- Free modem and anti-virus software
- No contracts and unlimited data
- 30 day money-back gurantee
- Speeds up to 2 Gbps**
- Plans starting at $30/month
Top 22 Electric Providers in Worcester
Electricity in Worcester is delivered by National Grid. Because Massachusetts operates a deregulated energy market, you can shop around for an alternative supplier on the state’s official Energy Switch MA website. However, Worcester features a default municipal aggregation program known as the Green Worcester ElectriCITY Municipal Aggregation Program. The city leverages bulk buying power to lock in stable, fixed rates and bundle higher percentages of regional renewable energy. If you set up a standard National Grid account, you are automatically enrolled in the city’s contract rate unless you explicitly opt out to return to National Grid’s basic floating rate or choose a private competitor.
- 13.69¢ /kWh
- 90 days
- 3-36 Months
- Proven Leader in Clean Energy
- 12.49¢ /kWh
- None
- 6-12 Months
- No Sign Up or Cancellation Fees
- 13.8¢ /kWh
- None
- 12 Months
- Renewable Energy Option
- 12.4¢ /kWh
- None
- 3-24 Months
- 100% Renewable Energy
- 12.5¢ /kWh
- 12.87¢ /kWh
- None
- 13.29¢ /kWh
- None
- 6-24 Months
- Carbon-Free Commitment
- 13.79¢ /kWh
- None
- 12 Months
- Price Protection Plans
- 13.79¢ /kWh
- None
- 6-15 Months
- 13.8¢ /kWh
- None
- 12-36 Months
- Earn Free Electricity Every Month
- 13.99¢ /kWh
- None
- 12-36 Months
- Best for Apartments
- 13.99¢ /kWh
- None
- 12 Months
- No Cancellation Fees
- 15¢ /kWh
- Renewable Energy Option
- 15.79¢ /kWh
- None
- 12-20 Months
- Best for Flexibility
- 16.09¢ /kWh
- Renewable Energy Option
- 16.7¢ /kWh
- 16.99¢ /kWh
- Renewable Energy Option
- 17.29¢ /kWh
- 17.3¢ /kWh
- 90 days
- 1-36 Months
- 100% Renewable Plans
- 19¢ /kWh
- Renewable Energy Option
- 19.9¢ /kWh
- 90 days
- 12-36 Months
- Get Rewarded for Higher Usage
- 15.372¢ /kWh
See Top Plans in Your Area
Top 2 Natural Gas Providers in Worcester
Natural gas is also distributed by National Grid across the Worcester metro area. Just like the electricity market, Massachusetts features a deregulated residential gas market, meaning you have the freedom to choose an independent supplier to lock in a fixed supply rate before the freezing winter months arrive. Whether you stick with National Grid’s standard state-regulated supply rate or contract with an alternative supplier, National Grid will remain responsible for maintaining the physical gas lines, reading your meter, and responding to any leak emergencies. Be sure to call them at least a week before move-in to ensure a seamless activation.
- $0.1279 /THM
- $0.9647 /THM
Top 8 Internet Providers in Worcester
Internet access in Worcester is defined by a high-speed duel between Spectrum cable and Verizon. Spectrum provides near-universal cable coverage up to 2 Gbps download speeds across almost 100% of the city limits. For households seeking symmetrical fiber-to-the-home, Verizon Fios and EarthLink Fiber have established robust networks in select neighborhoods like Salisbury Street, Newton Hill, and near WPI. We recommend checking specific address maps at least two weeks before your move-in date to ensure a technician can route lines through older “triple-decker” home configurations if needed.
- 2 Gbps**
- Cable
- Unlimited
- TV & Phone
- 92.48%
- $30.00/mo
- Most Affordable Plans
- 415 Mbps
- 5G
- 1.2 TB
- Mobile
- 99.89%
- $20.00/mo
- Wireless Internet Provider
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 99.89%
- $65.00/mo
- Wireless Internet Provider
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 100%
- $35.00/mo
- Wireless Internet Provider
- 400 Mbps
- Satellite
- Unlimited
- 100%
- $50.00/mo
- 150 Mbps
- Satellite
- 150-850 GB
- Phone
- 100%
- $39.99/mo
- Varies
- Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite
- Varies
- 95%
- $39.95/mo
- 2.3 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 43.34%
- $34.99/mo
- Fios Home Internet starts as low as $20/mo. Terms apply.
