• Business Business

Utility companies are giving cheaper energy rates to homeowners who make this appliance upgrade: 'This will change the numbers'

"Then the question will be: What do we do for an encore?"

"Then the question will be: What do we do for an encore?"

Photo Credit: iStock

Next winter, Massachusetts residents could feel a little warmer — while saving money — thanks to a game-changing move by the state's electric utilities.

According to Canary Media, the utility companies Unitil, National Grid, and Eversource — which collectively serve approximately 86% of homes in the state — are introducing a new seasonal electricity rate designed specifically for households using heat pumps. The plan, recently approved by state utility regulators for two of the three companies, will reduce winter energy costs for those with efficient heating systems. The third company expects to follow soon.

What does this mean? Lower bills when families need heat the most — and a big win for widespread heat pump adoption.

"The end result, all over Massachusetts, is that this will change the numbers," said Larry Chretien, executive director of the Green Energy Consumers Alliance, per Canary Media. "It will encourage heat pump adoption."

Currently, nearly 80% of homes in Massachusetts rely on dirty fuels for heating. But the state has committed to reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 — and that means installing 500,000 heat pumps by 2030.

Heating your home accounts for a major share of your energy use — often 40%-60% of your total bill. Upgrading your HVAC system is one of the most effective ways to cut those costs while helping the environment.

Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, outperforming traditional systems in year-round energy efficiency, and offer long-term savings.

Still, choosing the right system can be confusing. That's why companies such as Mitsubishi offer tools to connect you with trained professionals who can help you install an efficient, reliable setup at the right size for your home.

FROM OUR PARTNER

Find the best HVAC solution to heat and cool your home more efficiently

Mitsubishi Electric’s efficient heating and cooling HVAC solutions can help you stay comfortable no matter the weather or region. You can even regulate temperatures in each room with individually controlled all-electric heat pump systems.

With an energy-efficient, all-climate system from Mitsubishi, you can reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your home, receive up to $2,000 in tax credits, and get peace of mind knowing you’re choosing rigorously tested, high-quality products.

As more households make the switch and programs like this catch on, "then the question will be: What do we do for an encore?" said Chretien.

This new utility program is a strong example of how major companies can help people make more eco-friendly upgrades. You can support brands making this kind of impact in your own life, too. Ready to explore your own upgrade? Mitsubishi can help you take the first step.

Which of these factors would most effectively motivate you to buy a heat pump?

Lower energy bills 💰

Better temperature control 🌡️

Helping the planet 🌎

I'd never buy a heat pump 🚫

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.


Cool Divider