National Grid Rate Increase This Winter
As of October 1, the National Grid distribution rate has increased by about 3.5%. That means all National Grid customers can expect higher bills this winter. However, there are several ways you can cut costs and stay warm this coming season. Let’s dive in and figure out how you can shop Massachusetts electric rates to offset the National Grid increase.
How Much Will Electric Rates Increase?
On November 16, 2023, National Grid proposed an electricity rate increase. The plan would provide a net increase to annual distribution revenue of about $131.6 million. The plan starts with a rate hike starting on October 1, 2024. Then this rate increases annually for the next four years. As of this month, National Grid rates rose by about 3.5 percent (about $6 to $7 a month for the average customer).
As we discussed in May, the extra revenue intends to support National Grid in modernizing its grid. But it still means higher bills during the most expensive season of the year. In addition, this increase affects the distribution charges part of your bill. This means that all customers have to contend with rate hikes on their bills.
Shop Cheap Electric Rates For Heat Pumps
The news isn’t all bad for customers with heat pumps. MA is seeking to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. But reaching this goal requires energy customers to adopt cleaner energy solutions.
For example, regulators have ordered National Grid to create special rates for heat pump users. Current estimates suggest that this will cut costs for more than 1.3 million households. On top of that, heat pump systems can cut energy usage by as much as 75%. So homeowners with heat pumps may see big budget savings for energy saving homes.
Shop Big Savings on Cheap Electric Rate
It’s important to remember that this rate increase only affects the distribution portion of your bill. This means that you may find big savings if you shop for cheap electricity rates.
Right now, National Grid charges 16.055 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for its basic service rate. This rate stays in effect from now until the end of January, 2025. Considering that most MA homes use about 559 kWh of energy per month, this means an average monthly supply charge of about $89. Obviously, most homes could pay more than this during the cold winter months because of heating costs.
However, customers switching to the Direct Energy Go Green Lights 13 plan would pay 14.79 cents per kWh. This means an average monthly supply charge of about $82 ($7 less than National Grid). This means their customers would not only support renewable energy, but could completely offset the National Grid distribution rate increase!
Best of all, some energy companies add even more value with rebates, shopping discounts, and other benefits. And those savings could make the holiday seasons a lot easier this year.
Save Today With Best Electric Rates
It’s never too late to lock in cheap rates and save a little more money. That’s why smart energy shopping starts by checking out energy plans at https://www.maenergyratings.com. You can also count on us for news and tips that could affect your bills.