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1. Why is my bill significantly higher than previous months?
2. How can I save energy and money on my bill?
3. What is Demand and how can I reduce this charge?
4. Should my energy use be tax-exempt?
5. Does MG&E offer rebates for the installation of energy efficient equipment or lighting?
6. Does MG&E charge more for energy used at different times of the day?

Why is my bill significantly higher than previous months?
Check the Energy Usage chart on your bill. Is your use higher than last month? Higher than the same month last year? Then compare degree-days for the same periods. If the number was positive and higher, it was colder and you may have used more energy heating. A higher negative number means it was hotter and air-conditioning may have run more. There are many possible answers but home appliances account for most home energy use today. To check out how much your appliances use and cost to run, click on the "Home Appliance Calculator".


How can I save energy and money on my bill?
There is no easy answer for the commercial energy user. Your business operation will dictate when and how much you will use. However, knowing how you use this energy can help you determine the changes you can make without harming your normal operation. For a basic understanding of the energy use in most commercial facilities, click on "the Workbook request form" to order this primer on energy systems.


What is Demand and how can I reduce this charge?
MG&E charges separately for the level of electric use known as Demand for large electric users. This is measured at its highest level throughout the month. Large users are charged a per kilowatt hour fee which is the effective cost to us to have this level of supply ready at all times. You may also be able to decrease your energy demand levels (if you are charged for Demand) by spreading your equipment use throughout the day. Click on the Business Report attached to open the Report PDF, under Some Important Elements and learn about Demand levels and their effects on you bills.
(view PDF)


Should my energy use be tax-exempt?
In Massachusetts, most commercial energy use is taxable. There are a few exemptions that depend on revenue level, number of employees and type of energy used in the manufacturing process. Click on the first Department of Revenue link below to help determine the status of your business. If you determine that your business is eligible for exemption, click on the PDF link below to download the exemption application so that you can print it, fill it in and send it to our administrative office.
Dept. of Revenue | Form ST-13

Does MG&E offer rebates for the installation of energy efficient equipment or lighting?


At this time, MG&E does not offer rebates, opting instead to maintain the lowest rates possible for all customers. Equipment rebate programs can be an expense that affects our ability to keep costs low and rates competitive. But it is important when specifying equipment to know what those average rates are to determine a true savings potential for your installation. Clink on our "typical bill comparisons" and determine the current average cost per kilowatt-hour or per therm.




Does MG&E charge more for energy used at different times of the day?
Currently, MG&E does not use a “Time-of-Use” rate, neither gas nor electric, for commercial operations. All charges are constant whether at peak hours or off-peak. However, your own use habits may be increasing your bill by increasing your electric demand level if you power all equipment at once for short periods. Click on the link below to open the Business Report PDF, checking under Some Important Elements to learn about Demand levels and their effects on you bills.
(view PDF)