- Free Xfinity Mobile Line for 1 year
- Free Peacock Premium*
- Free WiFi Equipment for 24 months
- 5 Year Price Lock*
Quick Utility Facts
- If you have a power outage call your electric utility Eversource, even if you are enrolled in Boston Community Choice Electricity (BCCE) or have chosen a different electricity supplier (you have the power to shop for a better plan).
- The Eversource price to compare for electricity is 15.629¢ /kWh.
- While you can also shop for a natural gas supplier, National Grid and Eversource are the natural gas utilities.
- The National Grid price to compare is $1.3893 /THM, while Eversource’s is $1.007 /THM.
- Your choice for internet is primarily Verizon Fios, Xfinity, or Astound Broadband. Xfinity has the widest coverage area.
- If Astound is available to you, they have the cheapest plan at $19.95/month. If not, Xfinity is the cheapest option at $30/month.
- Trash, Recycling, and water services are provided by the City of Boston.
Top 21 Electric Providers in Boston
Constellation Energy
- Renewable
- —
- Guarantee
- 90 days
- Rate lock
- 3-36 Months
Inspire Energy
- Renewable
- —
- Guarantee
- None
- Rate lock
- 6-12 Months
SmartEnergy
- Renewable
- —
- Guarantee
- None
- Rate lock
- 12 Months
Town of Westwood Community Choice Electricity
- Renewable
- —
- Guarantee
- —
- Rate lock
- —
CleanChoice Energy
- Renewable
- —
- Guarantee
- —
- Rate lock
- —
Renaissance Power & Gas
- Renewable
- —
- Guarantee
- —
- Rate lock
- —
Direct Energy
- Renewable
- —
- Guarantee
- None
- Rate lock
- 12-36 Months
Public Power
- Renewable
- —
- Guarantee
- None
- Rate lock
- 12-20 Months
IGS Energy
- Renewable
- —
- Guarantee
- —
- Rate lock
- —
Massachusetts Gas & Electric
- Renewable
- —
- Guarantee
- —
- Rate lock
- —
Discount Power
- Renewable
- —
- Guarantee
- 90 days
- Rate lock
- 12-36 Months
Clearview Energy
- Renewable
- —
- Guarantee
- None
- Rate lock
- 6-24 Months
Town Square Energy
- Renewable
- —
- Guarantee
- None
- Rate lock
- —
Provider Power Mass
- Renewable
- —
- Guarantee
- —
- Rate lock
- —
Major Energy
- Renewable
- —
- Guarantee
- None
- Rate lock
- 12 Months
- Renewable
- —
- Guarantee
- None
- Rate lock
- 6-15 Months
Verde Energy
- Renewable
- —
- Guarantee
- None
- Rate lock
- 12 Months
Think Energy
- Renewable
- —
- Guarantee
- None
- Rate lock
- 12-36 Months
Residents Energy
- Renewable
- —
- Guarantee
- —
- Rate lock
- —
Alpha Gas and Electric
- Renewable
- —
- Guarantee
- —
- Rate lock
- —
- Renewable
- —
- Guarantee
- —
- Rate lock
- —
EnergySage
- Service
- Home solar
- Quotes
- Free
See Top Plans in Your Area
Electricity in Boston is distributed by Eversource Energy, which maintains the physical grid, reads digital meters, and manages storm outage restoration. Because Massachusetts operates a fully deregulated retail power market, you can choose an independent competitive supplier or participate in the city’s official municipal aggregation program rather than remaining on Eversource’s default basic service. The Boston Community Choice Electricity (CCE) program automatically enrolls new residential accounts into its Standard default tier, locking the supply generation rate with Direct Energy at a fixed 14.214 cents per kWh through December 2027 with a 48 percent renewable energy mix. Sticking with Eversource’s default Basic Service or an unvetted open-market plan exposes your budget to heavy utility delivery and capacity surcharges, pushing the bundled price of electricity toward 36 cents per kWh and making the municipal aggregation pool the primary financial shield for incoming residents.
