Eversource Energy (WMECo)
Contents
- 1 Eversource Energy (WMECo)
- 2 Eversource Energy (WMECo) Power Outages
- 3 Eversource Energy (WMECo) Basic Service Rate
- 4 Energy Deregulation in Massachusetts
- 5 Understanding the Electric Bill
- 6 Selecting an Electric Supplier
- 7 Is the Plan 100% Renewable Energy?
- 8 Can I be Billed Twice?
- 9 Is There an Early Cancellation Fee?
- 10 What Happens at the End of my Term?
- 11 Massachusetts Utilities
- 12 Clean Energy
- 13 Electricity Rates
Eversource Energy (WMECo), formerly known as Western Massachusetts Electric Company, is the product of Northeast Utilities. Northeast Utilities merged with NSTAR and officially rebranded itself in 2015 as Eversource Energy. The utility company delivers natural gas and electricity to over 4 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. Eversource Energy (WMECo) is responsible for maintaining the power lines that deliver electricity to customers in western Massachusetts. Residents living in the service area will not be able to change to another utility company for delivery services.
Eversource Energy (WMECo) Power Outages
If you experience a power outage then you will need to contact the utility company. Eversource Energy (WMECo) is responsible for managing the flow of electricity within its service area. Most power outages can be detected and even diverted before they can occur.
- Eversource Energy (WMECo) Customer Contact Number: 1-800-880-2433
Eversource Energy (WMECo) Basic Service Rate
Along with delivering power to its customers, the utility company is responsible for providing a basic service rate for supply services to customers that do not switch to another electric provider. The basic service rate is also referred to as the price to compare. When shopping for an electric supplier, the price to compare can be used to determine savings. If an electric supplier is offering a supply rate lower than the basic service rate, then the customer will be saving money by switching.
Energy Deregulation in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is one of many states to deregulate its electricity market, opening the door to outside energy suppliers to provide generation services to residents. The legislation known as the Electric Industry Restructuring Act, unbundled the responsibilities of the utility companies, paving the way for customers to choose their electric supplier.
Before energy deregulation, utility companies had a monopoly over the generation, transmission, and delivery of power to customers. Massachusetts residents had no choice but to pay the price the utility charged for power generation. Deregulating the electricity market has given more freedom to customers to be able to select an alternative energy plan and save money on the electric bill.
Understanding the Electric Bill
The electric bill is composed of two main sections that include the delivery and supply charges. Customers that shop for electric rates are shopping for the supply section of the electric bill. In most deregulated electricity markets, once the customer changes electric supplier, they will still receive one electric bill from the utility company that incorporates both the delivery and supply costs. This method of billing is known as single billing.
- Supply Charges – This section of the electric bill is deregulated which allows the customer to shop for a lower supply rate. The supply rate is the cost of generating the power the customer is estimated to use during a period. The utility company will provide basic service to customers that decide not to switch.
- Delivery Charges – This section of the electric bill is regulated. This is the cost the utility company charges to deliver electricity from the point of generation to the point of service, whether it’s a home or business. A customer cannot switch to another utility company. The delivery charges are regulated by the Department of Public Utilities (DPU).
Selecting an Electric Supplier
If you’re lucky enough to live in a deregulated electricity market, then start taking advantage! There are over a dozen energy suppliers that provide electricity service in the state of Massachusetts. Finding the right energy supplier depends on the type of energy plan you’re looking for. The right energy plan for you may not be the same one your neighbor chooses. Knowing what you want is the first step in finding the right provider. Below are a few things to keep in mind before picking an energy plan.
Is the Plan 100% Renewable Energy?
More energy suppliers are offering customers 100% renewable energy options. If you sign up for this plan, then the amount of energy you are estimated to use during the contract period will be generated and uploaded to the power grid from clean renewable energy sources. Examples of clean energy sources are wind, solar, and biofuels.
Can I be Billed Twice?
It will be impossible to be billed twice by two separate electric suppliers for the same billing period. Eversource Energy (WMECo) will be responsible for overseeing the switch. Once the switch takes place, the old energy supplier will no longer have access to your energy usage.
Is There an Early Cancellation Fee?
Most energy plans will have an early cancellation fee. Early cancellation fees along with other details can be found in the terms and conditions. Cancellation fees can come in the form of a flat rate or can be charged based on the number of months you have left in the contract. Early cancellation fees can cost up to $300 so be sure you have reached the end of the contract term before switching!
What Happens at the End of my Term?
Most energy suppliers will put the customer on a month-to-month variable rate once the initial term expires. If this happens don’t be surprised to have the electric bill double or even triple in a single billing period. If you cancel but don’t select a new energy provider, then you will automatically be transferred back to the basic service rate with Eversource Energy (WMECo). We recommend shopping for a new energy plan a month before the expiration of a contract.