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1. What is the demand charge on my bill?

All utilities in Massachusetts charge separately for the level of electric use called demand. A simple analogy - if your overall use of electricity (the total amount you use over time) is equivalent to the miles you travel in a car, then your demand level is equivalent to the speed you are traveling.

Our Demand meters record the highest level reached each month. The demand charge recovers the cost of having a dedicated supply of energy output on demand - whether we use it or not; a type of overhead cost. If a business operates all of its equipment for just part of the day but then doesn't use them for the rest of the day, the owner may find that, while the quantity of energy used may be low, the charge for peak demand drives up the overall bill. A business that cycles some of its equipment on while others are off throughout the day will effectively keep its peak demand lower and enjoy a lower bill.

2. What information do I need to know & to give you in order to open a new account?

Your first call should be to our Electric Division 508-947-3023 and, if needed, Gas Division 508-947-1535 to be sure the service at this location is right for your business needs. They'll ask about the size of the line service and gas main you need and basic information about your building size and equipment, including HVAC. Fill in this form to have all the information ready. This information also will determine the proper rate for your account. Review our Commercial Rates to see the charges applied for your monthly usage. (Purchased Power and Purchased Natural Gas charges are expressed separately and are variable.) You'll then contact our administrative office to open the account. We'll need a contact person with identification to apply to the account record. Fill in the New Commercial Account application online if you like.

3. Can I pay by credit card?

Commercial account balances may be paid online or over the phone by credit card up to a limit of $5,000. Go to our Pay Online service to begin this process.

4. When will I receive my monthly bill?

This is a function of your location. Our bills are produced and mailed based on a reading "route". Ask us directly and we can tell you right away.

5. How can I take advantage of the prompt payment discount?

Just be sure that we receive your payment by the Prompt Payment Discount Date listed on the bill. This is generally 10 days from the billing date. If your office collects bills to be paid on a specific date of the month or you use an outside service or banking program, you may want to pay this bill separately to be sure to get your discount. The larger the use, the more significant the discount! You can also consider direct payment (electronic payment) set up through our online bill payment program.

6. Why can’t MGED refund taxes collected when I should have been tax exempt?

MGED is only the pass-through agent, taking payment and sending the tax payment directly to the state revenue service. You would need to contact the Massachusetts Department of Revenue for refund. This is why it is so important to declare your tax exempt status and keep this up to date on an annual basis. Taxes must be collected from any business who has not filed for this status. There is no retro-active action allowed. Check with your tax accountant for more information.

7. How do I change the name of my business on my account?

To change any information about your existing business account, contact us and we'll let you know if we need another application for the new information. A new business name will likely need new identification confirmation. Also, no business will be able to change identification until all balances owed under the current name have been paid.