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Massachusetts Electricity Information

Massachusetts lets you choose who supplies your electricity while Eversource, National Grid, or Unitil still deliver power and keep the wires running, and many cities run opt-out municipal aggregation programs under state law to pool residents for better rates or greener supply. Recent oversight has reshaped the residential market, since the Attorney General reported in 2024 that households paid hundreds of millions more with competitive supply than with the utility’s Basic Service and regulators have pursued enforcement actions against suppliers for misconduct. The state still supports choice with licensing, disclosure labels, and a public info hub, and customers who do not shop remain on Basic Service, which the DPU procures on a set schedule.

Massachusetts generates most of its electricity from natural gas, with a growing share of wind and solar power as the state transitions to cleaner energy. Coal has been almost entirely phased out, and offshore wind projects are set to play a major role in the future. Because Massachusetts relies on imported fuels and has a dense population, electricity prices are among the highest in the nation. However, the state’s commitment to renewables and energy efficiency is helping to reduce long-term costs and emissions.

Massachusetts has made significant progress in lowering emissions by shifting away from fossil fuels and investing in clean energy solutions. The state has strong policies supporting offshore wind, solar incentives, and battery storage, helping to cut carbon emissions. While natural gas still plays a key role, Massachusetts continues to lead the way in the Northeast’s transition to a greener grid.

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Electricity Production

Primary Source

Natural Gas

Total Generation: 19,695,884 MWh
Ranks 41st Highest in the U.S.
Average Price: 30.37¢ /kWh
Ranks 48th Cheapest in the U.S.
Average Electric Bill: $151.7
Ranks 42nd Cheapest in the U.S.

Electricity Production By Source

Emissions From Electricity Generation

Carbon Dioxide Emissions Rank

41st Highest

8,263 TMT

Sulfer Dioxide Emissions Rank

41st Highest

1,898 tn

Nitrogen Oxide Emissions Rank

39th Highest

8,608 tn

Renewable Electricity Generation

Renewable Production Rank

39th Highest

3,361,856 MWh
17.07% of Total Production

Source U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Based on data from 2023

Energy Usage in Massachusetts

Energy Usage Per Capita Rank

5th Lowest

Average Per Person: 188 million BTU

Electricity consumption in Massachusetts is shaped by its New England climate, which brings cold winters and warm summers. Heating demand is high in the winter, though many homes rely on natural gas or oil rather than electricity. Summers are mild compared to other regions, keeping air conditioning use moderate. With a focus on energy efficiency and renewables, Massachusetts is working to balance its energy needs while reducing its environmental impact.

Municipal Utilities in Massachusetts

While most cities, towns, and villages throughout the state of Massachusetts offer municipal essential services like providing clean water, sewage treatment and dealing with waste and storm water, some also offer other services like electricity, natural gas, sanitation or recycling. In Massachusetts, 7 cities offer municipal electricity utility services to their residents.

Largest Electric Companies in Massachusetts

The rest of Massachusetts receives electric utility service from one of many primary providers. Here’s a list of some of the larger providers that might be available to your home:

Massachusetts Natural Gas Information

Massachusetts shifted hard toward natural gas as coal and oil plants closed and pipelines into New England expanded. Today gas is central for both home heat and the grid. Winters are long and snowy, so residential demand climbs, while summer heat waves keep gas-fired plants busy backing up the system. About half of households use natural gas as their primary heating fuel, and in 2023 the electric power sector edged out residential as the single largest in-state gas user, with residential near 29% and commercial near 28%, and the rest split across industry and small volumes for transport.

The market is open to retail gas supply, which is a key difference from some neighbors. Residents and businesses can choose a licensed gas supplier or retail agent while National Grid, Eversource, or Berkshire Gas still deliver through their pipelines. The Department of Public Utilities lists licensed suppliers and notes which ones serve residential customers, so shoppers can verify availability and terms before switching. In practice that means price and contract choices on the supply line of the bill, with delivery and reliability remaining with the utility.

