Eversource Cambridge (NSTAR)
Contents
- 1 Eversource Cambridge (NSTAR)
- 2 Eversource Cambridge (NSTAR) Power Outages
- 3 Eversource Cambridge (NSTAR) Basic Service
- 4 Eversource Cambridge (NSTAR) Zip Codes
- 5 Difference Between a Utility Company and an Electric Supplier
- 6 Choosing an Electric Supplier
- 7 Massachusetts Utilities
- 8 Clean Energy
- 9 Electricity Rates
Eversource Cambridge, formerly known as NSTAR, is a utility company that operates in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. The utility company is responsible for delivering natural gas and electricity to over 4 million residents within its service area. NSTAR was the result of a former merger that included Cambridge Electric Light Company, Boston Edison Company, Commonwealth Electric Company, Cambridge Gas Company, and Commonwealth Gas. In 2012, NSTAR merged with Northeast Utilities, and by 2015 the company rebranded itself as Eversource Energy.
Eversource Cambridge (NSTAR) Power Outages
The main responsibility of Eversource Cambridge (NSTAR) is to maintain the infrastructure that delivers the power to its customers. If you change electric suppliers and experience a power outage, then you will need to contact the utility company.
- Eversource Cambridge (NSTAR) Customer Service Number: 1-800-592-2000
Eversource Cambridge (NSTAR) Basic Service
Along with maintaining the lines and wires that deliver the power, Eversource Cambridge (NSTAR) is also responsible for providing customers a basic service rate for those that do not switch over to a competing energy supplier. The basic service rate is for the supply or generation of power the customer is estimated to use during a period. The basic service rate is commonly referred to as the price to compare. A customer shopping for an alternate electric supplier can use the price to compare to determine their savings. If the supply rate offered by a competing energy supplier is lower than the basic service rate, then the customer will save money by switching.
Eversource Cambridge (NSTAR) Zip Codes
Eversource Cambridge (NSTAR) provides delivery services to the following zip codes:
- 02657
- 02467
- 02239
- 02238
- 02151
- 02142
- 02141
- 02140
- 02139
- 02138
- 02111
- 02090
Difference Between a Utility Company and an Electric Supplier
The electric bill is composed of two main sections that include the delivery charge and the supply charge.
- Delivery Charge – The delivery charge represents the regulated section of the electric bill. This is the cost of delivering power from the local utility company (LUC) to the point of service, whether it’s a home or business. The delivery charge is regulated by the Department of Public Utilities. A customer will not be able to change utility companies for the delivery charge.
- Supply Charge – The supply charge represents the deregulated section of the electric bill. A customer living in a deregulated electricity market has the option to shop for a competitive electric supplier and lower the supply rate charge on the electric bill. The supply rate is the cost of generating the power the customer is estimated to use during a period.
Choosing an Electric Supplier
Massachusetts is one of many states that has deregulated the electricity market. Energy choice has given customers more options when choosing a competing energy supplier. Electric suppliers offer a variety of energy plans that serve different purposes. The right energy plan depends largely on the customer’s preferences.
Conventional energy plans tend to generate power from resources such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Although there is much debate about the impact these resources have on the environment, these energy plans are the most competitive, saving customers anywhere from 10-30% off the electric bill.
Renewable energy plans are gaining traction among customers in Massachusetts. Each year a greater percentage of electricity is generated by renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. Thanks to energy choice, customers have more options than ever before to go with a 100% renewable energy plan. However, expect to pay a premium going 100% green. These plans tend to be more expensive than conventional plans.
Electric suppliers must be licensed with the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) before they can provide generation services to residents in Massachusetts. A full list of licensed energy suppliers can be found on DPU’s website.