Top 4 Natural Gas Providers in Boston
Direct Energy
- Monthly charge
- —
- Rate lock
- 12-18 Months
- Guarantee
- —
- Monthly charge
- —
- Rate lock
- —
- Guarantee
- —
- Monthly charge
- —
- Rate lock
- —
- Guarantee
- —
- Monthly charge
- —
- Rate lock
- —
- Guarantee
- —
Natural gas distribution across the city is managed predominantly by National Grid, though select pockets of the Greater Boston area fall within Eversource’s pipeline territory. Like electricity, natural gas procurement is fully deregulated under Massachusetts state law, granting residents the right to select an independent third-party Competitive Supplier for their fuel supply or remain on the utility’s state-approved default monthly rolling commodity rate. Regardless of your chosen gas supplier, National Grid continues to deliver the physical fuel, manage emergency leak calls, and levy mandatory pipeline delivery charges alongside a fixed monthly customer charge exceeding $15. Because natural gas is heavily relied upon to fire historic radiator boilers, central forced-air furnaces, and domestic water heaters during harsh New England winters, your statement carries a persistent baseline overhead that applies year-round even when your space-heating equipment is entirely dormant in July and August.
Top 12 Internet Providers in Boston
Xfinity
- Speeds up to
- 2 Gbps
- Type
- Cable & Fiber
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 99.66%
Verizon Home Internet
- Speeds up to
- 5 Gbps
- Type
- Fiber
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 91.74%
Starlink
- Speeds up to
- 400 Mbps
- Type
- Satellite
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 100%
Verizon 5G Home Internet
- Speeds up to
- 300 Mbps
- Type
- 5G
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 100%
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
- Speeds up to
- 498 Mbps
- Type
- 5G
- Data cap
- 1.2 TB
- Availability
- 75.1%
AT&T Air
- Speeds up to
- 300 Mbps
- Type
- 5G
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 78.61%
- Speeds up to
- 150 Mbps
- Type
- Satellite
- Data cap
- 150-850 GB
- Availability
- 100%
- Speeds up to
- Varies
- Type
- Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite
- Data cap
- Varies
- Availability
- 95%
- Speeds up to
- 5 Gbps
- Type
- Cable
- Data cap
- 1 TB
- Availability
- 43.96%
Fidium Fiber
- Speeds up to
- 8 Gbps
- Type
- Fiber
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 7.17%
Breezeline
- Speeds up to
- 1 Gbps
- Type
- Cable
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 2.6%
Starry
- Speeds up to
- 1 Gbps
- Type
- Fixed Wireless
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 36.2%
What to Expect in Boston
Internet and broadband access across Boston is a high-speed, multi-provider battlefield dominated by Verizon Fios fiber, Xfinity cable, and Astound Broadband, alongside wireless fixed-gigabit networks like Starry. Symmetrical fiber-to-the-home connections offer blazing data transfers ideal for remote work and streaming, but physical line availability is strictly dictated by local architecture and neighborhood age. Moving into a historic brick brownstone in Back Bay or the South End, a pre-war building in Beacon Hill, or a classic Victorian triple-decker in Allston or Jamaica Plain often means navigating older interior wiring, plaster walls, and strict historical preservation guidelines that can delay physical fiber line drops. Furthermore, high-density apartment complexes and multi-family developments frequently feature exclusive corporate marketing agreements that restrict inside wiring access to a single provider, making it vital to confirm unit-level broadband paths before move-in.
Water & Sewage Providers in Boston
MWRA
- Service
- Water & sewage
- Contact
- Online & Phone
BOSTON WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION (MWRA)
- Service
- Water & sewage
- Contact
- Online & Phone
Boston drinking water quality: 1 contaminant above health guidelines, 1 contaminant above the legal limit
Primary source: surface water. Levels are averages of EPA SDWA LCR and UCMR 3–5 samples. Health guidelines come from the EPA, WHO, or state health departments; legal limits are EPA regulations.
