BOSTON, Mass (June 21, 2021) - With a historic pre-summer heat wave kicking off the season early this year, Eversource is encouraging customers to take advantage of its nationally recognized energy efficiency solutions to save money and energy while trying to stay cool this summer. On average, Massachusetts customers use approximately 40 percent more energy during the hot summer months, and Eversource – as a sponsor of Mass Save – offers a variety of easy and budget-friendly energy efficiency measures that can help customers stave off heat while managing energy use. 

“Staying cool and comfortable at home during the hot summer months can get costly and we want to help customers save energy and avoid spikes in their energy bills,” said Eversource Executive Vice President of Customer Experience and Energy Strategy Penni Conner. “On average, our customers in the commonwealth use about 40% more electricity during the hot summer weather because air conditioners, fans and other appliances work overtime when it’s sweltering outside. Energy efficiency is the best way for customers to address the potential impact such a significant increase in usage can have on their bills.”

Also impacting customers’ bills this summer will be two rate decreases that will go into effect on July 1, including a decrease to the basic service rate for residential customers receiving their electric supply from Eversource. For the average residential customer in Eastern Massachusetts using 550 kWh per month, these adjustments would result in an approximately $6.50 or 4.8% decrease to the monthly bill if that customer’s usage were to remain the same. For the average residential customer in Western Massachusetts using 550 kWh per month, these adjustments would result in an approximately $8.70 or 6.6% decrease to the monthly bill if that customer’s usage were to remain the same. With the expected seasonal increase in usage, however, customers will likely see higher bills this summer.  

Immediate actions customers can take now to beat the heat this summer:

1.  Use the new Cooling Calculator on Eversource.com. The tool helps customers understand how much electricity is being used to keep a home cool and how adjusting the temperature impacts cost. 
2. Schedule a Home Energy Assessment. With a Home Energy Assessment, an energy specialist will help customers identify money-saving rebates, offer expert home improvement advice and and suggest energy-saving tips. 
3. Keep your air conditioner setting as warm as possible. For every degree higher on the thermostat, the air conditioner will use 1-3% less electricity.

Additional tips for keeping temperatures and energy costs down in the summer: 

• Don’t block air flow. Keep air vents clear of obstructions such as furniture, curtains, and rugs. For those with central air and floor vents, consider using vent deflectors to direct and increase the reach of cooled air.
• Operate major appliances during the cooler parts of the day. Energy is conserved by using appliances like clothes washers and dryers early in the morning or late in the evening, when there is also less demand on the electric system.
• Keep blinds closed when it’s hot out to prevent unwanted heat from entering a home through windows. Using curtains, shades, and blinds can lower indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees.
• Switch to LED lights. The energy efficient bulbs run cooler and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lights.
• Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise and at a higher speed in the summer to circulate the breeze more effectively, creating a cooling, wind chill effect.
• Look for the ENERGY STAR® rating when purchasing new appliances. Also, be sure to choose the right size when purchasing an air conditioning unit. An oversized or undersized AC unit is less effective and wastes energy.

Customers interested in an energy assessment or other energy efficiency services and rebates should visit the Save Money & Energy section of Eversource.com for more information.

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. Customers in Eastern Massachusetts can call 866-861-6225, customers in Western Massachusetts can call 877-963-2632, or customers can visit www.Eversource.com/billhelp to learn more about payment assistance options.