Big News for Massachusetts Heat Pump Owners: Winter Electric Rate Discounts Are Coming!
If you’re a Massachusetts homeowner considering making the switch to a heat pump—or you’ve already made the smart move to clean, efficient heating and cooling—we have fantastic news for you. The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities announced on July 29th that all heat pump owners across the state will be eligible for discounted electric rates this winter, starting November 1st.
This groundbreaking initiative represents a major step forward in making clean energy more affordable and accessible for Massachusetts families. Let’s break down everything you need to know about this exciting development.
What Are These New Heat Pump Rate Discounts?
Starting this November, customers of all three of the state’s major electric utilities—Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil—will be eligible for discounted seasonal heat pump rates.
The planned discounts range from 4 cents to 7 cents per kilowatt-hour on the delivery portion of the bill — which pays for poles, wires, and other infrastructure — rather than the supply portion that pays for the electricity itself. The lower rate will apply to all of a home’s electricity.
How Much Will Heat Pump Owners Save in Massachusetts?
Average winter savings: $540
The MA Department of Public Utilities estimates that eligible customers could save around $540 off their heating bills this winter. The planned discounts range from 4 cents to 7 cents per kilowatt-hour on the delivery portion of the bill — which pays for poles, wires, and other infrastructure — rather than the supply portion that pays for the electricity itself. The lower rate will apply to all of a home’s electricity.
For homeowners in Massachusetts cities and towns such as Newton, Framingham, Brookline, Milton, Waltham, Plymouth, and Sharon, this represents significant relief from winter heating costs, especially after last year’s brutal heating bills.
Who Qualifies for Massachusetts Heat Pump Rate Discounts?
Eligibility requirements:
- Must own a heat pump system
- Must be a customer of Eversource, National Grid, Unitil or a participating utility
- Must notify your electric provider before November 1st
Whether you live in Newton (served by Eversource), Cambridge (served by Eversource), Milton (served by Eversource), Northborough (served by National Grid), Sharon (served by Eversource), or Quincy (served by National Grid), you can take advantage of these savings if you have a heat pump installed.
When Do Massachusetts Heat Pump Discounts Start?
Start date: November 1, 2025 Sign-up deadline: Before November 1, 2025
The winter heating season officially begins November 1st, which is when these discounted rates take effect. Eligible homeowners in towns including Newton, Marlborough, Acton, Sudbury, and Brookline must contact their utility provider before this date to enroll.
What Electric Companies Serve These Massachusetts Towns?
While Endless Energy installs heat pumps in over two hundred towns throughout Massachusetts, below are some of our top towns and their electrical providers. As of August 1, 2025 the participating utility companies are Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil.
Here’s the table for 30 of the hundreds of Massachusetts communities Endless Energy regularly installs heat pumps in, with each town’s primary electric utility, whether it’s an investor‑owned utility (IOU) or a Municipal Light Plant (MLP), and whether homeowners will be eligible for the newly announced discounted winter heat pump electrical rate.
| Town | Utility | IOU / MLP | Discount Heat Pump Electrical Rates for Winter 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | Eversource (NSTAR Electric) | IOU |  |
| Cambridge | Eversource (NSTAR Electric) | IOU | |
| Brookline | Eversource (NSTAR Electric) | IOU | |
| Somerville | Eversource | IOU | |
| Newton | Eversource | IOU | |
| Needham | Eversource | IOU | |
| Natick | Eversource | IOU | |
| Wellesley | Wellesley Municipal Light Plant | MLP | |
| Lexington | Eversource | IOU | |
| Concord | Concord Municipal Light Plant | MLP | |
| Acton | Eversource or National Grid (likely) | IOU | |
| Sudbury | Eversource | IOU | |
| Framingham | Eversource | IOU | |
| Holliston | Eversource | IOU | |
| Hopkinton | Eversource | IOU | |
| Marlborough | National Grid | IOU | |
| Shrewsbury | Shrewsbury Electric Light Plant | ||
| Westborough | National Grid | IOU | |
| Northborough | National Grid | IOU | |
| Southborough | National Grid | IOU | |
| Ashland | Eversource | IOU | |
| Wayland | Eversource | IOU | |
| Weston | Eversource | IOU | |
| Belmont | Belmont Municipal Light Department | MLP | |
| Watertown | Eversource | IOU | |
| Worcester | National Grid | IOU | |
| Melrose | National Grid | IOU | |
| Waltham | Eversource | IOU | |
| Braintree | Braintree Electric Light Department | MLP | |
| Dover | Eversource | IOU | |
Why Massachusetts Homeowners Should Consider Heat Pumps Now
This discount program addresses one of the biggest concerns we hear from homeowners in these communities: the worry about winter electricity costs. It also comes after a particularly brutal winter for heating bills, making this timing especially welcome for Massachusetts families.
