BOSTON and SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (June 5, 2024) - Eversource electric customers can expect to pay less on the supply portion of their electric bill beginning August 1. Following a Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) order last year aimed at minimizing volatility, periods for the supply portion of the bill have a new schedule that runs August through January and February through July instead of July through December and January through June. By splitting the two highest-priced months of the year in January and February, it is expected that customers will see more stable rates between the two rate periods during the year. The energy company recently filed updated Basic Service (also known as supply) Rates from power generators with the DPU that will be 8% lower for residential customers in Eastern Massachusetts and 11% lower in Western Massachusetts than the current supply rate.

As approved by the DPU, the Basic Service Rate for residential customers in Eastern Massachusetts will change from the current 17.22 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to 15.77 cents per kWh and from the current 15.81 cents per kWh to 14.02 cents per kWh for residential customers in Western Massachusetts. As a result, Eversource residential electric customers, on average, who use 600 kilowatt hours of power each month will see a decrease on the supply portion of their bill of approximately $9, or 4% of their total bill, in Eastern Massachusetts and $11, or 5% of their total bill, in Western Massachusetts. In addition to the Basic Service Rate change on August 1, there are also slight adjustments on the delivery side of the bill to support grid modernization and energy efficiency that are expected to take effect on July 1.

“A lower price for energy is certainly good news that we’re excited to pass on to customers, and we’re glad that the Department of Public Utilities’ new supply rate schedule aimed at minimizing volatility has proven successful this year,” said Eversource Executive Vice President of Customer Experience and Energy Strategy Penni Conner. “At the same time, it’s important for our customers to remember that their total bill ultimately depends on how much energy they use – which, on average, increases for our Massachusetts customers by 40 percent during the summer months with air conditioners, fans and other appliances working overtime to keep things cool inside. Before the hottest days of summer arrive, we continue to urge everyone to take advantage of the many energy efficiency and payment programs we offer to reduce energy use and help support our customers year-round.”

The energy supply price changes twice each year and represents the cost that Eversource pays generators for the power that customers use. Eversource only charges customers what it pays generators for producing the power – it does not earn a profit on the cost of electricity. How much a customer pays will ultimately depend on how much energy is used, their rate category and weather conditions. Under the new schedule for Basic Service Rates in Massachusetts, the updated supply cost will be in effect from August 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025, with the next change taking place on February 1, 2025.

This change only affects customers on the Eversource Basic Service Rate – or approximately 22% of customers in Eastern Massachusetts and 64% in Western Massachusetts, and not those who receive their electric supply through municipal aggregation programs or a third-party competitive supplier.

On average, Massachusetts customers use 40% more electricity during the summer months with increased usage of air conditioners, fans and other appliances to stay cool. Eversource encourages customers to take advantage of the many energy efficiency solutions and payment programs offered before the hot weather arrives.

Things customers can do to manage energy usage this summer:

• Sign up for a no-cost Home Energy Assessment to identify energy-saving changes for their home and access generous incentives to make the recommended improvements, such as insulation and air sealing – which could reduce heating and cooling expenses by 20%.
• Keep air conditioners set as warm as comfort allows. For every degree higher on the thermostat, the air conditioner will use 1–3% less electricity.
• Don’t block air flow. Keep air vents and heat pump vents clear of obstructions such as furniture, curtains, and rugs. 
• Operate major appliances during the cooler parts of the day. Energy is conserved by using appliances like clothes washers and dryers early in the morning or late in the evening when there is also less demand on the electric system.
• Keep blinds closed when it’s hot out to prevent unwanted heat from entering a home through windows. Using curtains, shades, and blinds can lower indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees.
• Switch to ENERGY STAR®-certified LED lights. The energy-efficient bulbs run cooler and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lights.
• Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise and at a higher speed in the summer to circulate the air more effectively, creating a cooling, wind chill effect. Remember to turn the fan off when leaving the room.  

Help is available for customers who need it

Eversource encourages customers to enroll in one of its payment plans or assistance programs if they need help with their energy bill by calling 866–861–6225 (Eastern Massachusetts) or 877–963–2632 (Western Massachusetts), or visit Eversource.com/BillHelp to find the right plan for them and enroll online.       

• The New Start Program can help income-eligible, electric and gas customers reduce or eliminate their outstanding balance in as little as 12 months when they make on-time monthly payments and Eversource will make up the difference by eliminating or forgiving a portion of the total balance enrolled in the program – reducing the amount owed each month.
• Flexible Payment Plans are available to all customers, regardless of income, to pay their past-due balance over a period of time.
• Budget Billing Plans are also available and can help customers avoid seasonal spikes on their energy bill by paying a fixed amount each month based on their average annual usage.
• A Discount Rate is available to customers receiving public assistance benefits and have a household income at or below 60% of the state median income. These customers may be eligible for a 42% discount on their monthly electric bill or a 25% discount on their monthly natural gas bill.

Eversource (NYSE: ES), celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, is among the top energy companies in Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies for 2024 and recognized as a Five-Year Champion, appearing in every edition of the list. Eversource transmits and delivers electricity and natural gas and supplies water to 1.8 million customers throughout Massachusetts, including approximately 1.47 million electric customers in 140 communities, 639,000 gas customers in 117 communities, and 11,500 water customers in five communities. Eversource harnesses the commitment of approximately 9,900 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. The #1 energy efficiency provider in the nation, the company is empowering a clean energy future in the Northeast, with nationally recognized energy efficiency solutions and successful programs to integrate new clean energy resources like a first-in-the-nation networked geothermal pilot project, solar, offshore wind, electric vehicles and battery storage, into the electric system. For more information, please visit eversource.com, and follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more information on our water services, visit aquarionwater.com.

CONTACT:
William Hinkle
603-634-2228
william.hinkle@eversource.com

Priscilla Ress
413-787-1055
priscilla.ress@eversource.com

Kyle Costa
781-441-8728 
kyle.costa@eversource.com