Summary
The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is committed to helping Massachusetts residents stay informed about their energy options, access available assistance, and manage their energy costs throughout the winter season. For customers who seek to better understand their bills, the DPU provides information below, explaining how energy costs are determined. The DPU also approved new rate structures, including seasonal heat-pump rates available beginning November 1, 2025, which are designed to encourage, and make more affordable, efficient electric heating.
Customers who need help paying their bills may qualify for assistance through programs such as the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), utility discount rates, or payment plans and arrearage management programs (AMPs). Details about these resources are available below.
The DPU continues to advance initiatives aimed at improving affordability, such as the ongoing Energy Burden Inquiry and efforts to establish discount rates for moderate-income customers.
Gas heating
More information will be available after the DPU has issued orders on winter gas rates by November 1, 2026.
Heat-pump rates
Starting November 1, 2025, the three investor-owned electric utilities (Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil) are offering new, seasonal heat-pump delivery rates to their eligible residential customers. The new rate will be available for residential and residential low-income customers who heat their homes with heat pumps.
| Electric Utility Company | Seasonal Heat-Pump Rate | Non-HP Base Distribution Rate (R-1) | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eversource | Base Distribution Rate: $0.02052 per kWh | $0.06264 per kWh | November 1, 2025 |
| Transmission Rate: $0.01492 per kWh | $0.04545 per kWh | ||
| National Grid | Base Distribution Rate: $0.02440 per kWh | $0.06677 per kWh | November 1, 2025 |
| Unitil | Base Distribution Rate: $0.03633 per kWh | $0.10176 per kWh | November 1, 2025 |
Please note that the rate below is one component of the total distribution rate and does not reflect all distribution rate charges listed on your bill.
Once a customer is enrolled, the seasonal heat-pump rate will apply to all household electricity usage from November 1 through April 30. Your supply rate on your electricity bill will not change because of the seasonal heat-pump rate.
Winter shut-off moratorium
A utility company or municipal light plant/department may not shut off your heating service during the winter if you are experiencing financial hardship. The DPU requested to expand the residential shut-off moratorium this winter from November 1, 2026 to April 1, 2027. Contact the DPU if your utility or Municipal Light Plant has scheduled your service for termination.
Any customer experiencing financial hardship should contact their utility to learn about the additional assistance programs offered like budget billing and extended payment plans to make your utility bills more manageable.
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Shut-off Protection Flyer, Open PDF file, 91.4 KB (English, PDF 91.4 KB)
Available assistance programs
There are many available programs offered by the utilities to help manage bills. Below are a few options that may be available to you.
Discount rate
The utilities offer an income-eligible discount rate for qualifying customers. Starting November 1, 2026, the gas and electric utilities will offer tiered discount rates for their income-eligible customers. Learn more about the tiered discount rates.
You may be eligible for a discount on your electricity or gas service. Please contact your utility company to help enroll you on the rate if you qualify.
Gas
- Berkshire Gas
- Eversource - NSTAR Gas and Eversource Gas Company of Massachusetts
- Liberty Utilities
- National Grid
- Unitil
Electric
Payment plans and AMPs
You may be eligible for a payment plan for your utility bills or an AMP (Arrearage Management Program) that will give you both a payment plan and bill credits for timely payments.
Please contact your utility company to help you enroll if you qualify.
Gas
- Berkshire Gas
- Eversource - NSTAR Gas and Eversource Gas Company of Massachusetts
- Liberty Utilities
- National Grid
- Unitil
Electric
HEAP or fuel assistance
HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) can help you pay your utility bills if you qualify. To learn more about HEAP eligibility rules and for a list of fuel assistance offices, please visit MassCAP.
Consumer contacts
If you are experiencing an issue with your utilities, below are the contacts for each gas and electric utility operating in Massachusetts.
Having a problem with your utilities?
If you are a resident or a business owner in Massachusetts and have a question or concern about a bill from your utility, please contact the company first to allow them to rectify the issue.
Gas
- Berkshire Gas
- Eversource - NSTAR Gas and Eversource Gas Company of Massachusetts
- Liberty Utilities – Blackstone
- Liberty Utilities – Fall River/North Attleboro
- National Grid
Electric
Still have a problem?
If your issues have not been resolved by your utility company, the Consumer Division may be able to help.