Solar Providers in Worcester
Water & Sewage Providers in Worcester
Water and sewer services are managed directly by the City of Worcester Department of Public Works and Parks. You can establish your municipal account by calling the city’s central customer service line at 311 (or 508-929-1300 from outside the city). Worcester’s drinking water is sourced from a pristine network of 10 surface reservoirs located in surrounding towns, producing exceptionally high-quality soft water. Your quarterly bill combines water usage and sewer treatment fees into a single municipal statement that can be paid securely online via the city’s designated UniBank portal.
Top 9 Trash and Recycling Providers in Worcester
Trash and recycling are city-run services that utilize Worcester’s famous Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) Yellow Trash Bag program. The city does not use traditional municipal trash cans or flat taxes for regular household garbage. Instead, you are required to purchase official, city-branded yellow bags from local supermarkets and hardware stores; these bags act as your direct user fee. Recycling is completely free and single-stream, meaning all loose paper, unsoiled cardboard, metal, and plastics go directly into a standard green or blue recycling bin without being bagged.
Utilities Summary for Worcester, MA
| Electric Companies: | 22 |
| Natural Gas Companies: | 2 |
| Water & Sewage Providers: | 1 |
| Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers: | 9 |
| Municipal Electricity: | No |
Navigating Worcester Utilities: Tips, Providers, and Saving Opportunities
Known as the “Heart of the Commonwealth,” Worcester is a vibrant city that beautifully blends its rich history with modern innovation. As you settle into your new home or consider switching utility providers, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the local utility services. This guide will walk you through the primary providers for electricity, natural gas, water, trash collection, and internet services in Worcester, along with energy efficiency programs and tips for choosing the best options for your needs.
Electricity Services
In Worcester, National Grid is the primary electricity utility company responsible for delivering power to your home. They manage the infrastructure that transmits and distributes electricity, handle power outages, and maintain the electrical grid. National Grid is committed to building a smarter, stronger, and cleaner energy future, focusing on reliable and resilient energy solutions to meet state climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Electricity Deregulation in Massachusetts
Massachusetts operates under a deregulated electricity market, granting residents the flexibility to choose their electricity supplier. While National Grid continues to deliver electricity, you have the option to select a supplier that offers rates and plans aligning with your preferences.
Tips for Choosing a Supplier:
- Compare Rates: Look for suppliers offering competitive rates that fit your budget.
- Review Contract Terms: Understand the length of the contract, early termination fees, and any other conditions.
- Check Renewable Options: If sustainability is important to you, consider suppliers that offer green energy plans.
- Research Supplier Reputation: Look for reviews and ratings to ensure the supplier is reputable and provides good customer service.
Be aware that some residents have experienced higher costs with certain competitive electric supply contracts. A report found that Massachusetts residents lost $525 million through such contracts over six years, with low-income communities disproportionately affected.
Green Worcester ElectriCITY Program
The City of Worcester offers the Green Worcester ElectriCITY Municipal Aggregation Program, allowing residents to purchase electricity supply through a city-vetted program. This initiative aims to provide premium renewable energy sources at fair and reliable prices. National Grid continues to deliver the electricity and manage billing, but the supply comes from the aggregation program.
Natural Gas Services
In Worcester, Massachusetts, Eversource Energy is the primary natural gas provider. Eversource Energy, formerly known as NSTAR, merged with Northeast Utilities in 2012 and rebranded as Eversource in 2015. This merger made Eversource the largest energy delivery company in New England, serving approximately 4 million customers across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.
Energy Efficiency Rebates:
Eversource offers various programs and rebates to help customers enhance their energy efficiency:
Weatherization Assistance: Support for insulation and other weatherization improvements to reduce energy consumption.
Heating Equipment Rebates: Incentives for upgrading to high-efficiency heating systems.
Energy Assessments: Free home energy assessments to identify opportunities for energy savings.
Water Services
The Worcester DPW&P manages the city’s water supply, ensuring residents have access to clean and safe drinking water. They oversee the storage, treatment, and delivery of water, as well as the maintenance of the sewer system.
Trash and Recycling Services
The DPW&P also manages trash and recycling collection in Worcester. They provide guidelines for waste disposal, recycling schedules, and operate the Residential Drop-Off Center for bulk waste items. The Residential Drop-Off Center allows residents to dispose of an unlimited number of bulk waste items at a low cost, promoting responsible waste management.
