Boston Community Choice Electricity (BCCE)

Boston Community Choice Electricity is a municipal or community choice aggregation program started in late 2020. It’s a city-run initiative that aims to lower electricity costs for residents and businesses and help the city reach its 2050 carbon-neutral goal. According to the City, “There are currently 195 [community choice aggregation] programs throughout Massachusetts—Boston’s is the largest one.”

How it works

The City of Boston purchases electricity in bulk from a competitive supplier on behalf of the residents and businesses within the city. By combining (i.e., aggregating) Boston’s electricity demand, the City can use this collective buying power to secure affordable rates* from more renewable sources. It also means many energy decisions are made locally and will better reflect the values of the Boston community.

Benefits to BCCE

• Lower rates than utility company rates*

• Reduces carbon emissions and increases renewable energy use

• Energy decisions are made locally

• No fees for opting in/out, or changing plans

• Provides the same MassHealth benefits as through Eversource and other local utilities

Rate Comparison for 2024-2025

The City strives to provide lower rates than Eversource’s Basic Service plan. Here’s the rate comparison for 2024-2025:

Eversource Basic Service:

• Eversource residential summer rate: (August 2024-January 2025) $0.15772/kWh (i.e., just under 16 cents per kilowatt-hour)

  • With 24% renewable energy

• Eversource small business summer rate: (August 2024-January 2025) $0.15677/kWh

  • With 24% renewable energy

BCCE:

While these savings may seem small (BCCE’s standard plan is around $.01 less than Eversource’s Basic Service), they can add up quickly! For example, the average US household uses between 500 and 900 kWh of electricity per month. Using this range, a household in Boston would save, on average, $4.84 to $8.70 per month, or $58.08 to $104.40 per year on electricity costs.

*Savings from BCCE cannot be guaranteed as Eversource rates change 2x each year.

How to Enroll or Switch Plans

Boston residents and businesses that are Eversource Basic Service customers should have been automatically enrolled. Those on other Eversource plans may not have been. If you have a contract with a third-party supplier, you will not have been automatically enrolled in BCCE.

If you are not enrolled in BCCE and would like to be, call 855-402-5868 or go to BCCE’s online enrollment page.

BCCE Shut-off Policy

BCCE cannot shut off your electricity, but Eversource can if you have outstanding bills. If you meet one of the following criteria, Eversource would need permission from the Department of Public Utilities to shut it off:

• You, or someone in your home, is seriously ill;

• You have an infant under 12 months in your home;

• All adults in the home are age 65 or older and a minor child resides in the home;

• It is between November 15 and March 15 and the utility service is needed to heat your home.

Call 617-727-8400 to find out if you are protected from having your electricity shut off.