How much will power cost in Massachusetts this winter? November's key insights

These rates are expected to remain steady through January, but a spike is likely in February due to these current rates expiring on Jan. 31 and New England's seasonal demand surge. Last winter, rates jumped by nearly 30% in this period, so it's smart to prepare for higher winter bills. That being said, Eversource in Western MA and Eastern MA has already announced that their rate—price for electricity—is going down 15% on Feb. 1. This means that for a good portion of the state, some relief is on its way mid-winter.

How Much Energy Can I Expect to Use in November?

With cooler fall temperatures arriving, a household's energy usage will likely fluctuate. In Massachusetts, depending on where a consumer lives and how often they're running their heating system, usage may vary widely. On average, households in MA can expect to use about 1,114 kWh this month according to data from Arbor users, putting the state in the very high range for consumption.

Here's a look at how MA compares to other states in terms of energy usage:

MA's average usage of 1,114 kWh places it higher than most states, and with heating needs expected to pick up over the next few months, consumers should expect to use somewhere on the higher end of that average.

For those wondering what their power bill might look like this November, there are several factors that go into power bill totals, including supply charge (the price paid per kWh). Here are some other key charges that will impact the total amount paid:

• Delivery charges: Utilities charge for delivering electricity or gas to every home. This includes maintaining the infrastructure, like power lines and pipes, and may vary depending on location.

• Capacity charges: Some regions charge for ensuring enough energy capacity is available to meet peak demand, especially during high-usage periods like summer.
• Taxes and fees: These can include local, state, and federal taxes, as well as regulatory and environmental fees.

• Metering and service fees: Utilities may charge for reading and maintaining the meter, as well as for general account services.

While it's hard to predict what potential delivery charges, taxes, and fees might be, the supply portion of your monthly bill can be determined based on where you live. It starts with a simple calculation:

Monthly Bill = Average Usage (kWh) × Rate (¢/kWh) ÷ 100

For a Massachusetts household with average usage of 1,114 kWh and a rate of 16.9 cents per kWh, the estimated supply charge in November would look like this:

The actual bill will vary depending on each household's specific energy consumption and size, but this calculation gives a good sense of what to expect. Keep in mind, bills will fluctuate with colder temperatures leading to higher heating needs in the winter months.

How Can I Save? What Rates Are Available?

Massachusetts's deregulated energy market allows homeowners to shop for competitive electricity rates. This can provide savings compared to the default utility rates. Here's an overview of some of the competitive rates currently available in Massachusetts. These are rates that are available now in the state that are lower than the current utility rate:

These savings can be substantial over time, especially with electricity prices set to rise this winter. Keep in mind that rates may fluctuate, so it's always a good idea to regularly compare available rates and make the switch when it makes sense for your household.