Boston

1. Overview of Common Utilities in Boston

In Boston, the main utilities you’ll need to consider are:

• Electricity
• Natural Gas (for heating and cooking)
• Water and Sewer
• Internet and Cable
• Trash Collection

---

2. Average Costs of Utilities in Boston

The cost of utilities in Boston can vary depending on the size of your home, the number of occupants, and your usage habits. Below are average monthly costs for a typical household:

Electricity

• Provider: Eversource is the primary electricity provider in Boston.
• Average Cost: $100–$150 per month for a 1-2 bedroom apartment.
  • Costs can increase during summer if you use air conditioning frequently.
• Billing: Based on kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage. Rates may vary depending on the time of year and energy market conditions.

Natural Gas

• Provider: National Grid is the main provider for natural gas in Boston.
• Average Cost: $50–$150 per month.
  • Costs are higher in winter due to heating needs.
• Billing: Based on therms (a unit of heat energy) used.

Water and Sewer

• Provider: Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC).
• Average Cost: $50–$70 per month for a small household.
  • Water usage is measured in cubic feet (1 cubic foot = 7.48 gallons).
• Billing: Typically billed quarterly, but you can request monthly billing.

Internet and Cable

• Providers: Comcast Xfinity, Verizon Fios, and RCN are the main providers.
• Average Cost: $50–$100 per month for internet (depending on speed and provider).
  • Bundled packages with cable TV can cost $100–$200 per month.
• Billing: Monthly, with options for autopay or online payments.

Trash Collection

• Provider: Managed by the City of Boston.
• Cost: Included in property taxes, so there’s no separate bill for trash collection.
  • Recycling is also included and mandatory in Boston.
• Billing: Not applicable, but you must follow the city’s trash and recycling schedule.

---

3. How Billing Works

Each utility provider has its own billing system, but here’s a general overview:

Electricity and Gas

• Billing Cycle: Monthly.
• Payment Methods:
  • Online through the provider’s website or mobile app.
  • By mail (check or money order).
  • In-person at authorized payment locations.
  • Automatic payments via bank account or credit card.
• Paperless Billing: Most providers offer discounts or incentives for opting into paperless billing.

Water and Sewer

• Billing Cycle: Quarterly (every three months), but monthly billing is available upon request.
• Payment Methods:
  • Online via the BWSC website.
  • By mail or in-person at BWSC offices.
  • Automatic payments.

Internet and Cable

• Billing Cycle: Monthly.
• Payment Methods:
  • Online through the provider’s website or app.
  • By mail or in-person at provider locations.
  • Automatic payments.

Trash Collection

• No separate billing, but you must adhere to the city’s trash and recycling guidelines. Fines may apply for improper disposal.

---

4. Where to Pay Utility Bills

Here’s where you can pay your utility bills in Boston:

Electricity (Eversource)

• Online: Eversource Website
• In-Person: Authorized payment locations (check their website for locations).
• Mail: Address provided on your bill.

Natural Gas (National Grid)

• Online: National Grid Website
• In-Person: Authorized payment locations.
• Mail: Address provided on your bill.

Water and Sewer (BWSC)

• Online: BWSC Website
• In-Person: BWSC Customer Service Center at 980 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA.
• Mail: Address provided on your bill.

Internet and Cable

• Online: Through your provider’s website (e.g., Comcast, Verizon, RCN).
• In-Person: At provider stores or authorized payment centers.
• Mail: Address provided on your bill.

---

5. Local Considerations for Newcomers

Here are some tips and considerations to keep in mind as a newcomer to Boston:

Electricity and Gas

• Budget Billing: Both Eversource and National Grid offer budget billing plans to help spread out costs evenly throughout the year, which is helpful for managing high winter heating bills.
• Energy Efficiency: Boston has programs to help residents reduce energy usage, such as Mass Save, which offers free energy assessments and rebates for energy-efficient appliances.

Water and Sewer

• Conservation: Boston encourages water conservation. Fix leaks promptly and consider installing water-efficient fixtures to reduce your bill.
• Stormwater Fee: Your water bill may include a stormwater fee, which funds the city’s stormwater management system.

Internet and Cable

• Promotions: Providers often offer promotional rates for new customers. Be aware that these rates may increase after the promotional period ends.
• Competition: Compare providers to find the best deal for your needs. Some areas of Boston may have limited options depending on infrastructure.

Trash and Recycling

• Trash Bags: The city provides free weekly trash and recycling collection. You must use standard trash bags and follow the city’s schedule.
• Large Items: For large items like furniture or appliances, you may need to schedule a special pickup with the city.

Seasonal Costs

• Winter Heating: Heating costs can be significant in Boston’s cold winters. Ensure your home is well-insulated to save on heating bills.
• Summer Cooling: If you use air conditioning, electricity bills may rise in the summer.

---

6. Additional Resources

• Mass Save: www.masssave.com – Energy efficiency programs and rebates.
• City of Boston Trash and Recycling: www.boston.gov/trash – Information on trash and recycling schedules.
• Utility Assistance Programs: If you’re struggling to pay your bills, programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Eversource’s New Start program can help.

---

By understanding these costs and processes, you’ll be well-prepared to manage your utilities in Boston. Let me know if you need further assistance!