Summer Basic Service Rate Hike Coming
MA National Grid customers may be in for a shock next month. With a hot summer already wilting Massachusetts, high electricity bills are about to get higher. This means you pay more to be comfortable right before the new school year. But how much are bills about to rise and what happens next? Learn what you can do before the National Grid hike hits August basic service bills.
Calculate MA Basic Service Rate Hike
Late last month, National Grid filed to hike basic service rates on August 1. Rates are set to rise from the current 14.672 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to 15.484 cents per kWh. These rates would last from August 1 all the way to January 31, 2026.
For an average MA home using 554 kWh per month, the basic service charge is currently just over $81.00. This will rise to nearly $86 under the new rates.
Keep in mind that NOAA predicts that the next few months are likely to be hotter than normal. August already tends to be the hottest part of the year. So homes that crank up their AC more will see their bills go even higher!
Why Shop For Best Electricity Rates
Obviously, no one likes a rate hike or higher bills. That’s why it’s important to keep shopping for the cheapest electricity rates from the best energy companies in town.
For example, the Constellation 24 Month Home Power Plan locks in a 15 cents per kWh rate for 24 months. This means average home could pay about $83 a month for supply charges. On top of beating the higher National Grid rate, Constellation helps customers monitor their energy usage with regular email updates.
You could also keep an eye out for fall shoulder month pricing when temperatures are usually milder. That means, you could save on top-rated energy companies offering the best deals and promotions this autumn.
Cut Bills And Save Energy
Switching to energy efficient appliances and light bulbs can also cut down your bills. But there are also major home improvements you can make that can give you long-lasting savings:
- Check and seal air leaks
You can cut down your annual electricity bills by up to 10% if you seal your homes air leaks. This means weatherstripping your outside doors, caulking your windows, and checking your attic insulation. - Replace old heating and cooling equipment
How old is your AC and heat pump system? Because you could save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs if you replace equipment that’s at least 10 years old. - Control your thermostat
Setting your thermostat back by 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day can cut your bills down by up to 10%. The best time to do this is while you sleep your away at work. A programmable thermostat makes this a snap.
Beat The Heat And Rate Hike
National Grid basic service customers are going to see their bills rise next month. But you can take steps to save when you shop for the best electricity rates in town.
The best place to do that is to start shopping plans right here at https://www.maenergyratings.com. You can also count on us for the news and tips that could affect your bills.