Unitil Utility Company
Contents
- 1 Unitil Utility Company
- 2 Unitil Power Outage
- 3 Unitil Basic Service Rate
- 4 Massachusetts Energy Deregulation
- 5 Unitil Energy Efficiency
- 6 Choosing an Electric Supplier
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions
- 8 Who is my Current Energy Supplier?
- 9 When is The Best Time to Lock in a Rate?
- 10 What Happens at The End of my Term?
- 11 Can I Change Utility Companies?
- 12 Massachusetts Utilities
- 13 Clean Energy
- 14 Electricity Rates
Unitil is a utility company responsible for maintaining the infrastructure needed to deliver electricity and natural gas to customers within its service area. Unitil serves nearly 200,000 customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. The delivery charge represents the regulated section of the electric bill and in Massachusetts, is overseen by the Department of Public Utilities. A customer will not be able to switch to another utility company for the delivery services.
Unitil Power Outage
If you are living within the Unitil service area and experience a power outage, then you will need to contact the utility company. The utility company is responsible for fixing any power outages within its service area.
- Unitil Customer Service Number: 1-888-301-7700
Unitil Basic Service Rate
Along with maintaining the power lines within its service area, Unitil is also responsible for providing customers a basic service rate for supply services to those who do not switch over to an alternate electric supplier. The basic service rate is commonly referred to as the price to compare. This price to compare is used to compare energy suppliers. If an energy supplier is offering a supply rate that is lower than the basic service rate, then the customer will be saving money by switching.
Massachusetts Energy Deregulation
Massachusetts is one of many states that deregulated the electricity market, opening the door to outside electric suppliers to provide energy services to Massachusetts’s residents. Energy choice has given more options to customers allowing them to choose another supplier that is not their utility company for supply services.
Before energy deregulation, Unitil had a monopoly over the generation, transmission, and delivery of power to its customers. If the customer was not happy with the electric bill, they had no choice but to stay with the utility company. Energy choice has given more power to the customer while creating an environment that has forced energy companies to compete with each other. The increase in competition has helped push down energy prices in Massachusetts.
Unitil Energy Efficiency
Along with locking in a low supply rate with a competitive electric supplier, a customer can also lower the electric bill by consuming less electricity. Taking action to improve home insulation and installing energy-efficient appliances can help reduce your energy bills without having to sacrifice comfort.
- Mass Save Programs – Unitil has teamed up with other natural gas and electric utility companies in Massachusetts to provide customers incentives to further improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Qualified applicants can receive a 75% rebate of up to $2,000 for services and products that help reduce energy consumption and improve the overall quality of your home.
Choosing an Electric Supplier
With more energy suppliers to choose from, how do you know which electric supplier is best for you? The best energy plan depends on the customer’s requirements. If you’re looking for the lowest possible rate, then it may be best to go with a conventional plan. However, if you’re looking to cut down your carbon footprint, then you may elect to go with a 100% renewable plan.
Energy suppliers that offer generation services in Massachusetts must be licensed with the Department of Public Utilities. You can find a list of qualified electric suppliers on the department’s website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is my Current Energy Supplier?
To find your current energy supplier, simply look at the supply section of the electric bill. The supply charge will show who your current energy supplier is along with the supply rate you are paying per kilowatt-hour.
When is The Best Time to Lock in a Rate?
If you can save money by switching electric suppliers, then it will always be a good time to lock in a new rate. Fixed electricity rates factor in all weather conditions into the price. This means locking in a rate in the spring or fall won’t necessarily equate to lower prices.
What Happens at The End of my Term?
If you don’t take any action, then your current energy provider will put you 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 the term.
Can I Change Utility Companies?
Customers living in Massachusetts cannot change utility companies for the delivery services. However, you can shop for an electric supplier for a lower supply rate. The supply charges represent the generation of power the customer is estimated to use during a period. Lowering the supply rate will reduce the amount paid per kWh and help reduce the cost of the overall electric bill.