Consumer Advocate · 7+ years in energy markets
Energy market veteran focused on making electricity shopping simple and transparent.
How We Ensure Accuracy
Since 2009, the team at ElectricRates.org has helped over 5 million energy consumers find better electricity rates. Supplier information comes from state regulators, company filings, and documented customer feedback. Read the editorial standards & see our methodology.
Massachusetts Electricity Market at a Glance
Important: Compare Before Switching
Massachusetts Attorney General research found consumers paid $651 million more between 2015-2024 by choosing competitive suppliers vs. Basic Service. This doesn't mean all suppliers are bad—but always compare to your utility's current Basic Service rate before signing.
What "electricity choice" means in Massachusetts
Massachusetts deregulated electricity in 1997. Here's what you need to know:
- Basic Service is always available. Your utility's default rate changes every 6 months (Feb/Aug for Eversource, Jan/Jul for National Grid).
- Municipal aggregation may apply. 167 of 351 MA municipalities have opted for group rates. Check if you're enrolled.
- 3-day rescission right. Massachusetts law lets you cancel any new contract within 3 business days without penalty.
- All suppliers must be MA DPU-licensed. This ensures basic consumer protections.
Suppliers by situation
Consider Basic Service first: In Massachusetts, your utility's Basic Service rate changes every 6 months and can often be competitive with or better than supplier rates. Check EnergySwitchMA.gov to compare current rates.
Try before committing
One supplier lets you cancel within 90 days with no penalty.
Constellation has a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. After that, ETF is $100-150. Green energy
Some suppliers offer renewable energy plans. But watch the fine print on variable rates.
Clearview Energy has green plans. Read the variable rate terms carefully. Confirmed Massachusetts Suppliers
| Supplier | Min term | Monthly fee | Cancel fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constellation | 12 months | $0 | $100-150 | 90-day trial |
| Clearview | 1 month | See plan | See contract | Green plans |
Rates and terms change. Always compare to your utility's Basic Service rate before signing.
Available Through This Platform
Enroll directly and compare real-time rates
AP Gas & Electric
Short contracts, no monthly fees
Contract Details
Positive Notes
- + Short-term contracts (4-12 months) for flexibility
- + BBB A+ rating and accredited since 2018
- + Fixed rates lock in your price during contract
- + Some customers report easy enrollment process
Watch Out For
- ! Rates may increase significantly after contract expires—set a reminder
- ! 38 BBB complaints in past 3 years (24 in past 12 months)
- ! Mixed reviews: 1.9-2.3 stars on energy rating sites
- ! Some reports of long customer service hold times
Available Plans
Clearview Energy
Green plans and EV perks—but read the fine print carefully
Contract Details
Positive Notes
- + BBB A+ rating and accredited since 2011
- + Actual green energy plans (not just offsets)
- + Perks for EV owners on some plans
- + Fixed-rate options available 6-24 months
Watch Out For
- ! Fined $500,000 by Connecticut and banned for 6 years (2021) over billing violations
- ! BBB customer reviews: 1 out of 5 stars (44 reviews)
- ! 63 BBB complaints in past 3 years, 11 in past 12 months
- ! Variable rates can spike dramatically—bills reported jumping 4x after contract ends
- ! Reports of rates charged different from contract price
Available Plans
Constellation
90 days to cancel, no questions asked
Contract Details
Positive Notes
- + 90-day satisfaction guarantee—cancel without ETF during this period
- + Been around since 1999, one of the largest retail suppliers
- + OH Energy Ratings: 4.47/5 (Top Provider designation)
- + BBB A+ rating and accredited since 2013
Watch Out For
- ! $100-150 ETF kicks in after day 90
- ! BBB customer reviews: 1.14/5 stars (75 complaints in 3 years)
- ! 90-day guarantee NOT valid in Texas, CT, or IL
- ! Some complaints about rates higher than expected
Available Plans
Santanna Energy
Employee-owned, been around since 1988
Contract Details
Positive Notes
- + 100% employee-owned (no outside shareholders)