Water, sewer, and urban drainage utilities are managed uniformly by the Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC), which purchases raw wholesale supply from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) drawn from the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs. Your monthly statement arrives as a consolidated municipal bill reflecting a combined water and sewer rate structure averaging roughly $25.16 per 1,000 gallons. Volumetric billing is heavily weighted toward wastewater treatment, which accounts for the vast majority of your statement, alongside a dedicated Stormwater Fee assessed per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) at $9.06 per month for all 1-to-6 unit residential properties. Because the MWRA assessment makes up over half of the BWSC’s operational budget to fund massive harbor treatment and pipe replacement initiatives, tracking internal plumbing leaks is paramount, as an undetected running toilet will artificially double your monthly sewer bill.
Top 18 Trash and Recycling Providers in Boston
RTS – Boston Waste Management
All 15 additional trash and recycling providers
Trash, recycling, and organic composting services are operated by the City of Boston Public Works Department for all low-density residential properties containing 1 to 6 dwelling units (buildings with 7 or more units must hire private commercial haulers). Standard curbside pickup utilizes a dual-cart automated system consisting of black carts for bagged household garbage and blue carts for loose, single-stream recyclables, which must be rolled to the curb by 6:00 AM on your designated collection morning (or after 5:00 PM the night before). To advance its Zero Waste goals, Boston offers an opt-in Curbside Food Waste Collection Program in partnership with Garbage to Garden and SaveThatStuff, delivering a dedicated green rolling bucket for food scraps, coffee grounds, and food-soiled paper products. Bins must maintain spatial clearance from parked cars, utility poles, and adjacent carts, and placing recyclables inside plastic grocery or trash bags will result in a missed collection and a code enforcement warning tag.
Utilities Summary for Boston, MA
| Electric Companies: | 21 |
| Natural Gas Companies: | 4 |
| Water & Sewage Providers: | 2 |
| Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers: | 19 |
| Municipal Electricity: | No |
Boston Utility Services Made Simple: Electricity, Gas, Water & Internet
Welcome to Boston, one of America’s most historic and vibrant cities! From the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill to the bustling waterfront of Seaport, Boston blends rich history with modern innovation. Plus, the state of Massachusetts has some of the best rebates and incentives for energy in the country, ranked in the top 2 nationally for 10 straight years. Whether you’re moving into a classic brownstone or a sleek new apartment, setting up utilities is a key step in getting settled.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know about electricity, natural gas, water, trash, and internet services in Boston. Plus, we’ll cover Massachusetts’ energy deregulation and highlight city and state programs that can help you save money on your utilities.
Electricity Services in Boston
Boston’s primary electricity provider is Eversource Energy, but thanks to electricity deregulation in Massachusetts, you can choose a retail electric provider (REP) for your electricity generation while Eversource still handles delivery and maintenance.
About Eversource Energy
- Eversource is New England’s largest energy provider, serving millions of customers across the region.
- The company offers multiple energy efficiency programs, helping customers lower their electricity usage and bills.
- Customers can enroll in Budget Billing to spread out energy costs evenly throughout the year.
Energy Efficiency Programs & Rebates
Eversource partners with Mass Save, a Massachusetts-wide energy efficiency program offering:
- Free Home Energy Assessments – Experts will assess your home and recommend energy-saving improvements.
- Rebates on Energy-Efficient Appliances – Discounts on ENERGY STAR® certified refrigerators, washers, dryers, and more.
- Incentives for Home Insulation & Heating Upgrades – Up to 75–100% off insulation for qualified homes.
- Smart Thermostat Rebates – Instant discounts on models like Nest and Ecobee.
The Commonwealth Energy Tool for Savings (energyCents) gives residents a single reference point for all energy saving opportunities throughout the state. The tool provides a complete list of rebates, loans and financing opportunities for energy efficient appliances, energy assessments, electric vehicles, solar and more.
