Compare Massachusetts Electricity Rates [2022 Best Prices]
Here’s a quick overview of Massachusetts electricity rates:
- Current average retail rate of electricity: 25.33 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh)
- Current range of electricity prices (from renewable sources) in MA: 14.69 to 21.29 cents per kWh
- Average monthly electric bill: $152.19
- Average energy usage: 602 kWh
Figures accurate as of time of publication.
Why You Can Trust EcoWatch
Our renewable energy experts have conducted hours of research and collected dozens of data points to determine the best energy rates in Massachusetts. We’ve also objectively ranked and reviewed numerous energy companies to empower you to make the right choice for your home.
Who Has the Best Energy Rates in Massachusetts?
The lowest electricity rate from a supplier in Massachusetts that offers 100%-renewable energy plans comes from Constellation, which provides energy at just 14.69 cents per kWh for customers of Eversource Energy. You can click below to see this offer and how it stacks up against prices from other top electric suppliers in Massachusetts.
Nationwide Service
Average cost
Constellation Energy
-
Many years of experience -
Great industry reputation
-
Award-winning company
-
No.1 producer of carbon-free energy in the U.S.
-
Makes charitable contributions
-
Charges contract cancellation fees
-
No prepaid or no-deposit plans
Many years of experience 
Charges contract cancellation fees Services Offered
-
100% Renewable Energy Plans
-
Fixed-Rate Plans
-
Variable-Rate Plans
-
Home Solar
100% Renewable Energy Plans 
Regional Service
Average cost
Verde Energy
-
No early termination fees
-
Many years of experience
-
Low rates
-
History of issues with misleading marketing
-
No prepaid plans
Services Offered
-
100% Renewable Energy Plans
-
Fixed-Rate Plans
-
Business Energy Plans
Regional Service
Average cost
Discount Power
-
Many years of experience
-
Makes charitable contributions
-
Low rates
-
Wide variety of contract term options
-
Low number of customer complaints
-
Values transparency
-
No early termination fees
-
No prepaid or no-deposit plans
Services Offered
-
100% Renewable Energy Plans
-
Fixed-Rate Plans
-
Variable-Rate Plans
-
Business Energy Plans
Regional Service
Average cost
Direct Energy Services
-
Many years of experience
-
Great industry reputation
-
Makes charitable contributions
-
Low rates
-
Low number of customer complaints
-
Charges contract cancellation fees
-
Low number of plans to choose from
Services Offered
-
100% Renewable Energy Plans
-
Fixed-Rate Plans
-
Variable-Rate Plans
-
Prepaid Plans
-
Business Energy Plans
Jump To: Massachusetts Energy Rates | Price Comparison | How to Find the Best Rates | Types of Electricity Plans | Best Electricity Companies | What to Look For When Choosing a Provider | FAQ
Massachusetts Energy Rates
Massachusetts has a deregulated energy market, which was enacted in 1997 to give residents a choice of electricity suppliers. Energy deregulation is typically considered a positive thing, as it pushes companies to compete with each other, driving down the cost of electricity for consumers. The average cost of electric service in Massachusetts — according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA) — is 25.33 cents per kWh, making it one of the most expensive states for energy in New England.1 Offers from competitive suppliers range from 14.69 cents up to 21.29 cents for green energy plans.
The rate you’ll pay for power depends primarily on the supplier you choose, which is why selecting a different one can save you money instantly on your energy bills. However, it also depends slightly on your electric utility. Most Massachusetts homeowners are powered by Eversource — which took over Nstar and Western Massachusetts Electric Company — but rates can vary if you’re serviced by National Grid or Unitil.
Comparison of Electricity Rates in Massachusetts
The table below provides a comparison of the energy plans available in Massachusetts. It’s important to note that, as an environmentally friendly website, we’re only including options from companies that offer 100%-renewable energy plans. We’ll discuss these green plans in depth later on and provide some information as to why they’re favorable.
| Plan Name | Term (Months) | Plan Rate (¢/kWh) |
| Clearview Energy Live Green | 6 | 16.09 cents |
| Clearview Energy Live Green | 6 | 16.79 cents |
| Constellation 36-Month Plan | 36 | 14.69 cents |
| Constellation 36-Month Plan | 36 | 15.19 cents |
| Discount Power 100% Carbon Neutral Power 12 | 12 | 16.50 cents |
| Discount Power 100% Carbon Neutral Power 12 | 12 | 17.50 cents |
| Discount Power 100% Carbon Neutral Power 18 | 18 | 17.50 cents |
| Verde Energy USA Get It Fixed 12 | 12 | 19.79 cents |
| Verde Energy USA Get It Fixed 12 | 24 | 18.99 cents |
| Direct Energy Green Energy 12 Month | 12 | 21.29 cents |
| Direct Energy Green Energy 18 Month | 18 | 18.59 cents |
| Direct Energy Green Energy 36 Month | 36 | 17.99 cents |
*Rates will vary based on your public utility; you’ll see the rates above if your utility is Eversource. Rates are subject to change.