- + 37+ years in business since 1988
- + BBB A+ rating and accredited since 2009
- + 90-day trial on some plans
Watch Out For
- ! Some plans have a $9.99/month admin fee
- ! BBB customer reviews: 1.44/5 stars despite A+ rating
- ! Aggressive door-to-door sales tactics reported (targeting young consumers)
- ! Complaints about salespeople misrepresenting affiliation with local utilities
- ! Reports of renewal rates jumping 200-300% over market rate
Available Plans
WGL Energy
AltaGas-backed, 25+ years in Mid-Atlantic energy
Contract Details
Positive Notes
- + BBB A+ rating and accredited since 2012
- + AltaGas-backed with 100,000+ electricity customers
- + 25+ year track record in Mid-Atlantic energy
- + Can bundle electricity and gas from one company
Watch Out For
- ! PissedConsumer rating: 1.6/5 stars (48 reviews)
- ! Some complaints about aggressive telemarketing (36 calls in 5 weeks reported)
- ! Reports of rates not matching promised savings
- ! MD Energy Ratings: 1.0/5 average score
Available Plans
Other Massachusetts Suppliers
Not available through this platform - contact directly
Energy Harbor
Nuclear power, often competitive rates
Contract Details
Positive Notes
- + BBB A+ rating with 4.46/5 customer reviews (317 reviews)
- + Nuclear power = carbon-free electricity
- + Ohio-based, serving ~1 million customers
- + Competitive rates especially through municipal aggregation
Watch Out For
- ! Can't sign up through us—contact directly or via aggregation
- ! Connected to House Bill 6 bribery scandal ($43M+ in alleged bribes)
- ! Emerged from FirstEnergy Solutions bankruptcy (2020)
- ! Some reports of customers switched without consent via "sweeps"
- ! 45 BBB complaints in 3 years
Public Power
Simple fixed rates, Vistra-owned
Contract Details
Positive Notes
- + BBB A+ rating with ZERO complaints in 3 years
- + Vistra backing (Fortune 500 power company)
- + 17 years in business, serving 200,000+ customers
- + Simple fixed-rate plans, no hidden fees
Watch Out For
- ! Can't sign up through us—contact directly
- ! $50 early termination fee in PA (may vary by state)
- ! Some Yelp reviews mention high prices vs utility
Direct Energy
Big name, BBB D- rating, aggressive door-to-door sales
Contract Details
Positive Notes
- + 41 years in business—one of the oldest retail energy suppliers
- + Wide variety of plan options (fixed, variable, green, rewards)
- + Free nights and weekends plans available in some markets
- + Online account management and smart home integrations
Watch Out For
- ! BBB rating: D- (NOT accredited)
- ! 136 BBB complaints in past 3 years, 30 in past 12 months
- ! BBB customer reviews: 1.02/5 stars (84 reviews)
- ! Cancellation fees up to $295 depending on plan
- ! Door-to-door sales complaints: customers signed up without consent
- ! Reports of accounts changed without proper authorization
- ! Pattern of complaints about rate increases and unexpected charges
Massachusetts utilities
Eversource vs. National Grid: Territory and Rate Differences
Which utility you have determines your Basic Service rate schedule, available CCA programs, and competitive supplier options. Here is how Massachusetts' two major utilities compare.
| Eversource | National Grid | |
|---|---|---|
| Service territory | Eastern MA: Greater Boston, Cambridge, Springfield, Cape Cod, North Shore | Central & Western MA: Worcester, Lowell, Pittsfield, Berkshires, South Coast |
| Approx. customers | ~1.4 million electric | ~1.3 million electric |
| Basic Service rate reset | February 1 and August 1 | January 1 and July 1 |
| Rate procurement | 6-month competitive auction | 6-month competitive auction |
| Bill format | Supply + delivery shown separately | Supply + delivery shown separately |
| Account number format | Account Number + Name Key + Reference Number | Account Number + Name Key |
| Key difference | Serves most densely populated areas; higher delivery charges due to urban infrastructure | Serves more suburban/rural territory; historically slightly different delivery charge structure |
Important: Regardless of which supplier you choose, your utility (Eversource or National Grid) still delivers the electricity and handles outages. Switching suppliers only changes the "supply" portion of your bill. Learn more about how supply vs. delivery charges work.
Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) in Massachusetts
Before signing up with a competitive supplier, check whether your city or town already has a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program. These are often the best deal for Massachusetts residents.
What is CCA?
- Your municipality negotiates bulk electricity supply rates on behalf of all residents
- You are automatically enrolled unless you opt out
- No cancellation fees - you can return to Basic Service anytime
- Many CCA programs include additional renewable energy beyond state requirements
CCA by the numbers
How to check if you have a CCA program
- 1 Look at your electricity bill. Under "Supply Services," if you see a supplier name other than Eversource or National Grid, you may be in a CCA program.
- 2 Search your city or town name + "community choice aggregation" or "electricity aggregation" - most programs have a dedicated webpage.
- 3 Check the Massachusetts DPU municipal aggregation page for approved programs.
- 4 Call your town hall and ask if the municipality participates in electricity aggregation.
If you are in a CCA: Choosing a competitive supplier will remove you from the CCA program. Compare the CCA rate against supplier offers carefully before switching. You can always return to the CCA program, but there may be a waiting period until the next enrollment window. Massachusetts is one of several deregulated energy states where CCA programs are available.
How to Switch Your Electricity Supplier in Massachusetts
Switching suppliers in Massachusetts is straightforward and causes no service interruption. Your utility (Eversource or National Grid) continues to deliver power and handle outages regardless of your supply choice.
Check your most recent Eversource or National Grid bill. Look for the "Supply Services" or "Generation Services" line item. This is the rate you need to beat. The supply charge is separate from delivery - learn about supply vs. delivery charges.
Enter your ZIP code at the top of this page to see real-time supplier rates, or check EnergySwitchMA.gov. Pay attention to whether rates are fixed or variable, and the contract length.
You will need your utility account number from your bill. Eversource customers also need their "Name Key" and "Reference Number." National Grid customers need their "Name Key." Have a recent bill handy.
Complete enrollment online or by phone. The supplier notifies your utility automatically. No technician visit needed - no service interruption occurs.
The switch typically takes 1-2 billing cycles. Your utility continues billing you for delivery + your new supplier's supply rate on one combined bill.
3-Day Rescission Right: Massachusetts law requires all competitive suppliers to give you 3 business days to cancel any new contract without penalty. If you change your mind, contact the supplier within this window. Read our full step-by-step switching guide for more details.
Pro Tips for Massachusetts Electricity Shoppers
Your utility's Basic Service rate changes every 6 months (Feb/Aug for Eversource, Jan/Jul for National Grid). Many supplier rates don't beat it.
167 of 351 MA municipalities have group energy programs. If you're enrolled, you may already have a competitive rate.
Variable rates can increase significantly based on market conditions. Check rate change notification terms in your contract.
Massachusetts law lets you cancel any new contract within 3 business days without penalty.
The state's official comparison tool shows all licensed suppliers and current rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Basic Service in Massachusetts?
Basic Service is your utility's default electricity supply. The rate changes every 6 months - February and August for Eversource customers, January and July for National Grid. You're never locked in and can switch anytime. Research shows many customers do just as well or better on Basic Service than with competitive suppliers.
What is municipal aggregation in Massachusetts?
Municipal aggregation is when your city or town negotiates a group electricity rate for all residents. According to the <a href="https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-public-utilities" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="text-green-700 hover:underline">Massachusetts DPU</a>, 167 of 351 MA municipalities have these programs, serving 46% of households. You're automatically enrolled unless you opt out. Check with your town to see if you're in a municipal aggregation program.
Can I cancel a supplier contract in Massachusetts?
Yes. Massachusetts law gives you 3 business days to cancel any new supplier contract without penalty (rescission period). After that, you may face early termination fees depending on your contract. Basic Service and municipal aggregation have no cancellation fees.
Why are Massachusetts electricity rates so high?
According to <a href="https://www.eia.gov/electricity/state/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="text-green-700 hover:underline">U.S. Energy Information Administration data</a>, Massachusetts has the 3rd highest electricity rates in the US (30.41¢/kWh average). Contributing factors include: reliance on natural gas generation, aging infrastructure, high RPS (renewable) requirements (63.3% for 2026), and transmission costs for a geographically isolated grid.
