ELECTRICITY FACTS

Did you know that Massachusetts consumers have the right to choose from a wider range of electricity options, including energy sources, customer service, and benefits? As of now, that choice is being stifled and undermined, costing you in service, reliability, and innovation. The fact is – too many residents of Massachusetts don’t even know they have that choice.

Choice in the electricity market provides consumers with new economically and environmentally valuable options unavailable through monopoly utilities. Choice sparks innovative and responsive new solutions to consumer needs and provides wider-ranging benefits to every consumer.

For example, a fixed-rate plan offered by an electric retail supplier allows consumers to pay a flat amount, every month, all year long, protecting consumers from seasonal bill spikes. Renewable options can help customers reduce their carbon footprint and protect the planet.

The fact is that right now, the average monthly residential electricity bill in Massachusetts is among the highest in the country. Massachusetts consumers deserve better.

Current Law

Based on widespread demand from residents and businesses, the Massachusetts Electric Industry Restructuring Act of 1997 was intended to create electric retail competition and allowed a variety of providers to sell electricity supply and other services to Massachusetts consumers. Prior to this legislation, the local electric utility companies were totally in charge of providing power to consumers within their service territory.

Under the 1997 legislation, consumers were given the ability to choose to purchase power from a competitive electric retail supplier or do nothing and continue to receive electricity service from the local utility.

True Electricity Choice

Choose Who You Use was created to help Massachusetts consumers have true choice in electricity supply as well as comprehensive information about supplies and fair access.

True electricity choice gives all Massachusetts consumers greater control over home energy use and overall environmental impact, which helps everyone pick plans that reflect the priorities that matter most to them.

True electricity choice means Massachusetts consumers can choose among more options to find the most affordable rates in this time of high costs, without having to rely solely on the utility companies.

True electricity choice means not relying on the dominant utility companies to be the sole spark for innovations catering to electric vehicles and home products to give consumers more control of their own energy use.

True electricity choice is just that – more choice for Massachusetts residents. And they deserve nothing less.