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Massachusetts · Updated August 2026
National Grid rates in 2026
What National Grid customers are actually paying, where the number comes from, and what it means for your bill. Serving Worcester, Lowell, Brockton, Quincy, Leominster, Attleboro and much of central and southeastern Massachusetts.
+11.8%Basic service supply increase effective August 1, 2026Ranked #1 by Solar Power World · Inc. 5000 · 20,000+ installations
The numbers
Where National Grid stands right now
| Measure | Current | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Basic service, fixed option | 17.185¢ | Up from 15.372¢ on August 1, 2026 |
| Basic service, variable option | 16.074¢ | Up from 15.546¢ |
| Increase at 1,000 kWh/month | +$18.13/mo | Supply portion only |
| Massachusetts all-in average | ~30¢ | About 67% above the national average |
Figures as published August 2026. Utility rates change on published schedules — check your own bill for the rate that applies to your account.
Why the number is what it is
What is actually driving this
Twice-yearly resets
Massachusetts law requires utilities to reset supply rates twice a year, in February and August. The August 1, 2026 reset raised National Grid's fixed basic service rate 11.8%, from 15.372¢ to 17.185¢.
New England gas dependence
Massachusetts sits at the end of the pipeline. An unusually cold winter drove regional gas demand, and New England's power generation leans heavily on natural gas.
Structural cost position
Massachusetts residential customers pay roughly 30 cents all-in — about 67% above the national average of roughly 18 cents.
The honest cost picture
Two ways to pay for solar, and they are very different
If you buy the system
You own the equipment, you keep any renewable energy credits, and you carry the maintenance responsibility. Installed pricing varies by roof, shading and system size.
If you use a PPA
$0 upfront. We install and own the system; you buy the power it produces at a rate set in your agreement, and you only pay for what it actually generates. The system owner carries maintenance for the life of the agreement.
The residential federal tax credit (25D) ended for systems purchased after December 31, 2025.
You will still see ads promising a 30% credit that “ends December 31.” Read the date on them. If you buy a system today as a homeowner, you cannot claim that credit. What remains applies to the owner of the system — which, under a PPA, is us. SolarAmerica does not provide tax advice; talk to your tax professional about your situation.
Who you would be working with
SolarAmerica
We design your system and manage the project; installation is performed by vetted licensed partners in your area.
National Grid questions
The things people actually ask
Am I on basic service?
Probably not. About three quarters of Massachusetts households are on municipal aggregation or a competitive supplier instead. Check the supply line on your bill — if it names a supplier other than National Grid, the basic service change does not apply directly to you.
When does the rate change again?
February 1, 2027. Massachusetts law fixes the reset schedule at twice a year.
Does solar work in Massachusetts?
At roughly 30 cents all-in — among the highest rates in the country — the per-kilowatt-hour math in Massachusetts is stronger than in most sunnier states with cheap power.
See what your roof and National Grid actually add up to
About 60 seconds. No cost, no obligation, and we will tell you if solar does not make sense for your home.
Ranked #1 by Solar Power World · 20,000+ installations · Licensed installers