How to Find the Best Electricity Rates in Massachusetts
When shopping around for the best energy plan, it’s often tempting just to choose the one with the lowest price per kWh. While this option will serve some customers well, there are additional factors you should consider to ensure you get the best plan for your needs. We’ll explain below why your average monthly energy consumption and the contract details also play a role in which plan is best for you.
Your Energy Usage
First, you should consider how much electricity you use each month, as this can influence which plan suits you best. Many suppliers in Massachusetts bill based on a tiered rate, which means different customers will be charged different amounts per kWh. In most cases, customers using well below the local average of 602 kWh per month will have higher rates, as will those using well above that average. These plans might be ideal if you use close to that amount each month, but they could end up costing you more if you use more or less.
Another popular option for billing is a time-of-use (TOU) rate structure, which bases what you pay per kWh on the time of day you consume it. TOU plans include higher prices for on-peak usage, moderate prices for mid-peak usage and the lowest prices for off-peak usage. Off-peak times aren’t regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU), so they will depend on your electric supplier.
Contract Length
You will also want to pay close attention to the term of the contract you’re signing, as it can range from a single month to a few years. Longer contracts typically have lower per-kWh prices because you’ll get a slight discount for providing guaranteed business to your supplier.
The other contract terms are important as well, so you should always take care to read the entire contract including the fine print. Look out for introductory rates that increase during the contract timeline, sign-up fees, early-termination fees and a stipulation that your contract will automatically turn into a month-to-month variable-rate agreement once the term has ended. If you’re unsure which energy plan is best for you based on all of these factors, you can use this tool or click below to help you find the one that best suits your needs and your budget.
Types of Electricity Plans in Massachusetts
There are several types of energy plan that you’ll come across in Massachusetts, and although some of them seem self-explanatory, there are details you should be aware of before committing. We’ll explain the most common energy plan types in Massachusetts below.
Fixed-Rate Plans
Fixed-rate plans include a single, fixed rate for energy that never changes over the contract term. That means you’ll get a per-kWh price on day one, and you’ll pay that price until the contract term has ended, even if local energy prices skyrocket. We almost always recommend fixed-rate plans because they provide peace of mind that you’ll never pay inflated prices for energy.
However, fixed-rate plans also typically require a contract and come with early-termination fees, so they aren’t ideal if you don’t want to be locked into a specific supplier or you want to be able to shop for better rates in the near future.
| Pros of a Fixed-Rate Energy Plan | Cons of a Fixed-Rate Energy Plan |
| You’ll always know what your energy rate will be, making budgeting a breeze | They typically include early-cancellation fees and require contracts |
| You stand to save money and retain peace of mind if energy rates skyrocket | You might end up paying more than a variable-rate option if local prices drop |
Variable-Rate Plans
Variable-rate energy plans charge a per-kWh rate based on local energy prices, which means your rate could change from day to day. In cases where local electric prices drop, you end up paying less than you would with a fixed-rate plan, but you could end up paying far more if the prices increase. This is especially a risk during times of crisis or when demand is high or energy supply is low.
Variable-rate plans do have the benefit of not requiring contracts, which means they also don’t come with early termination fees.
| Pros of a Variable-Rate Energy Plan | Cons of a Variable-Rate Energy Plan |
| You might save money over a fixed-rate plan if local prices drop after signing up | Your energy rate could change at any time without warning |
| No contracts required, which means no early-termination fees | You might end up paying far more than with a fixed-rate plan if prices skyrocket |
No-Deposit and Prepaid Energy Plans
Many energy plans require a deposit of some sort, which is a way for electric suppliers to offset the risk of non-payment from customers. Deposits can increase your up-front costs, but some companies offer no-deposit plans. As the name implies, these plans don’t require any up-front payment or sign-up fee, but you’ll have to pass a credit check first. These plans can also be fixed-rate or variable-rate plans.
Another option for avoiding sign-up fees is a prepaid plan, which doesn’t require a contract and instead lets you put money into an account to cover future charges for power. This lets you maintain ultimate control over what you spend on energy, but you also have to remember to add money to the account periodically. If you don’t, you could experience power outages.
| Pros of a Prepaid Energy Plan | Cons of a Prepaid Energy Plan |
| Minimal charges upfront | You could lose power if you forget to add money to your account |
| You retain total control over maximum energy charges | Many prepaid plans have slightly higher charges per kWh |
| No contracts or termination fees |
Green Energy Plans
Green energy plans are just like other options, but all of the energy supplied to your home is guaranteed to come from renewable energy sources. These plans can have fixed or variable rates, and some come with options like no deposit and prepayment. We strongly recommend all customers choose green energy plans, as they help reduce pollution and global warming and let you get behind clean energy without having to install expensive equipment on your home like solar panels.
