Eversource Massachusetts Complete Guide to Boston Electricity Rates, Service Area, and Energy Choice

Eversource is the largest electric utility in Massachusetts, serving approximately 1.4 million electric customers across eastern and western regions. Company history:

• Formed through merger of NSTAR (Boston Edison) and Northeast Utilities
• Consolidated several historic New England utilities under one name

How Eversource works:

• Operates as a distribution utility
• Delivers electricity through power lines and substations
• Does not generate the power itself

Your supply options:

• Basic Service – Default option from Eversource
• Competitive suppliers – Licensed by MA DPU

Eversource also provides natural gas service in parts of its territory.

Eversource operates two distinct service territories in Massachusetts. Eastern Massachusetts (formerly NSTAR/Boston Edison):

• Greater Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Quincy
• Communities south through Plymouth and Cape Cod
• Extends north to New Hampshire border

Western Massachusetts (formerly WMECO):

• Springfield, Chicopee, Westfield, Greenfield
• Connecticut River Valley communities

💡 Important: These two territories maintain separate Basic Service rates due to different wholesale procurement schedules and costs. Both territories participate in Massachusetts electricity choice—select competitive suppliers while Eversource handles delivery.

Eversource Basic Service is the default electricity supply for customers who don't choose a competitive supplier. Current rates (as of August 2025):

• Eastern Massachusetts: 14.884¢/kWh (12.3% increase from 13.241¢)
• Western Massachusetts: ~13.49¢/kWh

Rate update schedule:

• Changes twice yearly – typically February and August
• Reflects wholesale electricity procurement costs
• Eversource passes through costs without markup or profit

What Basic Service includes:

• Generation costs
• Transmission charges
• Regulatory compliance costs

💡 Note: Delivery charges (power lines, grid maintenance) are billed separately regardless of supply choice.

Eversource Basic Service rates fluctuate based on wholesale electricity market conditions in ISO New England, the regional grid operator. How rates are set:

• Purchases electricity through competitive auctions every six months
• Passes actual costs to customers without profit

Key factors affecting rates:

• Natural gas prices – Fuels many New England power plants
• Seasonal demand patterns
• Transmission constraints
• Renewable energy compliance costs

⚠️ Winter rates typically higher – Heating demand competes with electricity generation for natural gas supplies. The August 2025 rate increase reflected higher wholesale market prices during the procurement period. Understanding this pass-through model helps explain why competitive suppliers may not always offer lower rates than Basic Service.

Massachusetts electricity choice allows Eversource customers to purchase generation from competitive suppliers licensed by the DPU. How ElectricRates.org helps:

• Compares rates from all DPU-licensed suppliers
• Shows only plans that offer real savings
• Massachusetts customers save an average of $521/year*

Contract types available:

• Fixed rates – Price stability
• Variable rates – May fluctuate monthly
• Green energy plans – Renewable options

⚠️ Important: MA Attorney General data shows many residential customers pay more with competitive suppliers than Basic Service. Carefully compare offers and use tools like ElectricRates.org that calculate actual savings potential. ✅ You can return to Basic Service anytime without penalty.

Many Massachusetts communities offer municipal aggregation programs (Community Choice Aggregation or CCA) that negotiate bulk electricity rates for residents. CCA by the numbers:

• Over 150 Massachusetts municipalities have approved aggregation programs

How it works:

• Automatically enrolls eligible Eversource customers into competitively-bid contracts
• Often secures rates below both Basic Service and individual competitive supplier offers
• Many include higher renewable energy content than required by state standards

Your rights:

• Receive opt-out notifications before automatic enrollment
• Can leave anytime to choose your own supplier or return to Basic Service

📞 Check with your city or town clerk to see if your community participates.

Eversource bills separate charges into supply and delivery components. Supply charges:

• Cover electricity generation
• Either Basic Service or competitive supplier rate

Delivery charges (you always pay these):

• Power lines, substations, transformers
• Meter reading

Other bill components:

• Customer charge – Fixed monthly fee
• Transmission charges – High-voltage line costs for moving power across New England
• Adjustments – Energy efficiency programs, renewable compliance, storm recovery

How competitive supply works on your bill:

• Supplier charges replace Eversource supply charges
• Delivery charges remain unchanged
• Eversource continues sending consolidated bills

Your bill shows usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

Eversource handles all power outages regardless of your electricity supplier. Report outages:

• Online at Eversource.com
• Eversource mobile app
• 📞 Call 1-800-592-2000

Outage map features:

• Affected areas displayed
• Estimated restoration times
• Crew locations

Grid reliability investments:

• Vegetation management
• Equipment upgrades
• Undergrounding vulnerable lines
• Mutual aid coordination with other New England utilities for major storms

💡 Important: Your supplier choice never affects outage response—Eversource crews respond equally to all customers. 🚨 Emergency: Downed power lines require immediate reporting for safety prioritization.

Eversource offers programs for customers struggling with electricity bills. Assistance programs:

• LIHEAP – Federally-funded bill payment assistance through MA DHCD
• Discount Rate – 25-32% discount on delivery charges for income-eligible customers
• Arrearage Management Program (AMP) – Monthly credits to pay down past-due balances
• Budget Billing – Spreads annual costs into predictable equal monthly payments

Get help:

• 📞 Call customer service: 1-800-592-2000
• Payment plans and extensions available

Winter protection:

• Massachusetts prevents disconnection November 15 – March 15 for customers demonstrating financial hardship
• Medical protection certificates available for households with serious illness

Beyond comparing suppliers, Eversource customers can reduce bills through efficiency programs. Mass Save® programs (masssave.com):

• No-cost home energy assessments
• Rebates on efficient appliances
• Weatherization assistance
• Programs funded through utility charges

Energy efficiency tips:

• Smart thermostats – Reduce heating/cooling costs by 10-15%
• LED lighting – Uses 75% less energy than incandescent
• Air sealing – Improves efficiency in New England's older housing

Rate shopping tips:

• Check if your municipality offers community aggregation
• Compare Basic Service against competitive offers when rates change (February and August)

⚠️ Be cautious: Attorney General data shows many residential customers pay more with competitive suppliers than Basic Service. Fixed-rate contracts provide predictability but may not guarantee savings.