Average Natural Gas Price

$2.68 /CCF

Ranks 48th Cheapest in the U.S.

Average Natural Gas Bill

$80 /month

Ranks 15th Cheapest in the U.S.

Natural Gas Usage Per Capita

44th Lowest

Average Per Person: 45.71 MCFs Annually

Largest Natural Gas Companies in Massachusetts

Many of the residents of Massachusetts receive their natural gas utility service from one of the larger companies that service the state.

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Massachusetts Internet Connectivity

Broadband Availability

98.49%

Ranks 51st in the U.S.

Percent of Ppopulation with access to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload

1 Gig Availability

25.08%

Ranks 10th in the U.S.

Percent of population with access to download speeds of 1 Gbps

Fiber Availability

43.6%

Ranks 27th in the U.S.

Percent of population with access to Fiber Internet

Largest Internet Providers in Massachusetts

When it comes to high-speed internet, homes in Massachusetts have plenty of options to stay connected! From bustling cities to quiet rural areas, a variety of providers offer reliable service across the state. Here are some of the biggest names keeping Massachusetts homes online and in the loop:

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Understanding Your Bill: Supply vs. Delivery

Where Your Money Goes

If you look closely at your electric or gas bill, you will see it is split into two main parts. Understanding the difference is the key to lowering your monthly costs.

Delivery (The "Fixed" Cost):This pays for the poles, wires, and maintenance crews. It goes directly to your utility company (like National Grid, Eversource, or Unitil).
- Can you change this? No. These rates are set by the state.
Supply (The "Variable" Cost):This pays for the actual electricity or gas you use.
- Can you change this? Yes! In Massachusetts, you have the right to choose who you buy your energy from.

Your Right to Choose

By default, you are on "Basic Service," where your utility buys energy for you and passes the cost along with no profit. The price changes every 6 months (typically August 1 and February 1).

You can often find a lower rate by switching to a Competitive Supplier.

Action: Check your current "Supply Rate" on your bill (listed in cents per kWh).
Compare: Visit the official state website EnergySwitchMA.gov to see if other companies are offering a lower fixed rate.
Warning: Always check the fine print for "variable rates" or "cancellation fees" before signing a contract.

Green Energy Incentives & Rebate

Massachusetts offers some of the most generous green energy rebates in the country. You may be eligible for thousands of dollars in cash back for making eco-friendly upgrades.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebates (MOR-EV)

The state will write you a check just for buying or leasing an eligible electric vehicle.

Rebate Amount: Up to $3,500 for eligible new or used electric vehicles.
Income Bonus: Residents participating in assistance programs (like fuel assistance or SNAP) can qualify for an additional $1,500 rebate (Total: $5,000+).
Learn More: Visit MOR-EV.org to apply within 90 days of purchase.

Solar Incentives (SMART Program)

Massachusetts doesn't just lower your bill for going solar; the SMART program pays you directly for every kilowatt-hour of energy your panels produce.

How it works: You receive monthly payments from your utility company for 10–20 years, on top of the savings from generating your own power.
New for 2025: The "SMART 3.0" update has expanded capacity, making it easier for new homes to qualify.

Consumer Rights & Shut-Off Protections

Massachusetts has strict laws protecting residents from losing heat or electricity, especially during the winter. You generally cannot be shut off if you fall into a "protected" category, even if you owe money.

The Winter Moratorium (No Heat Shut-Offs)

Utility companies are prohibited from shutting off your service for non-payment during the winter months if that service is used for heating.

Standard Dates: November 15 – March 15.
2025-2026 Update: For this winter, protections have been extended from October 27, 2025 – April 1, 2026.

Who is Protected Year-Round?

You may be protected from shut-off at any time of year if you meet one of these criteria and are facing financial hardship:

Seniors: All adults in the home are age 65 or older.
Infants: There is a child under 12 months old living in the home.
Serious Illness: Someone in the home has a serious illness (requires a doctor's note).

