Massachusetts Electricity Ratesand Electric Supply Options

Understand rates, suppliers, local delivery and plan details before comparing electricity options in Massachusetts.

STATE MA

GUIDE Rates + market

COMPARE ZIP + usage

SECTIONS 8

Massachusetts electricity rates should be compared as a complete service decision, not as a single advertised number. The useful questions are who delivers power at the address, whether supply choice is available, what the current default supply option costs, and how a competing contract behaves at the household’s normal usage.

Massachusetts customers may encounter three supply paths: investor-owned utility Basic Service, a licensed competitive supplier, or a municipal aggregation program. Municipal light plant communities operate differently. Because those options have different procurement and consumer implications, the first step is to identify the account’s current supply source rather than compare a statewide headline rate.

LOCATION CHANGES THE MATH

Start with your Massachusetts ZIP code

Rates, utilities and available plans can change by service area. Use your ZIP code as the first local filter.

Electricity market in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a restructured electricity market in which many customers can receive supply through their electric distribution company’s Basic Service, choose a licensed competitive supplier, or participate in a municipal aggregation program. The distribution utility remains responsible for delivery regardless of the supply option. Municipal light plants operate separately and may not follow the same retail-choice structure.

Massachusetts retail choice is not simply a supplier marketplace. Community choice aggregation is widespread, Basic Service remains the default for many investor-owned utility customers, and municipal light plants have separate arrangements. The customer’s town and distribution utility therefore determine which alternatives deserve comparison.

How electricity choice works in Massachusetts

Customers served by investor-owned electric distribution companies can generally stay on Basic Service or evaluate competitive supply and municipal aggregation options where available. The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities licenses competitive suppliers and brokers and maintains Energy Switch Massachusetts for product information. The state Attorney General has repeatedly warned that individual residential competitive supply has often cost consumers more on average, so comparison requires particular care.

The Department of Public Utilities licenses competitive suppliers and approves municipal aggregation plans, while Eversource, National Grid and Unitil continue to provide delivery in their territories. A customer changing supply keeps the same distribution utility. Comparing the current Basic Service or aggregation price with any supplier contract is the relevant starting point.

Utilities and electricity providers in Massachusetts

Major investor-owned electric distribution companies include Eversource, National Grid and Unitil. Each utility has defined territories and provides Basic Service supply for customers who do not use another eligible option. Municipal light plants serve some communities under their own structures. Choosing a competitive supplier does not change the distribution utility, its outage responsibilities or regulated delivery charges.

Eversource, National Grid and Unitil have separate Massachusetts service territories and Basic Service schedules, while municipal light plants serve their own communities. The same competitive supplier product is not necessarily meaningful in every location. Utility and municipality together provide the context needed for an accurate supply comparison.

Electricity rates and what affects your bill

A Massachusetts bill separates delivery-related charges from electricity supply. Basic Service prices change according to utility procurement schedules, while competitive supplier contracts can use different prices and terms. Municipal aggregation programs may provide another benchmark. Compare the supply component only, then account for monthly fees, contract duration, renewal pricing and cancellation provisions. Historical state analyses show that a competitive offer should not be assumed cheaper than Basic Service.

Massachusetts Basic Service prices change on utility procurement schedules, and municipal aggregation prices follow their own contracts. Consumer agencies have repeatedly examined whether individual competitive supply saves residential customers money. Use actual annual kWh consumption and compare the full contract with the current Basic Service or aggregation option before switching.

Fixed, variable and renewable electricity plans

Competitive suppliers can list products with different contract lengths, renewable content and pricing structures. Municipal aggregations may also offer standard and greener supply options. A fixed price can provide short-term predictability, but the renewal price still needs review. Any renewable premium should be weighed against the documented renewable content. Extra services should be valued separately from the electricity price so the shopper can see the true supply cost.

Competitive supplier products may advertise fixed pricing or renewable content, and municipal aggregations often provide several renewable tiers. A fixed price should be evaluated over its exact term and renewal conditions. Renewable claims should be compared by the amount and type of renewable content rather than by product name alone.

A Massachusetts comparison record should state whether the account currently uses Basic Service, aggregation or competitive supply. Save the applicable rate and the alternative contract side by side, including term, cancellation and renewable content. This is especially important because a municipality can change aggregation contracts independently of an individual supplier agreement.

How to compare and choose a Massachusetts electricity plan

Identify whether the account is on Basic Service, municipal aggregation or competitive supply. Find the current supply price on the bill and compare offers on the same kWh basis. Review term, renewal, fees, cancellation and renewable content. Check that the supplier is licensed. Because Massachusetts consumer agencies have documented substantial losses in the individual residential competitive supply market, do not enroll solely because an offer claims savings.

Moving between Massachusetts communities can change the distribution utility, municipal aggregation status or even place the customer in a municipal light plant area. Establish the new service arrangement before selecting supply. At the same address, verify the current contract and aggregation status before authorizing any change.

Moving, switching and consumer considerations

A move can change the distribution utility or place the customer in a community with a different municipal aggregation program. Establish the new delivery account and identify the default supply option before deciding whether to keep or replace a competitive contract. If switching at the same address, review the existing agreement and effective date. Outage response remains with the electric distribution company or municipal utility serving the address.

Massachusetts households can use our guides to supplier and utility roles, variable-rate structures and renewable electricity products when comparing Basic Service, aggregation and competitive supply.

Frequently asked questions

What is Basic Service in Massachusetts?

Basic Service is electricity supply procured by the investor-owned electric distribution company for customers who do not use another eligible supply option.

Can Massachusetts residents choose a competitive electricity supplier?

Many customers of investor-owned utilities can choose a licensed competitive supplier, while municipal light plant customers may have different arrangements.

What is municipal aggregation?

A city or town can procure electricity supply for participating residents through an approved community program, often with its own price and renewable options.

Is a competitive supplier always cheaper than Basic Service?

No. Massachusetts consumer agencies have reported that individual residential competitive supply has often cost more on average, so compare the full contract carefully.