For many homeowners in Massachusetts towns such as Worcester, Northborough, Framingham, Quincy, and Acton, this discount could be the tipping point that makes switching to heat pumps financially compelling. For the 42% of homes in the Commonwealth currently heated by expensive delivered fuels or electric resistance, heat pumps become a clear economic win—with median 2024 winter savings ranging from $1,071 (oil) to $1,755 (electric resistance).
Heat Pump Benefits for Massachusetts Homeowners:
- Reduced dependence on oil truck deliveries common in these suburban communities
- Year-round comfort solution for New England’s variable climate
- Increased home values in these desirable Massachusetts markets
Massachusetts Clean Energy Goals Impact Local Communities
The state aims to have heat pumps in 100,000 households by 2025, and 500,000, or approximately 16 percent of the state’s household, by 2030. The vast majority of households in the state – 80 percent – use natural gas, heating oil, or propane to heat their homes.
Communities like Newton, Concord, Milton, Braintree, Sharon, and Reading are key to achieving these goals, as many homes in these areas still rely on older heating systems that could benefit from heat pump upgrades.
As of last September, the state said over 90,000 heat pumps had been installed through Mass Save. This new rate structure is designed to accelerate that progress by making the economics even more attractive for homeowners across Massachusetts.
Don’t Forget: Additional Incentives Are Available Now
While the winter rate discounts are exciting, they’re just one piece of the financial puzzle. Massachusetts homeowners can still take advantage of substantial rebates and tax credits:
Mass Save Incentives: The whole-home heat pump rebate incentive is $3,000 per ton, capped at $10,000. This means eligible homeowners can have a significant upfront savings on a heat pump installation.
Federal Tax Credits: However, you only have until the end of the year to take advantage of the federal tax credits, which are ending as part of President Trump’s tax and spending law. Time is running out on these valuable federal incentives, making now the perfect time to act.
What This Means for Your Family
Heat pumps offer year-round comfort, exceptional efficiency, and now, guaranteed winter savings through these new rate discounts. They provide both heating and cooling in one system, eliminate the need for fossil fuel deliveries, and significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
With the combination of:
- Upfront rebates of up to $10,000
- Federal tax credits (available through 2025)
- New winter rate discounts saving an average of $540 annually
- Long-term energy savings
There’s never been a better time to make the switch to clean, efficient heat pump technology.
Ready to See if Heat Pumps are Right for Your Home?
At Endless Energy, we’re here to help homeowners in Newton, Concord, Milton, Braintree, Sharon, Reading, and more throughout Massachusetts navigate the transition to clean, efficient heating and cooling. Our certified comfort advisors can assess your home, explain all available incentives, and design a heat pump system that maximizes your comfort and savings.
Whether you live in a historic colonial in Concord, a modern home in Newton, or anywhere in between, we have experience with the unique heating and cooling challenges of Massachusetts homes.
The winter rate discounts are just the latest reason why heat pumps represent the future of home comfort in Massachusetts. Combined with existing rebates and the limited-time federal tax credits, the economics have never been more compelling.
Don’t wait—federal tax credits expire at the end of 2025, and the best installation slots for taking advantage of the new winter rates are filling up fast.
Contact Endless Energy or give us a call at 508-474-7147 today to schedule your no cost heat pump consultation and discover how much you could save with a heat pump system designed specifically for your home and needs.
