It’s a question many of us ponder when looking at our utility bills: where is my electricity coming from, and am I getting the best deal? For residents and small businesses in Boston, this decision often boils down to a choice between Eversource’s Basic Service and the city’s own Boston Community Choice Electricity (BCCE) program.
At its heart, BCCE is a municipal aggregation program. Think of it as the City of Boston leveraging the collective buying power of its community to secure electricity at competitive rates. The goal is straightforward: to offer more affordable and, importantly, more renewable electricity options, ensuring that energy decisions align with local values and contribute to Boston's sustainability goals.
So, how does it stack up against Eversource Basic Service? Well, the numbers often tell a compelling story. For instance, the current winter 2026 rates show that BCCE's Basic ($0.13644/kWh) and Standard ($0.14214/kWh) plans are priced lower than Eversource's residential rate of $0.15629/kWh. That's a noticeable difference, especially when you consider the sheer amount of electricity we use daily.
It's important to understand that BCCE offers different plans, each tied to the percentage of MA Class I renewable energy you choose to incorporate into your electricity supply. The more renewable energy you opt for, the higher the rate, but also the greater your contribution to a greener grid. The rates themselves are determined through a competitive bidding process, and while savings are a primary aim, they can't be absolutely guaranteed because Eversource rates fluctuate every six months.
One key distinction to remember is that BCCE only affects the supply portion of your electricity bill. The delivery charge – the cost of getting that electricity to your home or business – will continue to be managed by Eversource. This means your bill will still show Eversource as the delivery provider, but the supplier will be listed as “Billing for the City of Boston CCE.”
For new Eversource accounts opened within Boston, you're automatically enrolled in BCCE after receiving a Consumer Notification Letter, unless you've previously opted out or placed a supply block on your account. This automatic enrollment is designed to make participation easier, but you always have the power to choose. You can opt out, switch to a different BCCE plan, or even opt back in at any time, and there are no fees associated with these changes.
Switching is generally straightforward. You can fill out an online form, or if you prefer to speak with someone, you can call Direct Energy, BCCE's program supplier, directly. It typically takes one to two billing cycles for the change to fully reflect on your bill, as Eversource can only adjust your supplier on your meter read date.
Now, a word of caution: be wary of scams. The City of Boston, Direct Energy, and local utilities will never ask for sensitive information or demand immediate payment via gift cards. If you receive such a request, it's a red flag. It's always best to contact BCCE directly at 617-635-2331 or email bcce@boston.gov if you have any doubts or questions.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Whether you're looking to go green and contribute to Boston's carbon neutrality goals or simply seeking to manage your monthly energy costs, understanding these options is the first step. You can explore the different BCCE plans, compare them against Eversource Basic Service, and even use a cost calculator to get a clearer picture of what works best for your household or business.
