Electricity cost in Massachusetts
Short answer
Electricity in Massachusetts averages about 29¢/kWh. At that rate, running central AC costs about $185/month — above the U.S. average of 16.8¢.
Avg rate
29¢/kWh
| Appliance | Cost / month in Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Central air conditioner | $185 |
| Electric water heater | $106 |
| Refrigerator | $11 |
| Space heater | $66 |
| Electric clothes dryer | $26 |
| EV charger (Level 2) | $190 |
What drives an electric bill in Massachusetts
Electricity in Massachusetts averages about 29¢/kWh — about 73% above the U.S. average of 16.8¢. Every kilowatt-hour your home uses is billed at that rate, so Massachusetts's rate sets the baseline for what every appliance costs to run.
The bill is dominated by high-wattage, long-running loads. In Massachusetts, running central AC works out to about $185/month and an electric water heater around $106/month; electric heat and EV charging land in the same tier. Small electronics barely move the needle by comparison — it's the heating, cooling, and water loads that decide a Massachusetts bill.
You have two levers. The first is the rate itself — where Massachusetts allows supplier or plan choice, shopping it can shave the 29¢ baseline. The second is usage: trimming hours on the biggest draws saves far more than unplugging phone chargers. Enter any appliance in the calculator to see its exact cost at Massachusetts's rate.
What drives your bill
| Factor | Effect on your bill |
|---|---|
| Electricity rate | Massachusetts averages about 29¢/kWh (U.S. average 16.8¢) |
| Biggest energy users | Central AC, electric heat, water heating, and EV charging dominate the bill |
| Hours of use | More runtime on those big loads is the fastest way a bill climbs |
| Home efficiency | Insulation, sealing, and Energy-Star appliances cut how long everything runs |
| Season & climate | Heating and cooling swings drive bills up in summer and winter peaks |
| Rate plan | Time-of-use plans and, where offered, supplier choice change your effective rate |
How Massachusetts compares on rates
| Reference | Average rate |
|---|---|
| U.S. average | 16.8¢/kWh |
| Lowest (Idaho) | 10.5¢/kWh |
| Massachusetts | 29¢/kWh |
| Highest (Hawaii) | 42¢/kWh |
Cutting your bill in Massachusetts
- Focus on the big loads first — in Massachusetts, shaving AC, heating, and water-heater runtime saves more than any small gadget.
- Massachusetts's 29¢/kWh rate is above the U.S. average, so efficiency upgrades pay back faster here than in cheaper states.
- Check whether Massachusetts offers time-of-use plans or supplier choice — shifting heavy use off-peak can lower your effective rate.
- Run each of your real appliances through the calculator at Massachusetts's 29¢ rate to find where your money actually goes.
Any appliance
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Frequently asked questions
What is the average electricity rate in Massachusetts?
About 29¢/kWh for residential customers — versus the U.S. average of 16.8¢. Your exact rate depends on your utility and plan.
How much does an electric water heater cost to run in Massachusetts?
About $106 per month at Massachusetts's 29¢/kWh rate, assuming typical use. Heat-pump water heaters cost far less.
How much does a space heater cost to run in Massachusetts?
Around $66 per month if run ~5 hours a day at 29¢/kWh. Space heaters are cheap to buy but expensive to run.