Choosing an Electricity Supplier
Because Massachusetts has a deregulated electricity market, you can shop for different electricity rates and plans from third-party suppliers. Here’s what to consider:
- Fixed vs. Variable Rates – Fixed rates offer price stability, while variable rates may fluctuate.
- Renewable Energy Options – Some suppliers offer 100% green energy plans.
- Contract Terms & Fees – Check for early termination fees before signing up.
Natural Gas Services in Boston
Boston’s primary natural gas provider is National Grid, serving homes and businesses throughout the region. Eversource also provides natural gas service to parts of Boston. Make sure to verify which primary provider services your neighborhood.
Natural gas is also deregulated in Massachusetts, which gives you the ability to choose from one of a few retail natural gas providers (RNGPs). Make sure to shop around for the best plan for you and look for renewable natural gas options if you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint.
National Grid Highlights
- Offers energy efficiency programs through Mass Save, including rebates for heating system upgrades, smart thermostats, and weatherization.
- National Grid Marketplace offers a selection of energy saving products that qualify for instant rebates. You can find a selection of products such as energy efficient appliances, power strips and smart thermostats.
- Provides Budget Plan options to help spread out payments evenly over the year.
- Has a Low-Income Discount Rate for eligible households.
Water Services in Boston
Water service in Boston is managed by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) in partnership with the Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC).
Boston Water Highlights
- Boston’s water is sourced from the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs, delivering some of the cleanest drinking water in the country.
- The Lead Service Replacement Program helps homeowners replace old lead pipes with safer alternatives.
- Water Conservation kits are available to help you conserve water at home.
Sign up for AutoPay or paperless billing on the BWSC website to manage your water bills easily.
Trash & Recycling Services in Boston
Trash and recycling collection in Boston is handled by the City of Boston’s Public Works Department.
Trash Collection Basics
- Residential trash is collected weekly, with schedules varying by neighborhood.
- Bulk waste (like furniture and mattresses) requires a scheduled pickup.
- Boston has a strict recycling program—improperly sorted recyclables may not be collected.
Recycling & Composting Programs
- Boston offers single-stream recycling, meaning you can place all recyclables in one bin.
- The city provides discounted compost bins to encourage waste reduction.
- A text alert system is available to notify residents of schedule changes due to holidays or weather.
Use the “Trash Day” tool on Boston.gov to check your collection schedule and recycling guidelines.
Best Internet Providers in Boston
Boston has a wide selection of high-speed internet providers to keep you connected. Here are the top options:
Top Internet Providers
- Xfinity – Offers high-speed cable internet up to 1.2 Gbps with bundle options for TV and phone. Available to 99.6% of the city!
- Verizon Fios – Provides fast fiber-optic internet to almost 90% of Boston, with speeds up to 2 Gbps in some areas.
- Astound Broadband – Another great option for affordable high-speed internet, often with lower prices than competitors. Available to about 66% of the city, make sure to check if it’s available in your neighborhood.
- T-Mobile 5G Home Internet – A wireless home internet option using T-Mobile’s 5G network.
- Starlink – A satellite internet provider, ideal for rural areas or those with limited wired options.
Choosing the Right Internet Provider
- For the fastest speeds: Verizon Fios fiber-optic service is a top pick.
- For affordability: Astound Broadband often has the best introductory deals, but watch for price hikes later on.
- For flexibility: T-Mobile 5G Home Internet offers no contracts and easy setup.
Financial Assistance for Utility Bills in Boston, MA
If you need assistance with your home energy bill, Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help with the cost of heating your home in the winter. The eligibility criterea for HEAP includes income, household size, place of residence and other factors. If you are not eligible for HEAP, the Salvation Army’s Good Neighbor Energy Fund might be another option. See the website for income eligibility guidelines.
A handful of other programs exist to help you reduce your energy bills. The Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) assists in reducing heating bills through home energy conversation services. The Heating Emergency Assistance Retrofit Task Weatherization Assistance Program (HEARTWAP) provides repairs and maintenance on heating systems for low-income households.
