Whether you’re moving into Unitil territory or trying to lower your bill, knowing how delivery, supply, and energy choice work can help you avoid costly surprises.
Key Takeaways
- Unitil delivers electricity and natural gas in select New England communities, but your supply options depend on your state and service type.
- Competitive electric suppliers may offer fixed rates or renewable plans, but you’ll need to compare terms carefully.
- Energy efficiency programs and account tools can help you manage costs, reduce waste, and avoid seasonal bill surprises.
Moving to a new space brings enough headaches without adding utility confusion to the mix, and if you are already settled in your home, sudden bill shock is equally frustrating. We want to clear up the confusion so you can comfortably manage your household energy usage and avoid unnecessary stress. Our goal is to help you confidently navigate a Unitil start service request, break down your billing statements, and ultimately compare energy rates to keep your hard-earned money in your bank account.
Unitil Service Territory by State and Coverage Map
Unitil operates as a regional electricity and natural gas delivery company serving specific communities across New England. Since utility territories are strictly drawn by state regulators, you might have one provider for electricity and an entirely different one for your natural gas. When figuring out your coverage, your exact street address matters more than your ZIP code because utility territories can split cities, towns, and even neighborhoods.
To help you identify your services, here is a quick breakdown of the major areas where Unitil provides energy delivery:
| State | Unitil Electric Delivery? | Unitil Natural Gas Delivery? | Major Areas to Verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | Yes | Yes | Concord area, Seacoast communities, Exeter/Hampton area, and other approved service towns |
| Massachusetts | Yes | Yes | Fitchburg, Gardner, Lunenburg, and surrounding communities |
| Maine | No | Yes | Portland, Lewiston/Auburn, Biddeford, and nearby communities |
If you are still mapping out your relocation details, be sure to visit our comprehensive moving resources hub for more tips on seamlessly transferring your household services.
How to Start, Stop, or Transfer Unitil Service
Setting up your utilities doesn’t have to be a major headache. Unitil makes it relatively painless to manage your account whether you are a first-time customer opening a brand-new account or an existing customer moving across town. The most important rule of thumb is to give the utility plenty of notice.
We highly recommend initiating your request several business days before your desired move-in or move-out date. Rushing a utility connection can sometimes lead to delays, leaving you unpacking boxes in the dark. You can handle the entire process quickly by calling their customer service line or submitting a request directly through their online portal.
Before you call or apply online, ensure you have the following information prepared:
- Your exact new service address (including any apartment or unit numbers)
- Your move-in or move-out date
- Your previous address
- Contact information, including your phone number and email address
- Your lease or closing date, if applicable
- Your preferred billing setup
- Identification information, such as your Social Security Number, if requested
Unitil Default Supply vs. Competitive Electric Suppliers
Because New England states operate under deregulated energy markets, you are not forced to buy your electricity supply directly from your utility company. If you do nothing when you set up your account, you are automatically placed on Unitil’s default supply. In Massachusetts, this default electric supply is commonly called Basic Service, while in New Hampshire, it is often referred to as Energy Service.
This default rate is set by the utility and approved by state regulators, but it fluctuates depending on the season and wholesale market conditions. Rate changes may occur roughly every six months for residential electric default service. To avoid these seasonal swings, you can shop the market for competitive suppliers who might offer alternative pricing structures or renewable energy options. To securely shop for competitive electric supply rates, use your state’s official energy choice portal. Unitil electric customers in New Hampshire can use the New Hampshire Department of Energy shopping portal, while Unitil electric customers in Massachusetts can compare offers through Energy Switch MA.
