Eversource Energy (NSTAR)
Contents
- 1 Eversource Energy (NSTAR)
- 2 Eversource Energy (NSTAR) Power Outages
- 3 Eversource Energy (NSTAR) Price to Compare
- 4 Energy Deregulation in Massachusetts
- 5 Eversource Energy (NSTAR) Renewable Energy
- 6 Choosing an Energy Plan in Massachusetts
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions
- 8 Who is my Energy Provider?
- 9 Should I Choose a Fixed or Variable Rate?
- 10 Is There an Early Cancellation Fee?
- 11 What Happens at the End of my Energy Plan?
- 12 Massachusetts Utilities
- 13 Clean Energy
- 14 Electricity Rates
Eversource Energy (NSTAR) delivers power to over 4 million residents in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. The utility company is responsible for maintaining the lines and wires along with managing the flow of electricity to nearly all parts of Massachusetts. Boston Edison Company, Cambridge Electric Light Company, Commonwealth Electric Company, Commonwealth Gas, and Cambridge Gas Company all operate under the Eversource Energy (NSTAR) name. Eversource Energy (NSTAR) is the product of a 2012 merger between Northeast Utilities and NSTAR.
Eversource Energy (NSTAR) Power Outages
If you change electric suppliers and experience a power outage then you will need to contact the utility company. Eversource Energy (NSTAR) is responsible for fixing power outages that occur in its service area. The most common reasons for power outages are due to bad weather and falling tree branches.
- Eversource Energy (NSTAR) Customer Contact Number: 1-800-340-9822
Eversource Energy (NSTAR) Price to Compare
Eversource Energy (NSTAR) is required to provide customers basic service for supply to those that do not switch over to an alternate electric supplier. The basic service rate is commonly referred to as the price to compare. The basic service rate is generally not competitive and changes twice per year. Massachusetts residents shopping for a competitive electric supplier can use the basic service rate to compare energy plans. If a supplier is offering a supply rate lower than the price to compare, then the customer will be saving money by switching.
Energy Deregulation in Massachusetts
Residents living in Massachusetts have the choice to shop for an alternate electric supplier and lower the supply rate on the electric bill. Thanks to energy choice, the utility companies in the state no longer have a monopoly on power. The Electric Industry Restructuring Act opened the door for competing energy suppliers to offer Massachusetts’s residents the option to switch to a lower supply rate while maintaining the same quality of service. Energy deregulation has helped push down energy prices across the state while providing more energy plans for customers to choose from.
Eversource Energy (NSTAR) Renewable Energy
While renewable energy generation isn’t cost-efficient as conventional generation methods such as coal, oil, and natural gas, a greater percentage of power will be generated from renewable energy sources in the coming years. Federal and state regulations will divert tax payer’s money to support renewable energy projects in Massachusetts. Eversource Energy (NSTAR) owns and manages several renewable power generation sources including:
- A solar array at their Energy Park facility in Manchester, NH. This is one of the largest in New Hampshire and is estimated to offset 100,00 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
- Silver Lake Solar facility in Pittsfield, MA. This 1.8 MW solar facility occupies eight acres and has been the recipient of two awards from the Solar Electric Power Association and the Environmental Business Council of New England.
- A solar facility in Springfield, MA. The solar facility covers 12 acres and generates enough to power about 500 homes.
- The newest addition is a solar facility located in Springfield, MA. The facility contains 12, 980 solar panels and occupies 22 acres of land. This facility generates enough to power over 800 homes.
Choosing an Energy Plan in Massachusetts
One of the many benefits of energy deregulation, besides a lower electric bill, is being able to choose an energy plan that fits your needs. Electric suppliers offer a variety of energy plans designed to match the customer’s wants. Whether you’re looking for the lowest supply rate possible or want 100% renewable energy there will be a plan available for you.
Electric suppliers must be licensed with the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) before they can provide supply services to Massachusetts’s residents. A full list of licensed energy suppliers can be found on DPU’s website.
When you change electric suppliers, expect to receive one electric bill from the utility company. Eversource Energy (NSTAR) will incorporate your new energy provider’s supply rate onto the electric bill along with the delivery charges. This method of billing is known as single billing and is the most common in deregulated electricity markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is my Energy Provider?
To find out your current energy provider take a look under the supply section of the electric bill. This section will list the current energy provider along with the supply rate you are paying per kWh. If you’re still having issues, then contact the utility company and they will be able to provide you this information.
Should I Choose a Fixed or Variable Rate?
Selecting between a fixed or variable rate product depends on the customer’s risk tolerance. Fixed rates do not change during the term of the agreement. If the energy market increases, then the customer will be protected against rising prices. However, if the market drops, then the customer might be stuck paying a higher rate. Most fixed energy plans come with an early cancellation fee.
Variable rates can fluctuate monthly. If bad weather hits and demand spikes, don’t be surprised to have the electric bill double or even triple in a single billing period. However, most variable rate plans do not include an early cancellation fee which allows the customer to change electric suppliers anytime without paying a penalty.
Is There an Early Cancellation Fee?
Most energy plans do come with an early cancellation fee. If you change providers before the expiration of your agreement, then you can expect to be hit with a hefty fee. Early cancellation fees can cost up to $300 so make sure you are at the end of the term before changing suppliers!
What Happens at the End of my Energy Plan?
Unless you cancel, you will not automatically be switched back to the basic service rate with Eversource Energy (NSTAR). Most energy suppliers will put their customers on a month-to-month variable rate once the initial term expires. We recommend shopping for a new plan a month before the expiration of the agreement.