How to Claim Protection

Protections are not automatic. You must contact your utility company and specifically state that you qualify for "Statutory Protection" or "Financial Hardship Status."

[tip]If you are having trouble getting a company to recognize your status, contact the DPU Consumer Division at (877) 886-5066.[/tip]

Utility Costs in Massachusetts

The average monthly total utility bills in Massachusetts is $264.36, which is 4.62% lower than the national average.

Average Electric Bill

$152

Higher than national average

Average Natural Gas Bill

$80

Lower than national average

Average Water Bill

$33

Lower than national average

Assistance for Paying Utility Bills in Massachusetts

If you are struggling to keep up with high heating or electric costs, Massachusetts offers several state-wide programs to help. These include direct financial aid, protection from service shut-offs, and efficiency upgrades to lower your monthly usage.

General Assistance Programs

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):
Commonly known as “Fuel Assistance,” this federally funded program helps eligible households pay a portion of their winter heating bills (November 1 – April 30). Eligibility is based on household size and income (up to 60% of the state median income).
- Apply: Visit the Mass.gov Home Energy Assistance Portal or call the Cold Relief Heatline at (800) 632-8175.
Good Neighbor Energy Fund:
Administered by the Salvation Army, this fund provides help to residents in temporary financial crisis who do not qualify for other state or federal energy assistance (typically those with an income between 60-80% of the state median).
- How to Apply: Visit the Good Neighbor Energy Fund website to find your local Salvation Army community center to schedule an appointment.
Mass Save® Income Eligible Program:
This program offers no-cost home energy assessments and can cover up to 100% of the cost for insulation, air sealing, and heating system upgrades for income-qualified renters and homeowners.
- Learn More: Visit the Mass Save Income Eligible page.
RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition):
If you are behind on utility bills and at risk of losing your housing or having services shut off, RAFT may provide funds to pay off utility arrears (past-due balances).
- Apply Here: Mass.gov RAFT Application.

Special Programs for Seniors

Protected Status (No Shut-Offs):
Utility companies in Massachusetts are prohibited from shutting off service to any household where all adults are age 65 or older. You must contact your utility company directly to apply for “Protected Status” and may need to provide proof of age.
Utility Discounts:
Seniors with low income may qualify for a Discount Rate (often 25-35% off) on electric and gas bills. Even if you do not qualify for Fuel Assistance, you may still be eligible for this discount if you participate in other benefit programs.
- Action: Call the customer service number on your bill to ask for an application for the “Senior Discount Rate.”

Assistance for Veterans

Chapter 115 Benefits:
Massachusetts provides a unique safety net for low-income veterans and their dependents known as Chapter 115. These benefits provide monthly cash assistance that can be used for fuel, shelter, and medical costs.
- How to Apply: You must apply through your city or town’s Veterans’ Service Officer (VSO). Locate your local VSO at Mass.gov/veterans.
- Check Eligibility: Use the Mass Vet Benefit Calculator to see if you might qualify.
Veteran Discount Rates:
Veterans receiving Chapter 115 benefits, VA Disability Compensation, or a VA Pension are eligible for discounted utility rates from major providers like National Grid and Eversource.
- Action: Submit your benefit verification letter to your utility provider to have the discount applied to your account.

Resources for Students

University Emergency Funds:
Many Massachusetts colleges and universities (including UMass campuses and community colleges) have established Student Emergency Funds. These grants are designed to help students cover unexpected non-tuition costs, such as utility bills, to ensure they can stay enrolled.
- Action: Contact your school’s Financial Aid Office or Dean of Students to ask if an emergency grant is available for living expenses.
Qualifying for General Aid:
Students living off-campus who are financially independent may qualify for LIHEAP (Fuel Assistance) or SNAP benefits. If you qualify for SNAP, you likely also qualify for a reduced utility rate from your electric or gas company.
- Tip: Do not assume you are ineligible just because you are a student. If you meet the income guidelines, you should apply.

Learn more in the Student Utility Guide