Energy Market Changes Coming To MA
Every month seems to promise new changes to the MA energy market. But these changes aren’t always the best for energy choice customers. For example, MA state lawmakers were gearing up to end energy choice in 2025. Recently however, they adopted energy market changes that protects your right to shop for Massachusetts electricity suppliers. Let’s discuss the new MA energy market changes and how they affect you MA energy bills.
MA Senate Bans Retail Energy Choice
Back in May, the state senate passed Bill S.2738. This bill set out to end individual retail energy choice starting on January 1, 2025. This was a result of an 8 year study that showed that energy choice customers paid much more on their energy bills than they would have if they stuck with basic service. However, the House later passed the bill but struck out the ban. Instead, they focused on reforming the retail energy choice market.
Next, the Senate passed Bill S.2838. This bill also sought to ban residential retail energy choice, except that the ban would start on January 1, 2026. Similarly, the ban was also struck down by the House before passing the bill.
New Senate Bill Adopts Market Changes
As you can see, the House was not in favor of banning individual electric choice. In addition, polling showed that close to 62% of polled MA voters opposed ending retail energy choice. Voters wanted to keep the option to shop for better rates. Some also mentioned their demand for clean energy providers.
With this in mind, it may not be a surprise that the MA senate approved market enhancements instead. Bill S.2967, embraces market changes rather than banning energy choice. This includes some exciting provisions:
- Accelerated switching (3 business days) for residential customers
This means you can switch to an energy supplier within 3 days of moving. Effectively this empowers you to switch from basic service rates in less time if 3rd party rates are cheaper. - Contract portability for customers moving within an EDC service area
Customers can keep their Massachusetts energy company plan if they move to a new address in the same utility service area. - Day 1 switching
Customers can immediately gain service from their chosen energy company rather than waiting on basic service rates.
As of November 14, the bill was sent to the Governor’s desk ready to be signed into law.
Shop For Best Energy Prices
We’ll have to wait and see how S.967 will affect the energy market. But it looks like MA energy choice may be safe. This means customers can still compare Massachusetts electricity rates before the expected winter price increases. You can always start shopping for the cheapest rates by checking out https://www.maenergyratings.com. You can also count on us to keep an eye out for the news affecting your bills.