Massachusetts Utility Advocacy Handbook
A guide for advocates, social workers, and attorneys assisting clients in Massachusetts with their utility rights. Read NCLC's Massachusetts Utility Advocacy Handbook for free on the NCLC Digital Library.
Training Sessions
- Massachusetts Utility Consumer Rights Course (with regular updates)
- Massachusetts Intro to HEAP (with annual updates)
Spotlight on Racial Justice
Massachusetts Alternative Energy Supply (Competitive Supply): Open Energy and Utility Q&A Hour
According to a report from the MA Attorney General’s Office, residential customers who were signed up to receive their electricity from retail/alternative energy suppliers (competitive suppliers) have paid $577 million more for their electric service since 2018 than those who stayed with the rates offered by their utility companies. Even more concerning, low-income customers are frequently pressured to sign up for these contracts, and marketing efforts often target customers in communities of color and communities with limited English proficiency.
Other Resources
- Fact Sheet: Utility Help in MA (with regular updates)
- Issue Brief (2019): Assisting MA Victims of Crime and Domestic Violence Survivors Who Are Having Problems Establishing a New Account or Paying Utility Bills