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New England homeowners now pay 30-42% more for electricity than five years ago. And rates are projected to keep climbing. Here's why it's happening and what you can do about it.
Average residential electricity rates as of early 2026, sorted by highest rate. States above $0.25/kWh are highlighted.
| State | Current Avg Rate | 5-Year Increase | Projected 2030 |
|---|---|---|---|
MAMassachusetts | 33.0¢/kWh | +42% | 45.0¢/kWh |
CTConnecticut | 30.0¢/kWh | +38% | 41.0¢/kWh |
NHNew Hampshire | 28.0¢/kWh | +35% | 38.0¢/kWh |
RIRhode Island | 29.0¢/kWh | +36% | 39.0¢/kWh |
MEMaine | 26.0¢/kWh | +33% | 35.0¢/kWh |
VTVermont | 24.0¢/kWh | +30% | 32.0¢/kWh |
NJNew Jersey | 22.0¢/kWh | +28% | 29.0¢/kWh |
PAPennsylvania | 19.0¢/kWh | +25% | 25.0¢/kWh |
TXTexas | 15.0¢/kWh | +22% | 19.0¢/kWh |
Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly, ISO-NE market reports, state PUC filings. Projections assume historical compound annual growth rates continue.
Four forces are driving electricity costs higher across every state NuWatt serves.
Billions in grid upgrades are being passed directly to ratepayers. Transmission lines, substations, and distribution networks built decades ago need replacement, and utilities recover those costs through your bill.
EVs, heat pumps, and air conditioning are driving record summer and winter peaks. More demand on the same grid means higher costs for everyone, especially during the hours when electricity is most expensive.
ISO-NE transmission charges doubled in the last five years. These fees, which fund the high-voltage backbone connecting power plants to your local utility, are the fastest-growing component of your bill.
Natural gas prices directly affect electricity costs because gas-fired plants set the price for most of the power in New England. When gas prices spike (as they did in winter 2022-2023), your electric bill spikes with them.
What a typical household (900 kWh/month) will pay for electricity over the next decade if rates continue their current trajectory.
900 kWh/month at $33¢/kWh
900 kWh/month at $15¢/kWh
These projections assume rate increases continue at historical compound annual growth rates. Actual costs could be higher if fuel price spikes or grid emergencies accelerate increases.
You can keep renting electricity at whatever rate the utility decides, or you can own your energy. Here are three proven strategies.
Lock in your rate for 25 years
Solar panels produce electricity at $0.06-$0.10/kWh over their lifetime. Compare that to $0.15-$0.33+ from the grid -- and rising. Once installed, your solar cost never increases. You are buying 25 years of electricity at a fixed price while everyone else rents theirs at whatever rate the utility decides.
Get Solar QuoteReplace gas and oil with heat pumps
Heat pumps replace your furnace, boiler, or oil system with electric heating and cooling. When paired with solar, your heating cost becomes effectively $0 because your panels generate the electricity the heat pump needs. You eliminate both your electric bill and your fuel bill in one move.
Explore ElectrificationStore cheap energy, sell during peaks
A home battery stores solar energy for use at night and during outages. Enrolled in ConnectedSolutions (MA, RI, CT), your battery also discharges during peak grid demand events, earning you $1,000-$1,500 per year. The battery pays for itself faster and you get paid to help stabilize the grid.
Learn About ConnectedSolutionsEvery month you wait, your utility charges you more. Lock in your energy cost today and stop being at the mercy of rate hikes.