Massachusetts has set a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) goal of producing 35% of all of its electricity via renewable energy sources by 2030, with the 15% to increase by 1% per year thereafter.2 Given that the future of clean energy in Massachusetts is bright, it’s possible that the state will offer additional incentives for renewable energy in the future, which could make green energy plans more affordable and more widely available.
| Pros of a Green Energy Plan | Cons of a Green Energy Plan |
| Lets you promote green energy without having to install costly equipment | Many are a bit more costly per kWh than non-renewable energy plans |
| Reduces your carbon footprint and contribution to global warming | Not as many plans available as those that use fossil fuels |
Business Energy Plans
Business energy plans are designed for commercial customers, who typically have greater energy needs than residential customers. The per-kWh charge is often lower than it would be for a home energy plan for the same consumption rate. These plans aren’t as widely available, so you will likely have fewer options as far as suppliers and contract options go.
Electricity Companies and Providers in Massachusetts
Thanks to the deregulation of the energy market in Massachusetts, there are quite a few electric companies to choose from for your energy needs. While having options is generally a positive thing that leads to lower prices for electricity, it also means your decision will be more challenging.
It’s also worth noting that you will just receive basic service at a standard rate —which is often higher — if you don’t choose a supplier. Below are some of our top-rated electric suppliers in Massachusetts to help narrow down your selection a bit.
Constellation Energy
- Positive online customer reviews
- Fixed-rate plans available
- 100% renewable energy plan options
- A+ BBB rating
Discount Power
- 100% renewable energy plans available
- Fixed-rate contracts are standard
- Multiple contract terms offered
- Generally positive customer experience
Verde Energy USA
- Fixed-rate plans available
- Green energy plans offered
- Mostly positive customer reviews
Direct Energy
- Multiple contract terms offered
- Fixed-rate plans offered
- Offers several 100% renewable energy plans
What to Look For When Choosing an Electricity Provider in Massachusetts
As we mentioned above, it might be tempting to choose the lowest energy rate available when shopping around for a new electric provider, but the price per kWh is far from the only thing you should consider. Below, we’ll include some other factors that can play a significant role in determining if an energy plan and supplier are right for you and your energy needs.
- Plan Options: Not every local utility company will offer fixed-rate, variable-rate, no-deposit, green and prepaid plans. Deciding which option works best for you and then ruling out companies that don’t offer that option is often the easiest way to reduce the number of suppliers from which you have to choose.
- Energy Source: Many energy suppliers and producers in Massachusetts still predominantly use coal, natural gas and other fossil fuels to produce energy. We strongly recommend opting for a green energy plan instead to benefit the environment and reduce your contribution to global warming.
- Price Per kWh: Of course, the price you will pay per kWh is a crucial factor and often the most significant one in determining what your overall charges will be for energy. Considering price is important alongside the other criteria mentioned here.
- Contract Details: You should pay careful attention to the term of the contract you’re signing, as it will dictate how long you’ll be locked into a particular per-kWh price and supplier. Other details — like introductory rates, sign-up fees and early-termination charges — are also imperative to review before signing.
- Customer Reviews: It’s wise to read through some positive and negative customer reviews before signing a contract with any company. These offer an unbiased summary of the service you can expect, and sometimes it’s worth paying a bit more for quality customer service and experience.
- Company History: You should also consider looking at a company’s history and longevity in the power industry before committing. Often, companies with a longer track record can provide faster responses to issues like billing problems.
FAQ: Massachusetts Electricity Plans
The EcoWatch team regularly gets questions from Massachusetts homeowners about which energy plan is best for them. Since you might have similar questions, we’ll include the most common ones we see below, along with our responses.
Among the energy suppliers in Massachusetts that offer 100%-renewable energy plans, Constellation has the lowest electric supply rate available. The average price per kWh in MA is 25.33 cents, but one of Constellation’s 36-month plans comes with a fixed rate of just 14.69 cents per kWh.
There is no single energy provider that will appeal equally to all Massachusetts residents. For example, one supplier might only offer variable-rate plans, which will never be ideal for a customer searching for a fixed-rate contract. However, Constellation ranks among the top providers in our rankings of Massachusetts energy providers. This company maintains positive customer reviews, has fixed-rate plans and green energy plans available and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
One of the easiest and quickest ways to lower your utility bill in Massachusetts is to switch to a new energy supplier that has a lower per-kWh rate. Thanks to energy deregulation in MA, you can select the company that suits your needs and budget, which means you can instantly reduce your energy expenditure by switching suppliers.
Additionally, you can improve the energy efficiency of your home to reduce your electric bill. Some energy-saving things you can do include updating insulation, doors and windows to maximize efficiency, installing a smart thermostat to regulate heating and cooling more efficiently and changing your light bulbs to more efficient options.
Just like with energy suppliers, there is no single energy plan that will be best for all Massachusetts homeowners. You will need to find the best option for you in terms of contract length, plan type, electricity prices, contract details and more. If you’re having difficulty deciding which plan is right for you, you can use this tool to get started.
