More than 65,000 Massachusetts households can expect lower winter electric bills if they use heat pumps. According to Canary Media, two electric utilities are cutting rates for heat pump owners below the already reduced prices offered last winter.
Last winter, Massachusetts became the first state to require major utilities to offer a discounted electricity rate for heat pumps. The new round of reductions extends that approach, making electric heating more affordable for a larger group of customers as the state pushes home electrification.
The lower winter rates target a key barrier to heat pump adoption: the cost of running electric heating during cold months. By narrowing the gap with gas and oil heating, the rate design supports cleaner home heating alongside existing rebate and incentive programs.