and name. Your ZIP code can also help: Eversource serves Boston, Cambridge, Springfield areas; National Grid serves Worcester, Lowell, and Nantucket.