A steep rise in power costs is squeezing households across Massachusetts. According to WBUR, one Brockton resident saw her electric bill jump by about $100, prompting the kind of financial stress that is making many families reconsider both energy use and how to cover monthly expenses.
Here's what to know
At a National Grid event hosted at the Cape Verdean Association of Brockton, Brockton resident Louisane Joseph, who works two jobs as a nurse and teacher, reduced her electricity costs. The Brockton nurse and teacher had paid more than $260 for electricity and then learned her supplier's rate was set to rise again. By switching to National Grid, she got a lower rate and qualified for income-based energy assistance.
The report pointed to several drivers behind rising electricity prices, including volatile natural gas costs, winter supply limitations, an aging grid, increasing demand for electricity, and expensive infrastructure improvements.
Heat is compounding the burden. As temperatures climb, air conditioners run longer, and that extra use can sharply increase monthly bills for households already struggling.
More background
People across the area are already changing their routines to cope. Waitress Kristen Almeida spoke about the pressure of keeping up with overdue bills, while Rose Mendes, who lives on a fixed income, said, "Sometimes I have to go without my meds or I go to the grocery store and get the essentials, whatever, just to get by."
Uber driver Stanley Demesmin said, "This year was a little scorcher," and after his energy bill nearly tripled, "I stopped using the second AC."
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According to Neusa Ferreira, an outreach assistant at the Cape Verdean Association of Brockton, the organization has assisted thousands of community members with energy bills and other costs. "What we've been seeing in Brockton is very sad, because we have a lot of people that their electric bill is so crazy," Ferreira said.
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What can be done?
For residents facing steep bills, the most immediate step may also be the simplest: review your electricity supplier, ask your utility about hardship programs, and apply for any income-based assistance that may be available.
Consumers thinking longer term can also use EnergySage's solar map, which shows the average cost of a home solar panel system on a state-by-state level, along with details on solar panel incentives for each state. Together, these resources can help readers get the best price for rooftop solar panels and access available incentives.
EnergySage's free services can be especially useful for anyone trying to avoid overpaying for solar. With EnergySage's help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations. That kind of free quote-comparison support can make a major home upgrade far more manageable.
Adding battery storage to a solar setup is also one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save money on energy, and go off-grid. Home batteries can store backup power for use when the grid goes down or when electricity is most expensive. Homeowners can explore EnergySage for information about home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates.
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Where can I learn more?
As electric bills climb in Massachusetts, many households are looking for practical ways to cut costs. The stories below cover a range of approaches, from adjusting around peak pricing to cutting appliance waste and considering solar.
• One homeowner saved $230 on her bill after finally understanding peak pricing.
• A homeowner found an 'awesome' hack to slash power waste from hidden energy vampires.
• On Martha's Vineyard, Mass General Brigham-backed solar could save $550,000 on power for households.
• Across the U.S., wind and solar energy outperformed coal while reshaping electricity costs.
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