Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell announced on Mar. 31 that residential customers in the state who switched to competitive electric supply over the last decade collectively paid over $738.7 million more than they would have if they had remained on basic service.
The findings are part of a new report from the Attorney General’s Office, which highlights ongoing concerns about higher costs for consumers—especially low-income households and communities of color—associated with the competitive electric supply market. The report shows that from July 2024 to June 2025, low-income consumers lost an average of $286 annually by participating in this market, compared to $181 for non-low-income consumers. In total, residential customers experienced a net loss of $87.4 million during this period.
“This report demonstrates that the financial harms caused by the competitive supply market – particularly among communities of color and low-income residents – far outweigh any benefits promised to hard-working Massachusetts residents,” said AG Campbell. “Massachusetts families face some of the highest utility costs in the country, and I will continue to work with my partners in the Legislature to find solutions and protect consumers harmed by this predatory industry.”
According to information collected for this year’s report, even ratepayers who do not participate in competitive supply are affected because these suppliers drive up costs for bill payment assistance programs funded through charges on all utility bills. From July 2024 through June 2025, these increased costs amounted to $9.6 million.
The report also indicates that reform efforts targeting only suppliers charging extreme rates may not be enough; suppliers charging between 10% and 30% above basic service accounted for more than half of customer losses during the reporting period.
Attorney General Campbell’s office continues working with state lawmakers and officials toward regulatory reforms intended to better protect consumers from high electricity costs linked to competitive suppliers. Residents concerned about their electric supplier can file complaints or seek information through resources provided by both the Attorney General’s Office and Department of Public Utilities.
