If you feel like your energy bills are getting harder to manage, you’re not alone. Homeowners across New England are still wrestling with rising energy prices. If you are a National Grid Massachusetts customer, you already know that natural gas and electricity costs have been on an upward trend for years, with recent increases leaving many wondering, why is my National Grid bill so high? Are National Grid energy prices a ripoff?
The Department of Energy reports that heating accounts for 29% of your utility bill, and with National Grid gas prices in Massachusetts rising 13% this winter, it’s no wonder so many are struggling to make ends meet. Even worse, National Grid energy prices are expected to increase further due to the 24% hike in natural gas costs announced by Mass.gov.
Adding to the challenge, the Farmers’ Almanac 2024 winter prediction warns of a “Wet Winter Whirlwind” with snow, rain, and sleet. This wet weather combined with higher energy prices makes it critical to ensure your home is energy-efficient.
A Redditor’s Frustration with Energy Bills
In early 2025, A reddit user recently shared their experience with National Grid data, revealing a staggering $629 bill for their 1,500 sq. ft. townhouse in the Boston area. Despite their efforts to conserve energy—including keeping the thermostat at 60°F at night and sealing all drafts—they found themselves paying excessively high costs. Their bill showed nine different distribution charges, totaling $360, on top of a $0.14 per kWh supply charge.
This story highlights the complexity of National Grid’s connected solutions and billing practices, which many customers find confusing. Are these charges justified, or is the company profiting unfairly from New England’s energy needs? Either way, the frustration is real.
PSA: taping windows and doors with plastic will not help much when it comes to keeping your home warm.
Truth: National Grid Energy Prices Have Been Increasing for Years
Let’s take a trip back to 2021–only 1 year out from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s the personal National Grid story from the owner of Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
National Grid announced a rate increase on September 1, 2021. Each month they kept rising and from September 1 to December 1, the overall therm rate increase is 108%.
Here are actual bills showing the National Grid energy bill increase starting at 22%. “For gas consumption from September 1, 2021 to October 31, 2021, the Gas Supply Charge has increased from last month’s charge of $.3895 per therm to $.4758 per therm.”
Then the November bill increased by 71%! “For gas consumption from November 1, 2021 to April 30, 2022 the Gas Supply Charge has increased from last month’s (October 2021) charge of $.44758 per therm to $.7282 per therm.”
Then I opened my National Grid December bill this morning thinking it can’t get any worse and increased again! If you start with the original therm rate of .3895 with the last therm rate for December’s invoice of .8114 that is an overall 108% rate increase.
Even though it’s years later, people are still feeling ripped off by National Grid energy prices. No wonder they keep this in fine print but I am sure you are all feeling it when you see your bill!
How to Reduce Heating Costs This Winter
With National Grid energy prices and National Grid gas prices climbing, homeowners need to take proactive steps to manage their bills. Here are some tips to reduce energy consumption and improve your home’s efficiency:
Interior Action Steps
- Upgrade to a smart thermostat. Did you know that a National Grid smart thermostat can help you save 10% on heating costs? By setting it to 58°F–62°F when you’re away, you’ll minimize unnecessary energy use.
- Seal doors and windows. Drafts can account for up to 40% of heat loss. Ensure your seals are tight, or consider installing Energy Star 7.0-rated replacement windows for better insulation.
- Perform a home energy audit. Free programs like HomeWorks Energy can identify areas where heat is escaping.
Insulating Your Home with Exterior Upgrades
If you are struggling with rising energy costs, it’s time to take a look at your home’s exterior. This is your first line of defense against the elements. It faces snow, ice, and strong winter winds. These are the top upgrade you can make to insulate your home, stay warm, and keep those energy bills from spiraling out of control.
Install Energy Efficient Replacement Windows
Did you know that drafty windows lose up to 40% of your home’s energy?
Make Sure Your Windows Have:
- Fill the space between double and triple pane gas with argon or krypton insulating gases. Their purpose is to reduce heat transfer during the winter.
- Choose windows with low-e application, which allows the sun to naturally heat your home during the winter.
- Your windows should have premium precision-engineered triple weatherstripping that’s designed to reduce drafts more efficiently.
- Your windows should be engineered with the best air infiltration. Choose new windows with a low air infiltration rating for creating an airtight seal. Our windows are rated .01 CFM, making them 23 times more airtight than the industry average.
- Incorrect installation can lead to drafts without making a difference in winter heating bills. Hire a professional licensed window contractor.
- Fusion-welded corners create an impermeable barrier against the elements, eliminating both water and air infiltration.
