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Extreme heat, first potential heat wave of 2025 in the forecast; Eversource is ready to respond if needed

Jun 20, 2025

heatwave reliability energy efficiency

Energy company offers ways to keep cool without breaking the bank

BOSTON and SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (June 20, 2025) – With the potential for the first heat wave of the year in the forecast, bringing temperatures well into the 90s and high humidity later this weekend and into next week, air conditioners and fans will be working overtime at many homes and businesses. During the summer months, Eversource customers in Massachusetts use about 30% more electricity to keep cool when the mercury soars, and that increase can be even greater when the state experiences multiple heat waves like it did last year. While high electricity usage during a heat wave can put a strain on the electric system, the energy company is prepared to meet the increased demand and its crews are ready to respond to any outages or issues that may arise. Eversource system operators are constantly monitoring the system and are ready to reroute power and shift other resources as necessary.    

“We’re always preparing for whatever the weather may bring so our customers have reliable electric service during every season, especially the hot and humid days of summer when air conditioners and fans are cranking,” said Eversource President of Massachusetts Electric Operations Doug Foley. “To make sure the grid can handle the increased demand during extreme heat in the summertime, we regularly conduct ground and aerial inspections of the electric distribution system so we can detect and address any issues in advance of a potential problem. This is also the time of year when energy bills tend to spike as a result of that higher usage, and we certainly saw that last summer when the state experienced one of the hottest years on record, including several heat waves. We’ve been reminding our customers of the simple steps they can take to manage their energy use, and we want to make sure they are aware of every option that can help keep their bill from skyrocketing along with the temperatures.”


Eversource reminds customers that increased energy usage always results in higher energy bills.  Even if their thermostat is set at the same temperature all summer long, it will use more electricity when it’s 95-degrees outside, as opposed to 80-degrees, because the system is working that much harder to maintain that temperature.

Things customers can do to manage energy usage this summer:

  • Keep air conditioners set as warm as comfort allows. For every degree higher on the thermostat, the air conditioner will use 1-3% less electricity.  
  • Don’t block air flow. Keep air vents and heat pump vents clear of obstructions such as furniture, curtains, and rugs. 
  • Operate major appliances during the cooler parts of the day. Energy is conserved by using appliances that create heat, like clothes dryers and dishwashers, early in the morning or late in the evening. There is also less demand on the electric system during these times. 
  • Keep blinds closed to prevent unwanted direct sunlight from entering a home through windows. Using curtains, shades, and blinds can lower indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees.
  • Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise and at a higher speed in the summer to circulate the air more effectively, creating a cooling, wind chill effect. Remember to turn the fan off when leaving the room – fans cool people NOT rooms.
  • Grill outside and keep the chill inside. Cooking outside keeps heat created by stove/oven outside of the home.

Learn about the many energy saving programs available.

Help is available for customers who need it:
Eversource encourages customers to enroll in one of its payment plans or assistance programs if they need help with their energy bill.

  • The New Start Program can help income-eligible customers reduce or eliminate their outstanding balance in as little as 12 months when they make on-time monthly payments. Eversource will make up the difference by eliminating or forgiving a portion of the total balance enrolled in the program – reducing the amount owed each month.
  • Flexible Payment Plans are available to all customers, regardless of income, to pay their past-due balance over a period of time.
  • Budget Billing Plans are also available and can help customers avoid seasonal spikes on their energy bill by paying a fixed amount each month based on their average annual usage.
  • A Discount Rate is available to customers receiving public assistance benefits and have a household income at or below 60% of the state median income. These customers may be eligible for up to a 42% discount on their monthly electric bill.

Eversource encourages customers to enroll in one of its payment plans or assistance programs if they need help with their energy bill online or by calling 866-861-6225 (Eastern Massachusetts) or 877-963-2632 (Western Massachusetts).

Eversource (NYSE: ES), celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, is recognized as the #1 U.S. utility on TIME’s List of World’s Best Companies for 2024. Eversource transmits and delivers electricity and natural gas and supplies water to 2.2 million customers throughout Massachusetts, including approximately 1.58 million electric customers in 159 communities, 647,000 gas customers in 125 communities, and 12,000 water customers in five communities. Eversource harnesses the commitment of more than 10,000 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. The #1 energy efficiency provider in the nation, the company is empowering a clean energy future in the Northeast, with nationally recognized energy efficiency solutions and successful programs to integrate new clean energy resources like a first-in-the-nation networked geothermal pilot project, solar, offshore wind, electric vehicles and battery storage, into the electric system. For more information, please visit eversource.com, and follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more information on our water services, visit aquarionwater.com.

CONTACT:
William Hinkle
603-634-2228
william.hinkle@eversource.com

Olessa Stepanova
781-441-8952
olessa.stepanova@eversource.com

Kaitlyn Woods
603-860-3123
kaitlyn.woods@eversource.com