Attorney General Warns Customers To Beware Of Retail Suppliers As Default Service Rates Spike

As part of a recently announced education effort to inform customers about various bill payment assistance options and other measures to mitigate the impact of higher energy prices, the office of Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey warned customers to, "[b]eware of competitive suppliers."

"The AG’s Office urges customers to beware of deceptive competitive electric suppliers who may try to lure them to enroll with a promise of cheaper electricity," the AG's office said

"A report released by the AG’s Office in April 2021 showed that Massachusetts customers who received their electricity from competitive suppliers were charged $426 million more on their bills than if they would have stayed with their utility," the AG's office said

In an FAQ to customers concerning how customers can keep bills as low as possible, the AG's office states, "You should also closely review your electric and gas utility bills to determine whether you are buying your electric or gas supply from your utility or from another entity, often called a competitive supplier. Competitive suppliers often charge higher rates than your utility’s rates. The AGO issued a 2018 report and 2019 update, and 2021 update that found that Massachusetts customers typically lost money on competitive electric supply."

"If you get your electricity or gas from a competitive supplier, you can contact your supplier to negotiate a lower rate. If a lower rate is not available, ask about canceling your contract so that you may return to buying your electric and gas supply from your utility (often called 'basic service')," the FAQ states

The word of caution to consumers about retail suppliers is also included on an education flyer about various assistance programs distributed by the AG's office