{"id":754,"date":"2023-09-21T13:40:53","date_gmt":"2023-09-21T18:40:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.maenergyratings.com\/blog\/?p=754"},"modified":"2023-09-21T13:40:55","modified_gmt":"2023-09-21T18:40:55","slug":"dpu-changes-basic-service-periods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.maenergyratings.com\/blog\/dpu-changes-basic-service-periods\/","title":{"rendered":"DPU Changes Basic Service Periods"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What Caused Basic Service Changes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Resturucturing
The MA DPU ordered the state’s utilities to restructure their basic service auctions to help cut rates. But why not shop cheap electricity plans, instead?<\/em><\/center><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Earlier this year, the DPU investigated why basic service rates were so high. Their discovered that the way utilities lined up winter electricity supplies led to higher electricity rates<\/a>. For many MA energy customers, their rates were simply way too expensive. But now, DPU has ordered MA electric utilities to make some big changes that could likely affect your electricity bills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How DPU Changed Basic Service Periods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After the past year’s pricey winter, DPU was tasked with investigating energy services<\/a>. As it turns out, the most expensive months of the year, January and February, fell in the same service period. So this led to an idea to split the two months up with the hopes of evening out bills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this reason, DPU ordered<\/a> Eversource<\/strong> and National Grid<\/strong> to change their basic service periods. This would split the year’s rates between a February through July period and an August through January period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will Basic Service Changes Affect Rates?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This change will undeniably ease energy bill burdens<\/a> and perhaps blunt sharp price spikes. However, it may not significantly lower MA energy bills because so many New England generators rely on natural gas. And natural gas prices<\/a> are still volatile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, EIA estimates that MA customers use about 596 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of power per month. Presently, the Eversource<\/strong> basic service rate is 16.078 cents per kWh This means Eversource<\/strong> basic service customers pay around $96 per month on supply charges. But natural gas rates<\/a> are expected to rise right in the middle of winter and push up residential electricity rates. That’s troubling when you consider that although Eversource<\/strong> has not announced winter rates yet, National Grid<\/strong> is proposing<\/a> hiking its Basic Service rates to 18.213 cents per kWh. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So locking in low 12 month rates now could save you money when it matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check Out Best 12-Month Fixed Rates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you’re looking for renewable energy for your home, then you might be interested in these Green Mountain Energy<\/a> plans. Their SolarSPARC 10% 12<\/strong> plan ensures that your home is powered with 100% renewable energy (90% from wind and 10% from solar generation). While their Pollution Free Reliable Rate<\/strong> plan brings 100% wind-generated power to your home. Both plans charge a supply rate of 16 cents per kWh (or about $95 per month). In addition, customers rank Green Mountain Energy<\/strong> in the top five of best energy companies<\/a> in MA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might also check out the NRG Home<\/a> 12-Month Electric Choice Plan<\/strong>. Their 16.4 cents per kWh rate averages to a monthly supply charge of about $97. NRG Home <\/strong>is one of the 10 most recommended<\/a> energy companies according to our customers. This is because of the variety of promotions and incentives this company offers as well as their quality customer service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, frequent shoppers and diners might benefit from the Direct Energy<\/a> Go Green Lights 12 <\/strong>plan. Their 16.89 cents per kWh rate averages to a monthly supply charge of about $100. Renewable energy will power customer homes. And customers can take advantage of the Direct Energy<\/strong> Rewards<\/em> program. This program offers daily discounts on travel, shopping, and dining as well as chances at gift card giveaways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take Advantage Of Changing Rates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It’s hard to predict if basic service changes will lower bills this year. Costs may be simply spread out across the entire year. But if you shop now, you could lock in to savings for the new year. Compare the best rates that cut your monthly bills at https:\/\/www.maenergyratings.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What Caused Basic Service Changes? Earlier this year, the DPU investigated why […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":773,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mbp_gutenberg_autopost":false},"categories":[10,9,20,21,16],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nDPU Changes Basic Service Periods - MAER: The Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn about MA DPU's changes to utility basic service charges. 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