You know how they say that the only thing that’s certain in life is death and taxes? Well, we think whoever said that should have added utility rate hikes to the list. Homeowners in Massachusetts are going to get an especially nasty surprise this winter when they open their utility bills. A recent article in the Boston Globe announced that persistent shortages of natural gas in the region will result in a staggering jump in utility prices for residents of the commonwealth. One of the state’s two major utilities, National Grid, already announced that their rates will jump by a bank-account-draining 37 percent. The state’s other main utility, NStar has also warned customers to prepare for a much higher electric bill this winter. The article estimated that the typical Massachusetts household may see an electric bill as high as $150 per month!
A rate hike of this magnitude could be staggering for low income Massachusetts residents and seniors on a fixed income who will have to stretch the same amount of dollars each month farther and farther. Massachusetts’s troubles aren’t much different from the rest of the country. More and more coal-burning plants are shutting down while electricity needs from the national grid continue to rise. During the winter months when some residents rely on electric heating options, it taxes the local and national grid, resulting in rate hikes.
Massachusetts residents have a few options to lower their electric bills. There’s always the choice to bundle up in ten layers of long underwear and sweaters while at home, but that isn’t exactly practical. Another option for a lower electric bill is to invest in solar panels.
You may be thinking, “This is Massachusetts, not California or Arizona where the sun shines every single day! Solar panels aren’t worth the investment.�?
Actually, many homeowners may be surprised to learn that solar panels can still create electricity, even on overcast or wintery days. As long as there is some sun and nothing blocks your panels, they can still produce power for your home and lower your electric bill. What makes solar panels even better is that you don’t even have to save up for years to afford them. At OneRoof Energy, we offer solar leases and solar loans that require little to no money down.
Using a solar loan or a solar lease, you can gain control over your solar costs and protect yourself against crippling utility rate hikes.
John Howat, a senior energy analyst at the National Consumer Law Center in Boston was quoted in the Boston Globe article about the rate hikes. Howatt said, “This is pretty bad, and it’s going to really have a bearing on a lot of Massachusetts households’ abilities to just make ends meet this winter.�? Don’t let the utility company control your budget this winter. Go solar, and stay warm!
