Massachusetts Debates Ending Electricity Choice Market Amid Deceptive Tactics

There is a debate in Massachusetts about potentially ending the competitive energy market that allows customers to choose their electricity supplier. This stems from some suppliers using deceptive tactics and overcharging customers.

Critics point to a pattern of energy suppliers misleading customers into switching and paying higher rates. But supporters argue competitive markets can work with proper regulations and enforcement.

Two proposals would either prohibit suppliers from signing up new customers, essentially ending retail choice, or impose stricter regulations while keeping the market intact.

Customers can avoid getting ripped off by being wary of deals that seem too good to be true, locking in fixed rate contracts, and carefully reading electricity fact labels.

Many Massachusetts towns have municipal aggregation programs that leverage collective buying power to get residents the lowest possible rates from suppliers.