Understanding Your Utility Bill and 3rd-Party Supplier Scams

Your gas and electric bill is made up of two main parts:

Delivery Charges
This is the cost to bring energy to your home or business. Delivery is always handled by National Grid in Everett and is the same regardless of who supplies your energy.

Supply Charges
This is the cost of the electricity or gas you actually use. Residents can choose who supplies this energy:

• National Grid (the default supplier), or
• A third-party (competitive) supplier

While third-party suppliers may advertise lower introductory rates, these rates can increase over time, sometimes resulting in higher overall costs.

A recent report from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office (March 30, 2026) found that:

• Massachusetts residents paid $87.4 million more in one year (July 2024–June 2025) by using third-party suppliers
• Over the past decade, excess costs have totaled $738.7 million

The City has received reports of door-to-door energy suppliers approaching residents and claiming affiliation with the City or National Grid. These individuals may ask to see your utility bill or encourage you to switch suppliers on the spot.

Residents should be cautious of these tactics.

• The City and Electrify Everett do not partner with third-party energy suppliers.
• You are not required to share your utility bill or account information with anyone at your door.

If someone comes to your home, you have the right to decline, ask them to leave, and verify any claims independently.

To see who your current supplier is:

1. Look at your most recent gas or electric bill
2. Find the section labeled “Supplier” or “Supply”

If your supplier is not listed as National Grid, you may be enrolled with a third-party supplier. In Everett, 25% of National Grid accounts are enrolled in third-party supplier programs.

Residents who would like help reviewing their utility bill or switching back to the default supplier can contact the Planning Department at 617-394-2246, or attend our weekly Housing and Utility Assistance office hours:

Representatives from The Neighborhood Developers and the City’s Planning Department will be available to review your bill, explain your options, and help you switch back to the default supplier if needed.