Electricity Rates in Massachusetts (2026)
National average: 16.72¢/kWh · Source: EIA, January 2026
Massachusetts Has Some of the Highest Rates in the Nation
At 28.76 cents/kWh, Massachusetts electricity costs 72% more than the national average. The state faces the same New England constraints as Connecticut (pipeline bottlenecks, expensive transmission) compounded by aggressive renewable energy mandates and a high cost of doing business. Eversource and National Grid are the primary distribution utilities.
Clean Energy Mandates Drive Long-Term Investment
Massachusetts has committed to 100% clean electricity by 2050 and is investing heavily in offshore wind (Vineyard Wind and others), solar, and battery storage. These investments add near-term costs but are expected to stabilize prices long-term by reducing dependence on volatile natural gas. The state offers some of the most generous solar and heat pump incentives in the country to help offset high rates.
Calculate Any Appliance Cost in Massachusetts
Most Expensive Appliances to Run in Massachusetts
Monthly costs at 28.76¢/kWh using typical wattage and hours:
| Appliance | Watts | Hrs/Day | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tankless Water Heater | 27000W | 1h | $232.96 |
| Electric Furnace | 10000W | 8h | $690.24 |
| Electric Car Charger (Level 2) | 7200W | 4h | $248.49 |
| Hot Tub | 6000W | 4h | $207.07 |
| Clothes Dryer | 5000W | 1h | $43.14 |
| Electric Water Heater | 4500W | 3h | $116.48 |
| Garage Workshop Heater | 4000W | 4h | $138.05 |
| Central Air Conditioner | 3500W | 8h | $241.58 |
| Electric Oven | 2500W | 1h | $21.57 |
| Dishwasher | 1800W | 1h | $15.53 |
| Hair Dryer | 1800W | 0.15h | $2.33 |
| Electric Pressure Washer | 1800W | 0.5h | $7.77 |
| Space Heater | 1500W | 8h | $103.54 |
| Electric Baseboard Heater | 1500W | 8h | $103.54 |
| Infrared Heater | 1500W | 6h | $77.65 |
Tips for Reducing Your Electricity Bill in Massachusetts
- Mass Save (masssave.com) is one of the best utility efficiency programs in the country. They offer free home energy assessments, 0% financing for insulation and heat pumps, and generous rebates on efficient appliances.
- Solar payback in Massachusetts is among the fastest in the nation (5-7 years) due to high rates and strong state incentives including SMART program payments.
- At nearly 29 cents/kWh, switching from oil or gas heating to heat pumps often saves money even on electricity because heat pumps are 2-3x more efficient.
- Massachusetts allows retail electricity choice. Compare competitive supplier rates at energyswitchma.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts Electricity
New England pipeline constraints drive high natural gas prices for generation, expensive regional transmission infrastructure adds to delivery costs, and Massachusetts has some of the most ambitious (and costly) renewable energy mandates in the country. The combination makes Massachusetts one of the five most expensive states for electricity.
Absolutely. Massachusetts has the fastest solar payback in New England (5-7 years) thanks to high electricity rates (28.76 cents/kWh saved per kWh generated), the SMART incentive program (additional payments per kWh), state tax credits, and good net metering policies. Despite being a northern state, Massachusetts has enough sun to make solar highly economical.
The average Massachusetts household pays about $170-$210 per month. Consumption is moderate (homes are typically well-insulated), but the high rate makes total bills among the highest in the country. Many households also have separate gas or oil heating costs.
Compare Neighboring Rates
See how Massachusetts compares to other states in the New England region:
Connecticut
29.35¢/kWh
Maine
22.87¢/kWh
New Hampshire
25.34¢/kWh
Rhode Island
27.12¢/kWh
Vermont
21.34¢/kWh
Electricity rate data sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), average residential retail price, last updated January 2026. Your actual rate depends on your utility, plan, and usage tier. See our full disclaimer.