ISO-NE’s capacity auction overhaul removes the forward pricing certainty brokers have relied on for years. If you’re quoting beyond May 2028, your strategy needs to change.

A rare market setup is creating a short-lived opportunity for New England electricity buyers. Falling gas prices, a basis inversion, and upcoming rate pressures make this a critical moment to lock supply.

Rhode Island’s market may be smaller, but the decision framework is the same: it comes down to timing, risk tolerance, and how your business plans for energy costs. Default service offers simplicity, but it also leaves you exposed to periodic resets. Competitive supply introduces choice — and with it, the ability to align your electricity costs with your broader financial and operational strategy.

Massachusetts electricity costs are high for structural reasons — not because any single component is out of line, but because multiple cost layers stack together. That makes it especially important to focus on the piece you can control. While delivery and regulatory charges are fixed, the supply component is where strategy, timing, and market awareness can actually move the needle.

At its core, the decision between fixed and variable pricing is a decision about risk. Fixed-rate contracts trade the possibility of short-term savings for long-term certainty, while variable structures do the opposite — offering potential upside with real exposure to market volatility.

Default service isn’t inherently “good” or “bad” — it’s a moving target. Sometimes it’s competitive, sometimes it’s not, and the difference often comes down to timing and how much certainty your business needs. The key is not guessing, but comparing: knowing what you’re currently paying, understanding where the market is, and evaluating whether locking in makes sense for your situation.

Massachusetts deregulated its electricity market in 1998, which means your […]