| Feature | Utility Default Supply | Competitive Suppliers |
|---|---|---|
| Rate Stability | Rates change periodically, often spiking in winter. | Some suppliers offer fixed-rate plans, often for set terms such as six, 12, 24, or 36 months. |
| Green Energy Options | Meets minimum state renewable standards. | Offers up to 100% renewable energy plans. |
| Effort Required | Automatic. No action is required on your part. | Requires you to actively shop and enroll. |
| Potential Risks | Rate can change during scheduled adjustment periods. | Intro rates, variable pricing, monthly fees, or cancellation fees may apply. |
How to Compare Unitil Electric Rates Without Getting Burned
Actively shopping for a competitive energy supplier can be an excellent way to stabilize your budget, but it is important to know exactly what you are signing up for. Before choosing a supplier, pull up your latest Unitil bill and look for the supply rate, delivery charges, total kWh used, and supplier name. If the supplier line does not say Unitil, Basic Service, or Default Supply, you may already be enrolled with a third-party provider.
When you are reviewing your options on your state’s energy portal, it helps to estimate your potential costs. You can calculate your monthly supply portion using a simple formula: Monthly supply cost = kWh used × supply rate. For example, if you use 650 kWh in a month and your supply rate is 15 cents per kWh ($0.15), your supply portion is about $97.50 before delivery charges, taxes, and fees.
To make a smart choice, keep this quick checklist handy when evaluating new suppliers:
- Fixed vs. variable rate
- Contract length
- Early termination fee
- Monthly base fee
- Renewable energy percentage
- Auto-renewal terms
- Whether the rate is lower than your current default supply rate
- Supplier license status on the official state portal
| If You Want… | Consider… | Watch Out For… |
|---|---|---|
| Predictable bills | Fixed-rate supplier plan | Early termination fees |
| Lowest short-term price | Lowest listed cents/kWh | Intro rates or variable renewals |
| Cleaner electricity | Renewable energy plan | REC details and plan cost |
| No extra effort | Default/Basic Service | Seasonal rate changes |
How Unitil Electric and Natural Gas Pricing Works
Understanding your utility bill is a vital step toward lowering your energy costs. Every Unitil electric and natural gas bill is split into distinct categories, primarily supply charges and delivery charges. Knowing how these components operate will help you make sense of seasonal bill fluctuations and budget effectively.
How Unitil Electric Bills Work
Your electric bill features a supply charge, which covers the actual cost of the electricity you consumed during the billing cycle. It also features a delivery charge, which is what Unitil bills you to transport that power to your home. While you may have the option to shop for your electric supply in deregulated states, delivery charges are regulated and approved by state utility regulators. You cannot shop for a different delivery utility, and these delivery rates can occasionally change through approved rate cases.
How Unitil Natural Gas Bills Work
Similar to electricity, your natural gas bill is broken down into the cost of gas (supply) and distribution charges (delivery). The cost of gas fluctuates based on market demand, particularly spiking in the winter months when heating needs rise. The distribution charge pays for maintaining the physical pipelines and bringing the gas safely into your home. If your home relies heavily on gas for heating or cooking, you can explore our guide to understanding your natural gas pricing options for more ways to manage your fossil fuel usage.
Why Unitil and Eversource Rates Are Hard to Compare
You might hear neighbors comparing their Unitil bills to a friend’s Eversource bill, but this is rarely an apples-to-apples comparison. Service territory, delivery infrastructure, state regulations, daily usage habits, and whether a household has chosen a competitive supplier all affect the final bill amount. Your delivery utility is strictly determined by your address, so while you can’t swap out Unitil for Eversource, you can still control your costs by optimizing your home’s efficiency.
Rebates, Efficiency Programs, and Sustainable Savings
You don’t need to freeze in the winter or sweat through the summer to lower your energy costs. Depending on your state and service type, you may be eligible for programs such as NHSaves, Mass Save, or Efficiency Maine. Check the program’s official eligibility tool before buying equipment or scheduling work, because rebates can vary by fuel type, utility, income level, and home type. These initiatives often provide incentives for weatherizing your home, upgrading to ENERGY STAR appliances, and scheduling comprehensive home energy audits.
