NSTAR Electric: 6-Month Rate Hike
Company reminds customers about opportunities to reduce use and lower bills
The following is an excerpt from a press release issued by NSTAR.
BOSTON (November 7, 2014) – Citing a dramatic increase in the price of electricity NSTAR buys on behalf of customers, the company today filed for an increase in its Basic Service supply rate that would become effective on January 1st. …
The proposed change in NSTAR’s Basic Service supply rate would increase the average residential customer’s bill by about $28, or an average of 29 percent across the company’s service area. …
We’re always mindful of the effect these supplier increases have on our customers, particularly those who are facing difficult financial circumstances,” said Penni Conner, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at Northeast Utilities, NSTAR’s parent company. “We’re urging all NSTAR customers to take advantage of our efficiency programs to help reduce their usage, tighten-up their homes and keep energy bills down this winter.”
As a regulated delivery company in Massachusetts NSTAR purchases electricity from suppliers and passes the cost, with no profit added, directly to customers who are on the company’s Basic Service supply option. By law, the Basic Service price for residential and small commercial customers changes twice a year, on January 1st and July 1st. …
“Though delivery charges vary slightly by region, the supply charge for all NSTAR residential customers on the company’s Basic Service supply option would increase to 14.972 cents per kilowatt-hour. Customers of the former Boston Edison Company using 500 kilowatt-hours per month would see their bill increase from $95.45 to $123.41, or about 29 percent…
As prices increase, it’s particularly important to explore the many energy efficiency improvement options that can dramatically lower use. Simple steps like turning down the thermostat; caulking drafty doors and windows; making sure heating vents aren’t blocked; and switching to energy efficient light bulbs, will all help save money.
A good way to discover what efficiency measures are needed in any home is to sign up for a no-cost home energy assessment. Customers can also take advantage of generous energy efficiency rebates and incentives. NSTAR also offers enhanced energy efficiency programs – including no-cost weatherization services – as well as discounted electricity rates to income-eligible customers. And the company’s budget billing option can help manage household expenses by providing equal monthly payments throughout the year.
Schedule your no-cost, no-obligation Home Energy Assessment by calling 617-635-SAVE (7283) or on-line at https://www.renewboston.org/residents/request-a-home-energy-assessment/.