Some Massachusetts Eversource and National Grid customers to see bill increase starting this week

Electric bill increases are coming to some in Massachusetts this week.

On August 1, 2025, both Eversource and National Grid, the two major electric utilities in Massachusetts, are implementing increases to their basic service (supply) rates for electricity.

These changes affect the supply portion of customer bills, which covers the cost of generating and procuring electricity on the open market.

The increases are relatively modest compared to past winters but stem from rising wholesale electricity prices influenced by global natural gas demand, market volatility, infrastructure investments, capacity market costs (to ensure reliable power during peaks), and state renewable energy goals. Delivery rates (for grid maintenance and distribution) are separate and typically adjust on January 1 and July 1, so they are not part of this August change.

Note that these hikes only impact customers on the utilities’ default basic service plans—those who haven’t switched to a competitive supplier or municipal aggregation program. Customers can potentially avoid the increases by shopping for alternative suppliers via platforms like EnergySwitchMA.gov or checking town-specific aggregation options, though terms should be reviewed carefully for fixed vs. variable rates and potential fees.

Eversource serves about 1.47 million electric customers across 140 communities in eastern and western Massachusetts. The August 1, 2025, adjustment marks the start of a new six-month supply rate period (August–January), designed by the DPU to minimize volatility by splitting high-cost winter months across periods.

According to WCVB, basic residential supply rate rises from approximately 13.241 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to 14.884 cents per kWh, a 12.3% increase.

For an average residential customer using 500–600 kWh per month, this adds about $8–$10 to the monthly supply portion of the bill.

National Grid provides electricity to over 1 million customers in central and eastern Massachusetts, including areas in Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Bristol, Norfolk, and Plymouth counties.

According to WCVB, basic residential supply rate increases from 14.6 cents per kWh to 15.4 cents per kWh, approximately a 5.5% rise.

For a typical residential customer using 600 kWh per month, this could add $4–$6 to the monthly supply cost, depending on usage and weather.

These changes come amid broader concerns about energy affordability in Massachusetts, where electricity rates rank among the nation’s highest (averaging ~28 cents/kWh total, including delivery). Recent winters have seen larger spikes (e.g., 30–64% in 2023–2024), but the DPU’s rate period restructuring has helped stabilize fluctuations.

For the latest or personalized bill estimates, customers should check their utility’s website (eversource.com or nationalgridus.com) or contact customer service—Eversource at 800-592-2000 or National Grid at 800-322-3223. If facing hardship, explore state resources via mass.gov/energyhelp.