Beyond traditional rebates, taking advantage of modern technology is an excellent energy-saving option. The ConnectedSolutions program is a standout offering for eligible customers. By enrolling your compatible smart thermostat, you allow Unitil to make slight temperature adjustments during peak demand days. In exchange for helping reduce stress on the grid, you receive annual financial incentives.
- Swap out old incandescent bulbs for LED lighting to cut daily usage.
- Apply for appliance rebates when upgrading refrigerators, washers, or heat pump water heaters.
- Schedule a discounted or free home energy assessment through your state’s efficiency program.
- Enroll in the ConnectedSolutions program to earn rewards simply by using a smart thermostat.
Managing Your Account With MyUnitil
The MyUnitil app gives you a convenient way to handle common account tasks from your phone, including bill payment, outage reporting, usage tracking, and account alerts. Available on both iOS and Android platforms, this modern tool is designed to simplify your utility management. You can quickly view your current balance, pay your electric and gas bills securely, and set up automatic payments so you never miss a due date.
Beyond basic billing, the app is a helpful resource for monitoring your household habits. You can analyze your energy usage patterns over time to pinpoint exactly when you use the most power. You can also manage your notification preferences to receive text or email alerts about your account, and easily sign up for paperless billing — an environmentally mindful choice that cuts down on unnecessary mail clutter.
How to Report a Unitil Outage or Gas Emergency
Severe New England weather means power outages are sometimes unavoidable. When the lights suddenly go out, your first step should be checking the official Unitil Outage Map, which is accessible online or directly through the MyUnitil app. This map may show affected areas, crew status, and estimated restoration times when available. To ensure crews know exactly where the problems are, always report your outage promptly.
- Report the outage using the MyUnitil mobile app for the fastest response.
- Call the dedicated customer service line at 1-888-301-7700 to report your electric outage.
- Check your circuit breakers first to ensure the issue isn’t isolated to your home.
Fees, Deposits, and What to Check Before You Enroll
Before you finalize your account setup, it helps to know what extra charges might appear on your first bill. Like most utility companies, Unitil may apply standard connection or reconnection fees when you initiate service. If you do not have an established credit history or have a record of late payments, Unitil may require a deposit depending on your payment history, state rules, and account type. Fortunately, these deposits are typically refunded or credited back to your account after a year of consecutive on-time payments.
When setting up your service, you should also look into budget billing availability. Budget billing averages your annual utility costs into predictable monthly payments, helping you avoid seasonal spikes. If you are choosing a third-party supplier, carefully review their supplier contract terms, taking note of potential late payment fees, cancellation penalties, and renewal notices so you aren’t caught off guard.
Taking Control of Your Unitil Energy Bill
While Unitil securely delivers your natural gas and electricity while maintaining the local grid, the ultimate power to manage your costs lies in your hands. You don’t have to be at the mercy of fluctuating default rates. By taking advantage of the MyUnitil app to monitor your usage, capitalizing on state-sponsored efficiency rebates to weatherize your home, and actively shopping for competitive electricity suppliers, you can meaningfully lower your monthly expenses.
Embracing these actionable steps ensures your household runs efficiently and affordably. Don’t let confusing billing terms or seasonal market shifts intimidate you. Take a few minutes today to review your current rate, explore your local energy options, and secure a plan that works best for your family’s budget and eco-conscious goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Unitil
If you still have lingering questions about your new energy service, you aren’t alone. We have gathered the most common questions customers ask when setting up or managing their Unitil utility accounts.
How do I switch my electricity provider from Unitil?
Is Unitil cheaper than Eversource?
Does Unitil require a deposit to start service?
What should I do if I smell natural gas in my home?
Can I choose a 100% renewable energy plan with Unitil?
Is there a mobile app to manage my Unitil account?
About the Author
David has been an integral part of some of the biggest utility sites on the internet, including InMyArea.com, HighSpeedInternet.com, BroadbandNow.com, and U.S. News. He brings over 15 years of experience writing about, compiling and analyzing utility data.