Massachusetts Electricity Choice 2025 Guide to Competitive Power Suppliers

Massachusetts Electricity Choice Explained

Massachusetts electricity choice allows residents to select their power supplier instead of receiving the utility's Basic Service rate. The Electric Restructuring Act of 1997 deregulated Massachusetts's electricity market, creating competition in generation while keeping distribution regulated. How it works:

Your utility (Eversource or National Grid) continues managing wires, meters, and outages
You choose a competitive supplier for electricity generation
Same reliable service—only your supplier changes

Benefits of switching:

Lower rates
Renewable energy options
Specialized plans for your needs

Despite being available for 25+ years, many Massachusetts residents don't realize they can shop for competitive rates.

Massachusetts Energy Choice

Electric Restructuring Act of 1997 enabled choice
Eversource and National Grid serve most residents
Basic Service rates change every 6 months

How Massachusetts Deregulation Works

Massachusetts deregulation splits electricity costs into two parts: 1. Supply (Generation) — Open to competition

Covers electricity generation
Accept your utility's Basic Service rate OR choose a licensed supplier
Basic Service rates change every 6 months (January and July)

2. Delivery (Distribution) — Regulated

Power line maintenance
Billing and customer service
Stays the same regardless of supplier

When you switch suppliers:

Same wires deliver your power
Same utility responds to outages
Same bill format
Only your supply rate and supplier name change

DPU Oversight and Supplier Licensing

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) regulates the state's electricity market and licenses competitive suppliers. What DPU requires from suppliers:

Obtain a license before selling electricity
Meet financial, operational, and consumer protection requirements
Clear contract disclosures
No deceptive marketing

DPU protections for consumers:

Maintains a list of licensed suppliers you can verify
Handles complaints against suppliers
Can revoke licenses for violations

Need help?

Phone: 617-305-3500
Online portal at mass.gov/dpu

MA DPU

Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities

Massachusetts' regulator overseeing investor-owned electric, gas, and water utilities.

1-877-886-5066

Official Website

Consumer Resources

File a Complaint

Basic Service vs Competitive Supply

Basic Service is the default electricity supply from your utility if you don't choose a competitive supplier. Basic Service characteristics:

Rates change every January and July
Based on wholesale market conditions
Includes electricity cost + small administrative charge

Competitive supplier alternatives:

Fixed-rate plans — Lock your price for 12-36 months
Variable plans — Fluctuate monthly
Renewable energy options

How to compare: Massachusetts households average about 600 kWh monthly. Multiply your usage by different rates to see actual dollar impact. Example: A difference of 2 cents/kWh = about $144 annually for typical households.

How to Switch Suppliers in Massachusetts

Switching electricity suppliers in Massachusetts is straightforward and causes no service interruption. Step-by-step process:

Find your account number — On your Eversource or National Grid bill
Compare offers — Mass.gov energy resources or comparison services
Enroll — By phone, online, or through an authorized representative
Provide info — Account number, service address, personal details

What happens next:

Supplier notifies your utility
Switch takes 1-2 billing cycles
You continue receiving one bill from your utility
Supply portion reflects your new rate once switch completes

Switching in Massachusetts

Get account info

Find Eversource or National Grid account

1 min

Research suppliers

Compare DPU-licensed options

10 min

Enroll

5 min

Verify switch

Check first bill for new rate

1-2 cycles

Massachusetts Utility Service Territories

Two main electric distribution utilities serve Massachusetts residential customers: Major Massachusetts Utilities:

Eversource Energy — Eastern MA (Greater Boston, Cape Cod) and parts of western MA (Springfield area)
National Grid — Central MA (Worcester) and southern suburbs

Each utility has different Basic Service rates that change semi-annually. Your utility determines your delivery rates and which suppliers operate in your area. Important: Some municipal utilities (Holyoke, Braintree, etc.) are NOT deregulated—residents in those areas cannot choose competitive suppliers. Tip: Check your utility bill or contact your provider to confirm you're in a deregulated service territory.

Renewable Energy Options in Massachusetts

Massachusetts offers robust renewable energy choices for electricity consumers. Green energy options:

100% renewable plans — Wind, solar, and hydroelectric generation
Community solar — Subscribe to local solar farms, receive bill credits

The state's renewable portfolio standard requires utilities to purchase increasing amounts of renewable energy. Price considerations:

Some green plans cost more than Basic Service
Many are competitively priced

What to check when comparing:

Is the energy matched with Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)?
Does it come from local or regional sources?

Massachusetts residents can significantly reduce their carbon footprint through electricity choice.

Your Rights as a Massachusetts Energy Consumer

Massachusetts law protects electricity consumers with strong regulations. Before enrollment, suppliers must provide:

Clear written contracts
All rates, terms, and fees disclosed upfront

Your key rights:

3 business days to cancel any new contract without penalty
Protection from slamming — Unauthorized switching is prohibited
Protection from cramming — Unauthorized charges are prohibited
Right to switch — Return to Basic Service anytime

If disputes arise:

The DPU can investigate and order refunds
Your utility cannot disconnect service due to supplier disputes

Note: Low-income customers receiving fuel assistance should verify program compatibility before switching.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Basic Service in Massachusetts?

Basic Service is the default electricity supply rate from your utility (Eversource or National Grid) if you haven't chosen a competitive supplier. The rate changes every January and July based on wholesale market conditions.

How often do Massachusetts Basic Service rates change?

Residential Basic Service rates in Massachusetts change every six months, in January and July. The rates are set through a competitive bidding process to reflect current wholesale market prices.

Can I use community solar in Massachusetts?

Yes, Massachusetts has an active community solar market. You can subscribe to a local solar farm and receive credits on your utility bill. This is separate from choosing a competitive supplier and can be combined for additional savings.

Are municipal utility customers eligible for electricity choice?

No, residents served by municipal electric companies like Holyoke Gas & Electric or Braintree Electric Light cannot choose competitive suppliers. Only Eversource and National Grid customers have electricity choice.

What happens if I move within Massachusetts?

If you move to an address served by the same utility, you may be able to transfer your competitive supplier contract. Contact both your supplier and utility to arrange the transfer. If you move to a different utility territory, you'll need to enroll with a supplier serving that area.

About the author

Enri Zhulati

Consumer Advocate

Enri has spent years helping Texans navigate the deregulated electricity market at ComparePower. He knows what confuses people about energy shopping and what actually helps them save. At ElectricRates.org, he brings that same expertise to Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.

Electricity deregulationOhio Energy ChoicePennsylvania Power SwitchMassachusetts competitive suppliersPUCO regulations

Topics covered

Massachusetts electricity DPU Eversource National Grid competitive suppliers Basic Service

Sources & References

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 164 (Massachusetts Legislature): "The Electric Restructuring Act of 1997 deregulated Massachusetts electricity market"Accessed Jan 2025
MA DPU - Competitive Supply (Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities): "Massachusetts DPU licenses and regulates all competitive electricity suppliers"Accessed Jan 2025
Eversource - About Us (Eversource Energy): "Eversource serves 1.4 million customers across Massachusetts"Accessed Jan 2025
MA DPU - Basic Service (Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities): "Massachusetts Basic Service rates change every six months through competitive bidding"Accessed Jan 2025
U.S. Energy Information Administration - State Electricity Profiles (U.S. Energy Information Administration): "Massachusetts electricity rates compared to national averages"Accessed Jan 2025

Last updated: December 10, 2025