Eversource Boston Edison Company (BECo)
Contents
- 1 Eversource Boston Edison Company (BECo)
- 2 Eversource (BECo) Basic Service Rate
- 3 Eversource (BECo) Power Outage
- 4 Energy Deregulation in Massachusetts
- 5 Eversource (BECo) Renewable Energy
- 6 Electric Suppliers in Massachusetts
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions
- 8 Who Are The Best Energy Suppliers?
- 9 Who do I Call Regarding Issues With my Electric Meter?
- 10 Will I Receive Two Separate Electric Bills?
- 11 What Happens at The End of my Term?
- 12 Massachusetts Utilities
- 13 Clean Energy
- 14 Electricity Rates
NSTAR was formed with the merger of Boston Edison Company and Commonwealth Energy System in 1999. In 2012, the company became a subsidiary of Northeast Utilities. By 2015, Northeast Utilities combined all its operating units that include NSTAR Gas and Electric, Western Massachusetts Electric, Public Service New Hampshire, Yankee Gas, Connecticut Light & Power, and rebranded itself as one company known as Eversource Energy. Eversource Energy is still commonly referred to as NSTAR. Eversource Boston Edison Company (BECo) is part of Eversource Energy and serves the Boston area.
Eversource (BECo) Basic Service Rate
Eversource Boston Edison Company is responsible for maintaining power lines that deliver electricity to homes and businesses that are located within its service area. The utility company is also required to provide a default rate to customers that choose not to switch energy suppliers. The default rate in Massachusetts is known as the basic service rate. The basic service rate, often referred to as the price to compare, changes throughout the year. Residents shopping for a lower rate can use the price to compare as a benchmark. If an electric supplier is offering a supply rate lower than the price to compare then the customer will be saving money by switching.
Eversource (BECo) Power Outage
If you’re living within the Eversource Boston Edison Company service area and experience a power outage, then you will need to contact the utility company. The utility company is responsible for maintaining the lines and wires and fixing all power issues within its service area.
- Eversource (BECo) Customer Service: 1-800-592-2000
Energy Deregulation in Massachusetts
The electricity markets in Massachusetts were not always deregulated. Before 1998, the utility companies had a monopoly on the generation, transmission, and delivery of electricity throughout the state. Thanks to the Electric Industry Restructuring Act, the responsibilities of the utility companies became unbundled, officially opening the doors to outside energy suppliers to compete for customers. Thanks to energy choice, homes and businesses in Massachusetts have more options to choose from when selecting an energy plan.
Eversource (BECo) Renewable Energy
Power generation from renewable energy resources is growing every year. This trend is expected to continue as regulations are passed requiring generation companies to produce an increasing percentage of power from renewable energy sources.
Eversource Boston Edison Company encourages customers to go solar to help reduce energy bills and to cut down on the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere. The power generated by the solar panels will reduce the amount of power needed from the utility grid which will lead to lower electric bills. The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources has teamed up with Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to offer the Mass Solar Loan program. This program is designed to help going solar more affordable to Massachusetts residents.
Electric Suppliers in Massachusetts
Thanks to energy deregulation and the benefits that go with it, customers don’t have to install heavy equipment such as solar panels to go green. Many electric suppliers operate in Massachusetts provide 100% renewable energy plans for customers that are looking for a cleaner alternative. Electric suppliers are required to be licensed by the Department of Public Utilities (DPU). A full list of licensed electric suppliers qualified to provide energy services can be found on DPU’s website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Are The Best Energy Suppliers?
There are many reputable energy suppliers in Massachusetts that provide quality service. Selecting the right energy provider depends on the energy plan that best fits the customer. If you are shopping for the lowest electric rate, then there are price comparison websites that can help compare different energy suppliers along with their plans. ElectricRateSelect.com is a great option to compare electric suppliers.
Who do I Call Regarding Issues With my Electric Meter?
The utility company is responsible for all the equipment, from the lines and wires to the electric meters that measure your monthly kilowatt-hours. If you believe the electric meter is not accurately reading your usage, then you will need to contact Eversource Boston Edison Company.
Will I Receive Two Separate Electric Bills?
When you change electric suppliers, expect to receive one electric bill from the utility company that will incorporate the delivery charges and the supply charges from the electric supplier you choose. This method of billing is known as single billing and is the most common in deregulated electricity markets.
What Happens at The End of my Term?
If you don’t take action at the end of the expiration of your plan, then expect the energy supplier to place on a month-to-month variable rate. Once this happens don’t be surprised to have the electric bill double or even triple in a single billing period. We recommend shopping for a new energy plan a month before the expiration of your term. If you cancel the energy plan, then you will automatically be transferred back to Eversource Boston Edison Company.