National Grid Customers Can Anticipate Lower Electricity and Natural Gas Bills

By LINDA BOCK (Patch Staff)

National Grid’s customers in Jamaica Plain and Massachusetts -- nearly one million basic service electricity customers and approximately 900,000 natural gas customers -- can anticipate lower bills this spring as energy costs decline, according to company officials.

Starting May 1, if approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, typical residential customers using 500 kWh of electricity who receive basic service will see an electric bill that is 26 percent lower than their current bill.

Also starting in May, typical residential natural gas customers using between 26 and 28 therms of gas per month will see a decrease in their monthly bills of between 25 percent and 30 percent.

The company announced the news this week. The decrease is primarily attributable to fluctuations in wholesale electricity market prices, costs that National Grid does not control, according to comapny officials.

New Englanders should be advised, National Grid said, that though these power supply costs generally reflect a reduction in bills for the summer months, bills are likely to increase again next winter because of ongoing pipeline capacity constraints.

How Can You Lower Your Bills? - National Grid

• While energy costs are down this spring, they are likely to increase again next winter. National Grid encourages customers to take control of their energy use year-round: The company encourages customers to learn about energy efficiency, savings tips and much more by clicking here.
• Billing options and discount rates also are available to help eligible customers who may have difficulty paying their monthly gas or electric bill. Discounted rates are based on service area and certain eligibility requirements. For more information about the availability of these rates, customers should contact National Grid at (800) 322-3223.
• National Grid offers programs to help customers spread payments out more evenly across the year, which are particularly helpful to those on fixed incomes. This service is available to customers all year long.