Energy Efficiency Programs
Massachusetts offers several programs to help residents improve energy efficiency and reduce utility costs:
- Mass Save®: A collaborative program providing no-cost Home Energy Assessments, rebates for insulation upgrades, and incentives for high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment.
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Offered by the Worcester Community Action Council, this program provides insulation, weather-stripping, and other services to permanently reduce energy bills.
Best Internet Providers in Worcester
Staying connected is crucial, and Worcester offers several reliable internet service providers:
- Spectrum: Offers cable internet with speeds up to 1 Gbps, covering approximately 94.7% of Worcester.
- Verizon Fios: Provides fiber-optic internet with speeds up to 2.3 Gbps, known for its reliability and speed.
- T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: Offers wireless home internet with speeds up to 415 Mbps, providing an alternative to traditional wired connections.
Tips for Choosing an Internet Provider:
- Assess Your Speed Needs: Consider the number of devices and types of online activities in your household to determine the necessary speed.
- Check Availability: Not all providers are available in every area, so confirm serviceability for your specific address.
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.
Worcester Internet Connectivity
Fastest Internet Providers in Worcester
| Provider | Connection Type | Download Speed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | Cable | 2 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | 5G | 415 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| AT&T Air | 5G | 300 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Verizon 5G Home Internet | 5G | 300 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Starlink | Satellite | 400 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Earthlink | Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite | Varies Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Verizon Home Internet | Fiber | 2.3 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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Worcester Drinking Water Quality Information
Clean drinking water is essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being. Safe, contaminant-free water helps prevent the spread of diseases, supports proper hydration, and ensures the body's vital functions operate smoothly.
Worcester's Primary Drinking Water Source: Surface Water
Drinking Water Contaminant Levels
Legal limit: 1300 ppb
Legal limit: 15 ppb
Legal limit: 100 ppb
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: 60 ppb
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Utilities in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How exactly do the "Yellow Bags" work and what do they cost?
This is the ultimate Worcester transition shock. Standard black or white trash bags will be left on the curb with a code violation sticker. You must buy the official city yellow bags, which come in two sizes: small 15-pound bags (sold in sleeves of 10 for $10.00) and large 30-pound bags (sold in sleeves of 5 for $8.75). You can find them at the customer service desk or registers at local grocery stores like Big Y, Shaw’s, and Price Chopper.
Can I put pizza boxes in the blue recycling bin?
Only if they are entirely clean and unsoiled. If the cardboard has grease stains or cheese stuck to it, it cannot be recycled. A unique local tip from the DPW: if your pizza box is soiled, you should flatten it and place it directly underneath your yellow trash bag on the curb on windy days to keep it from blowing away while awaiting trash collection.
What are the "Permanent" vs "Declared" Winter Parking Bans?
Worcester takes snow clearing very seriously to keep narrow streets accessible. From December 1st to April 30th, Permanent Parking Bans are enforced on critical emergency routes, restricting parking to one side of the street entirely. When a major storm hits, a Declared Parking Ban goes into effect city-wide, giving you a strict window to move your car to the proper side of the street or into designated city parking garages (which offer discounted or free parking during snow emergencies) to avoid a steep ticket and an immediate tow.
How do I get rid of an old couch or mattress?
You cannot leave bulk items on the curb for regular pickup. To dispose of large furniture, appliances, or electronics, you must call Worcester 311 to schedule a drop-off appointment at the Residential Drop-off Center on Millbury Street. Note that there may be a small fee associated with certain items like mattresses due to Massachusetts state landfill recycling mandates.
Is Worcester tap water hard?
Not at all. Sourced from protected surface reservoirs like Kettle Brook and Lynde Brook, Worcester’s water is naturally very “soft.” You can easily skip expensive water softeners. However, because Worcester features an incredible stock of historic multi-family homes built in the early 20th century, running a standard carbon pitcher filter is popular to screen out any mineral tastes from vintage internal household plumbing.
What are "Leaf Collection" weeks?
In the late autumn, the city runs a massive curbside leaf collection program. You can rake your leaves into loose piles on the treebelt or place them in large biodegradable paper yard bags. The city publishes a strict neighborhood schedule; if you put your yard waste out after your designated week has passed, the city will not collect it, and you’ll have to haul it to a local composting site yourself.