MA Customers Choose Energy Choice
It’s no secret that Massachusetts electric rates are high. A variety of factors, including shortages on the region’s natural gas market often lead to higher bills for most homes. But the state’s Energy Choice option offers smart ways to save money on the power you need. That’s why recent polling finds that MA electricity customers still want Energy Choice.
How High Are MA Energy Bills?
The EIA estimates that MA homes use an average of 577 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month. Right now, Eversource basic service costs 15.772 cents per kWh. For National Grid, the rate is 16.055 cents per kWh. This means basic service customers pay an average of $91-$92 per month on supply charges alone! As you can guess, these estimates can go even higher during the summer for cooling and the winter for heating.
Usually, that would be the end of the story. But, back in May, National Grid requested to hike its distribution charges. If the request passes, then National Grid customers could see their bills rise by nearly $8 a month.
Why MA Customers Want Energy Choice
Fortunately, MA energy choice allows customers to shop around for their power. This gives them the chance to find great plans that beat basic service rates. Some even have deals and promotions that add extra value including rebates and discounts on shopping, dining, and travel.
However, this past May, the MA senate passed senate bill (S.2738). This bill would, effectively, ban energy choice for residential customers. Senate bill backers argue that the retail electricity market has caused more harm than good, especially among lower income households.
Interestingly enough, it seems that energy customers might not agree.
Recently, NRG Energy sponsored a poll of 756 MA registered voters. The poll showed that 62% oppose eliminating the retail electricity market. The respondents largely believed that energy choice was the best way to keep rates low. On top of that, shopping MA electricity allows energy customers to support cleaner carbon-free energy.
In a memo, NRG that stated that the respondents top priority was keeping costs low. Their next was protection from utility monopolies and lastly from bad actors in the retail electric market. In other words, the poll suggests that MA customers favor electricity market reforms rather than eliminating it all together.
Will MA Ban Energy Choice?
Last month, MA House passed S.2738 but with some revisions. Specifically, it took out the language that outright banned individual energy choice and focused on reforms instead. For the time being, customers will be able to shop and save on cheaper energy rates into the new year.
As always, you can start your shopping for the cheapest rates in town, right here at https://www.maenergyratings.com. You can also count on us for all the news that could affect your bills.