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.
Utilities in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I set up my utilities in Boston?
You should contact providers at least two weeks before your move-in date. This ensures that meters are read and accounts are transferred without a lapse in service, especially during the busy September 1st “All Boston Move-In” cycle.
What information do I need to provide to start service?
Typically, you will need your new service address (including unit number), move-in date, a valid government-issued ID, and your Social Security Number for a credit check. If you are a tenant, check your lease first to see which utilities are included in your rent.
What is the "Boston Community Choice Electricity" (BCCE) program?
Boston automatically enrolls most residents in the BCCE program, which leverages the city’s collective buying power to provide stable prices and more renewable energy. You will still receive a bill from Eversource, but the “Supply” portion of your bill will reflect the City’s rate unless you choose to opt out.
Who provides natural gas in Boston?
Gas service depends on your neighborhood. National Grid serves most of the city, but Eversource handles certain sections. You can verify your provider by entering your zip code on either company’s website.
Do I need to set up a new account for water?
In Boston, water accounts usually stay with the property. If you are buying a home, your attorney must request a “Lien Certificate” and a final meter reading from the Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC) to ensure you aren’t held liable for the previous owner’s debt. If you are a tenant, water is almost always paid by the landlord unless your unit has a submeter and a specific written agreement in your lease.
How do I find my trash and recycling schedule?
Boston does not have a “set up” process for trash; it is a city-provided service. You should download the “Trash Day” app or use the lookup tool on Boston.gov to find your specific pickup days. Note that schedules often shift by one day following major holidays.
Does the City of Boston provide trash bins?
No. Residents are responsible for purchasing their own heavy-duty trash barrels with tight-fitting lids. However, the City does provide blue recycling bins for buildings with six or fewer units; these can be requested by calling 311.
Which internet providers are available in my building?
While Verizon Fios and Xfinity are the dominant providers, many Boston neighborhoods also have access to Astound Broadband (formerly RCN) or Starry (wireless). Availability varies significantly by street and even by building, so use an address-lookup tool before committing to a provider.
What should I do if I smell gas or lose power?
-
Gas Leak: Leave the building immediately and call 911 or the National Grid gas emergency line at 1-800-233-5325.
-
Power Outage: Report outages to Eversource at 1-800-592-2000 or via their online outage map.
-
Water Main Break: Contact the BWSC 24-hour emergency line at 617-989-7000.
What is the "September 1st Move-In" sidewalk trash chaos?
Over 60 percent of Boston’s rental leases flip on September 1st, creating legendary neighborhood gridlock — especially in student-heavy areas like Allston, Brighton, Mission Hill, and Fenway. During “Boston Move-in Weekend,” the city relaxes certain curbside bulk trash rules to allow incoming and outgoing tenants to set out mattresses and furniture, but strict temporary street parking bans and heavy traffic make coordinating moving trucks and utility activations essential weeks in advance.
Why can't I get Verizon Fios in my historic Boston brownstone or triple-decker?
Verizon Fios is widely deployed across Boston, but historic preservation easements, narrow alleyways, and aging plaster structures in neighborhoods like Beacon Hill, Back Bay, or Charlestown can complicate physical line installation. Additionally, if your landlord or HOA board has not granted permission for exterior fiber drilling or central riser access, technicians cannot complete the drop, leaving coaxial cable (Xfinity or Astound) as your primary wired alternative.
How does Boston's opt-in curbside food waste composting program work?
Boston residents in 1-to-6 unit residential buildings can sign up for free curbside food waste collection managed by Garbage to Garden. Upon registration, the city delivers a small kitchen caddy and a heavy-duty, animal-proof green rolling outdoor bucket. You can deposit meat scraps, bones, dairy, coffee grounds, and soiled paper products into the green bucket, which is emptied weekly alongside your standard trash and recycling routes.