WMECo Suggests Energy Efficiency as First Line of Defense Against this Winter’s Rising Rates
Budget billing and discount rates also available for qualified customers

Springfield, Mass. (October 15, 2014)With the expected rise in electricity prices this winter, WMECo wants customers to know there are several options available to reduce the amount of energy they use to help keep bills in check. The company also offers budget billing, as well as savings programs specifically designed for income-eligible customers.

“We’re concerned about the effect a surge in the cost of electricity will have on our customers,” said Penni Conner, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at Northeast Utilities, WMECo’s parent company. “Our energy efficiency programs are designed to help folks reduce their usage, tighten-up their homes, and ensure every energy dollar is spent effectively.”

Because now is the best time to begin taking action to prepare for a January price increase, WMECo is proactively reaching out to customers with helpful suggestions.

Making efficiency improvements around the home can dramatically lower energy use.
Simple steps like turning down the thermostat; caulking drafty doors and windows; making sure heating vents aren’t blocked; and switching to energy efficient light bulbs, will all help save money.

A good way to discover what efficiency measures are needed in any home is to sign up for a no-cost home energy assessment. Customers can also take advantage of generous energy efficiency rebates and incentives, including those available for the purchase of programmable thermostats, energy efficient heating systems, refrigerators and water heaters. For information about all of the energy efficiency programs WMECo offers, visit wmeco.com.

WMECo also offers enhanced energy efficiency programs – including no-cost weatherization services – as well as discounted electricity rates to income-eligible customers. The company’s budget billing option can also help manage household expenses by providing equal monthly payments throughout the year.

More than half of New England’s electricity is now produced using natural gas. Though natural gas remains an abundant and inexpensive fuel, regional pipeline limitations and the growing dependency on gas to produce electricity are pushing prices higher. While these constraints will continue to affect electricity customers in the near-term, Northeast Utilities is committed to pursuing strategic projects to help solve these challenges. The company’s Northern Pass Project will bring clean and low-cost energy from Hydro-Quebec’s world-class hydroelectric plants to New Hampshire and New England. In addition, NU and Spectra Energy recently proposed the Access Northeast project to expand the region’s natural gas capacity using existing pipeline routes, with an anticipated in-service date of November 2018.

This winter’s price increase will be a direct pass-through of what it costs WMECo to purchase electricity from suppliers on behalf of customers. As the local delivery company, WMECo makes no profit on that electricity. WMECo anticipates filing its new six-month electricity supply rate with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities in November.
(more)



Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECo), a Northeast Utilities company (NYSE:NU), transmits and delivers electricity to 210,000 customers in 59 cities and towns. For more information, please visit our website: www.wmeco.com, like us on Facebook (facebook.com/WMECo) and follow us on Twitter @wmeco.

CONTACT:
Priscilla Ress
413-787-1055
priscilla.ress@nu.com

###
[Back to Top]