Utility late payment charges

In Massachusetts, a utility may assess a late payment charge on the unpaid past due portion of a balance of a customer bill. Utilities seeking to impose late payment charges must file them as a tariff provision for review and approval of the Department of Public Utilities.

List of current and historical rates

Effective Date	Monthly Interest Rate	Annual Interest Rate
February 1, 2024	1.14%	14.58%
February 1, 2023	1.02%	12.99%
February 1, 2022	0.82%	10.27%
February 1, 2021	0.83%	10.39%
February 1, 2020	0.95%	11.97%
February 1, 2019	0.99%	12.53%
February 1, 2018	0.90%	11.40%
February 1, 2017	0.86%	10.83%
February 1, 2016	0.85%	10.69%
February 1, 2015	0.83%	10.46%

Pursuant to 220 C.M.R. 26.10(4), the late payment charge shall be calculated at an annual rate of interest which is the equivalent of the rate paid on two-year United States Treasury notes for the preceding 12 months ending December 31 of any year, plus 10%, i.e. 1000 basis points.

Additional Resources

220 CMR 26.00: Security Deposits and Late Payment Charges Applicable to Non-Residential Customers