New Education Campaign to Help Lower Record High Electric Bills This Summer

With electricity rates set to soar to record high prices this summer, the Attorney General's Office has launched a campaign to educate customers across the state about the programs available to help them reduce their energy usage and lower their bills.

Inflation, the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, and other factors are driving up fossil fuel prices and in turn energy rates for customers across the country this summer.

The AG's Office recommends that customers consider contacting Mass Save for an energy efficiency audit to see how they can reduce their overall energy use, which should result in lower monthly utility bills over time.

Customers can also lower their bill by adjusting their air conditioner setting, either manually or by installing a programmable thermostat - for every degree higher, the unit will use 1 to 3 percent less electricity.

Closing window coverings on hot sunny days can reduce indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees.

Customers who are interested in reducing energy usage through solar panels or community solar programs should visit the AG's Office FAQ with consumer tips at www.mass.gov/ago/solar.

Massachusetts utility companies offer several financial assistance programs for customers, including flexible payment plans - regardless of income.

The AG's Office encourages customers who are experiencing difficulty paying their monthly bills to contact their utility as soon as possible to learn about the options available to them and other ways to reduce energy use and lower bills.

Customers who enroll in and follow a payment plan with their utility company are protected from having their service shut off for the duration of the plan. Most utility companies are providing payment plans for up to 12 months.

Customers should also consider enrolling in budget billing with their utility, which will establish more predictable payments and can thus help customers better manage utility costs that often fluctuate depending on the season, the price of energy, and customer usage.

The AG's Office encourages customers who are struggling financially to consult with their utility company to see if they qualify for an income-eligible rate, which provides a discount on the customer's entire bill.

Customers could be eligible for low-income assistance, even if they have not been eligible in the past, as eligibility is based on the last four weeks of gross household income.

Customers may also qualify for a balance forgiveness or arrearage management programs (AMP). The AMP provides for an individualized payment plan that, if followed, allows all or a portion of a customer's outstanding unpaid balance to be forgiven.

Customers who have a household income that is between 60 to 80 percent of the state median income may be able to seek help from the Good Neighbor Energy Fund.

For more information, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/frequently-asked-questions-about-electric-and-gas-utilities

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