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modernhomeowner t1_j09neoq wrote

Reply to comment by Dismal_Ad_9603 in Is it more efficient for me to heat my home with my ductless mini split or my old boiler? by CatoFriedman

Certainly have to lock in providers sooner rather than later. You should lock in before the winter months. I did last year for 9.5¢ when National Grid was 14¢, and this September for 12.69¢ after national grid announced their 33.8¢. Ambit has a plan for 23¢, saves you 10¢ at least, and I don't think there is an early termination fee. Inspire has some good rates, cheaper I think but I can't get them to show up right now, also no termination fee. Constellation has even lower rates, but they have long contracts with big cancellation fees.

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Dismal_Ad_9603 t1_j09p7dj wrote

Thanks, just got the minis installed in October wasn’t sure what to expect in terms of usage, so November was an experiment, the fact that the minis can provide heat was not the initial intent for installing them. I was expecting to use them for late fall and early spring for warm ups. Another factor in the electric bill was the added fees for supporting electric cars and a few other things that are percentages of the electricity charge which I feel are totally ridiculous and don’t feel that I should be paying for ( but can’t opt out of).

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CatoFriedman OP t1_j0a6v5m wrote

ModernHomeOwner, when you say lock in rates, are you talking about the alternative energy suppliers? Like this, https://www.massenergyrates.com/massachusetts-electricity-suppliers? I have not done this but feel like it is an obvious way to save money? Is that true? I have solar panels as well, would signing up affect my solar benefits, if you know? Also, thanks again for your help.

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modernhomeowner t1_j0b2v6h wrote

In MA it does not affect net metering, you still get your summer credits based off your utility's rates at that time. But when you buy back your energy, you get it at the third party rate (hopefully lower). Note these suppliers sometimes have lower starting rates and raise them after your contract. Sometimes this isn't the case, but if it is that's why it's good to be hunting around for cheaper rates before your contract is up and why it's nice to not have a termination fee.

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