Should I switch from Basic Service to a competitive supplier?
Not necessarily. <a href="https://www.mass.gov/competitive-electric-supply" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="text-green-700 hover:underline">Massachusetts Attorney General research</a> found consumers paid $651 million more over 9 years by choosing competitive suppliers vs. Basic Service. However, if you want a fixed rate, green energy, or find a supplier genuinely beating Basic Service rates, switching can make sense. Always compare current rates before deciding.
What is the cheapest electricity in Massachusetts?
The cheapest electricity option in Massachusetts depends on your utility territory and the current rate cycle. Basic Service rates reset every 6 months (February/August for Eversource, January/July for National Grid), and Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) programs in 167+ municipalities often negotiate rates below Basic Service. Enter your ZIP code to see live competitive supplier rates for your specific utility—some fixed-rate plans may beat your current Basic Service rate depending on the cycle.
What are alternatives to Eversource in Massachusetts?
If you are an Eversource customer, you have three main alternatives: (1) Community Choice Aggregation—check if your municipality has a CCA program, which automatically enrolls you at a negotiated rate; (2) Competitive suppliers—DPU-licensed companies like Constellation, Clearview Energy, and others offer fixed and variable rate plans; (3) Basic Service—Eversource default supply rate that resets every February and August. Your delivery charges stay with Eversource regardless of your supply choice. Learn more about <a href="/blog/supply-vs-delivery-charges-explained/" class="text-green-700 hover:underline">how supply vs. delivery charges work</a>.
How do I switch electricity providers in Massachusetts?
Switching your electricity supplier in Massachusetts takes about 5 minutes: (1) Find your current rate on your Eversource or National Grid bill under Supply Services; (2) Compare competitive supplier rates using your ZIP code or at <a href="https://www.energyswitchma.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="text-green-700 hover:underline">EnergySwitchMA.gov</a>; (3) Enroll with your chosen supplier online or by phone—you will need your utility account number; (4) Your utility handles the switch automatically within 1-2 billing cycles. No service interruption occurs. You have 3 business days to cancel any new contract. Read our <a href="/blog/how-to-switch-electricity-providers-step-by-step/" class="text-green-700 hover:underline">complete switching guide</a> for detailed steps.
What is National Grid competitive supply in Massachusetts?
National Grid competitive supply means choosing a third-party electricity supplier instead of National Grid default Basic Service rate. National Grid serves central and western Massachusetts (Worcester, Lowell, Pittsfield). Their Basic Service rate resets every January and July. When you choose competitive supply, National Grid still delivers your electricity and handles billing—you are only changing who generates the power. About 1.3 million National Grid customers in MA have electricity choice.
What are MA electricity rates in 2026?
Massachusetts has among the highest electricity rates in the nation. The average residential rate is approximately 25-29 cents per kWh according to <a href="https://www.eia.gov/electricity/state/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="text-green-700 hover:underline">EIA data</a>, compared to the national average of roughly 16-17 cents per kWh. Rates vary by utility territory—Eversource and National Grid set different Basic Service rates each cycle. Factors driving high MA rates include natural gas dependency, aging grid infrastructure, ambitious renewable portfolio standards (63.3% for 2026), and geographic isolation of the New England grid.
How We Evaluate Suppliers
Information is gathered from multiple verified sources including EnergySwitchMA, BBB profiles, MA DPU records, and company websites. This guide reports factual information including:
- Contract terms - Rate ranges, term lengths, early termination fees
- Monthly fees - Any recurring charges beyond the per-kWh rate
- Red flags - Documented issues from customer complaints or regulatory records
- Company background - Ownership, headquarters, years in business
Verify supplier licensing: MA DPU licensed supplier list
Disclosure: ElectricRates.org may receive compensation when you enroll through this platform. This does not affect which suppliers are featured or their rates.
These are factual comparisons organized by customer needs. The electricity product is identical across all suppliers - what varies is price and contract terms.
Last updated: April 2026. Rates and terms change frequently. Always verify current rates before signing up.
Basic Service rates change every 6 months • Compare before the next reset
See If You Can Beat Basic Service
Enter your ZIP to compare DPU-licensed suppliers and municipal aggregation rates.