Lawrence Electricity Rates
Residential and businesses in Lawrence, Massachusetts have the freedom to switch electric suppliers and save money on the electric bills. Lawrence electricity rates fall in a deregulated electricity market allowing consumers to change from their local utility company to an alternative supplier for their generation costs. The generation costs or supply rate represent the deregulated section of the electric bill. The delivery charges represent the regulated section and are overseen by the Department of Public Utilities.
The city of Lawrence is located approximately 30 miles north of Boston and has a population of just over 80,000. Given its geographical location, the city is subject to harsh winters averaging over 50 inches of snow per year.
Lawrence Utilities
If you’re planning on moving to Lawrence, MA then you will need to set up your electricity service through the local utility company. National Grid (MECO) is the utility company in Lawrence that is responsible for delivering the power to its customers. National Grid (MECO) is also required to provide a default rate for generation services to customers who decide not to switch over to a competing energy supplier. The default rate in Massachusetts is known as the basic service rate. The basis service rate is not a long-term fixed rate and is subject to change.
Contact Utility Company for Power Outages
If you change electric suppliers and experience a power outage, then you will still need to contact National Grid (MECO). The utility company is responsible for fixing any power outages within its service area.
- National Grid (MECO) contact information: 1-800-465-1212
Choosing an Electric Supplier
Energy choice has given more power to consumers. When it comes to choosing a competitive electric supplier, there are a few questions to ask before locking in a plan. Are you looking for the lowest possible rate? Are you searching for a 100% renewable energy plan? The choices you make can impact how much you spend on electricity. Below are a few things to consider before locking in a plan.
100% Green Energy Plans
Green energy plans deal with how the power a consumer is estimated to use is generated. Sources of power generation that are considered clean include wind, solar, and hydropower. However, it is not cheap to use these methods as a source of power generation. The costs are carried over to the consumer. If you’re looking at renewable energy plans, then you can expect to pay a premium on the price you pay for electricity.
Are There Hidden Fees?
If you come across an electric rate that seems too good to be true it probably is! There are many plans out there that come with additional fees that will not be included in the supply rate. These charges are usually by-passed onto the electric bill as separate line items. By the time you add up all the charges, you will realize the plan is more expensive than initially thought. The terms and conditions will lay out all the details of the plan including any additional charges.
Fixed vs. Variable Rates
The two common rate products offered by energy suppliers are the fixed and variable rate plans. Choosing between one or the other can impact how much you pay on the electric bill each month. If you’re conservative and want to protect yourself from spikes in the energy market, then you may want to consider locking in a long-term fixed rate. However, if the market drops you may be stuck paying a higher rate.
Variable rates do exactly what they say. These rate products can fluctuate monthly and expose the customer to market volatility. It’s common for energy companies to offer a low introductory variable rate. However, don’t be surprised for the rate to increase down the road. Most variable-rate plans do not come with a cancellation fee, allowing the consumer to change energy suppliers without having to pay an early cancellation penalty.
Early Cancellation Fees
Most energy plans include an early cancellation fee that a customer will have to pay if they change providers before the expiration of the agreement. Cancellation fees can either come in a flat rate or a fixed amount multiplied by how many months are left in the agreement. Early cancellation fees will be detailed in the terms and conditions. These fees can cost up to $300 or more so be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before switching to a new electric supplier!