Book Today for New Windows to Save Money on Energy Bills
Choose an Insulating Entry Door
Worried about natural gas prices going up? Try this. Entry doors are similar to windows in terms that a tight seal is needed. This is because a drafty door allows energy to escape much faster than you think. If you have a 1/8th-inch gap under a 36-inch exterior door, it’s the same as having a 2.4-inch diameter hole punched in your wall!
Efficient doors need a polyurethane foam core which provides higher insulating power and R-value, all while acting as a barrier to air and moisture.
Reduce drafts with Q-Lon weatherstripping interlock to a nearly non-existent level.
Front doors with windows or sidelites should contain high-performance window trim to block out drafts.
Hire a licensed and bonded installer to ensure proper installation & peak performance through the winter months.
Keep Your Home Cozy with Insulated Vinyl Siding and James Hardie Fiber Cement
Like a warm blanket wrapped around your exterior, insulated vinyl siding will reduce heat transfer through the winter months. Heat tries to escape through the walls via the wood studs of the exterior. This process is blocked when insulated vinyl siding is installed, leaving you with a warmer and more energy-efficient home.
For extra protection against the elements, your siding should also include house wrap. It keeps moisture out of your home in all forms including snow. In addition to providing superior weatherization, it serves as another layer for reducing drafts.
Most exterior walls provide insulation between the wall studs, but energy is lost through the studs themselves. Wood and metal wall studs are poor insulators.
Insulated vinyl siding blocks heat loss during the winter months which stops thermal bridging—not allowing heat to pass through the studs.
Vinyl siding with rigid foam insulation blankets the home’s exterior, with the foam permanently attached to the panel.
The foam insulation increases the overall R-value of the exterior wall, ensuring exceptional insulation during the coldest months.
House wrap is an additional layer to your siding project, serving as an essential element material to weatherize your home. Bonus: it fights against mold, too!
House wrap also serves as another layer for keeping out drafts and serving as a barrier against energy loss.
James Hardie further insulates your home with its weather barrier, designed to prevent drafts and heat loss from your home.
Regulate Indoor Temperatures with Roofing
Did you know that roofing is an important component for home performance and comfort? A new roof brings a new level of protection to your home and family.
Roofing helps regulate indoor temperature with proper ventilation through the winter months, balancing and regulating room temperatures where you spend the most amount of time.
New roofing ensures the attic space remains close to the outdoor temperature, even in the winter. If the attic space gets too hot, ice dams will form which will damage the roof.
The key is for roof ventilation in areas such as soffit vents and gable vents. Both intake vents and outtake vents are necessary to keep energy bills in control.
If there are problems such as holes or cracks in your current roof, this will allow energy to escape and become very costly through the winter months. A new roof will shield your family from the elements while preventing heat loss.
Professional roof installation ensures that your new upgrade will perform for life
Why Energy Prices Are So High in Massachusetts
Energy costs in New England are consistently higher than the national average. The region’s cold winters necessitate heating for at least four months each year, which strains resources. National Grid gas prices Massachusetts reflect these challenges, and Eversource’s proposed 25%–30% rate hike will only exacerbate the situation.
Moreover, infrastructure investments, renewable energy mandates, and distribution charges contribute to higher bills. For instance, charges like the Massachusetts National Grid power outage map recovery fee or the distributed solar charge aim to support grid reliability but add to consumer costs.
Combatting a Costly Winter
The Farmers’ Almanac 2024 weather predictions signal a challenging season ahead. Between higher National Grid gas prices and frigid temperatures, staying warm will be more expensive than ever. However, you can mitigate these costs by improving your home’s energy efficiency and leveraging tools like National Grid’s connected solutions to monitor your usage.
Energy Efficient Exterior Upgrades by Coastal Windows & Exteriors
How can you get a head of Nation Grid gas prices and increasing energy rates? By installing energy-efficient roofing, siding, windows, and doors. Take a look at some of our recent projects, engineered to save energy 365 days a year!
- James Hardie Siding Installation in West Newbury, MA
- Hardie Shake Installation in Beverly, MA
- Hardie Shake Installation in Tewkesbury
- Window Installation in Marblehead, MA
- Window Installation in Nahant, MA
- Window Installation in Topsfield, MA
- Roof Installation in Hanson, MA
Don’t Let High Bills Freeze You Out
While you can’t control National Grid shut off policy Massachusetts or the cost of energy, you can take steps to make your home more efficient. From installing Energy Star 7.0 windows to upgrading to a National Grid smart thermostat, every improvement makes a difference.
Contact us today to learn how new windows, doors, siding, or roofing can reduce your energy bills and keep your home cozy all winter long!
