Belmont Light Rates Update – Effective March 1, 2026

Category: Rates, Uncategorized   |   Posted On: January 21, 2026

Following a review and public hearing process, Belmont Light is implementing new electric rates starting March 1, 2026. These adjustments are necessary to cover rising transmission costs and maintain a safe and reliable electric system for our community.

Why Rates Are Changing

  • Higher transmission costs from the regional grid, which are passed through to local utilities
  • Increased demand and infrastructure needs from electrification trends
  • Support for energy efficiency programs through the conservation charge

What’s Changing

The approved rate changes include:

  • A modest overall rate increase, to cover rising transmission and operational costs
  • Adjustments to the conservation charge, supporting energy efficiency programs and customer rebates
  • Overall, rates will increase by approximately 6% total (exact % will depend on your usage patterns and rate class)

For the average customer, these changes are designed to address cost recovery while minimizing the impact on household budgets. Detailed rate tables and sample bill impacts by rate class — including residential, commercial, and municipal — are available below.

Residential - Rate A





Residential Low Income - Rate LI





Residential Time of Use - Rate TOU A





Commercial - Rate B



 



Commercial Power - Rate E





Commercial Heating - Rate F





Small Municipal - Rate MB







Large Municipal - Rate ME

How Do We Compare to Other Utilities?

Even with the upcoming rate change, Belmont Light’s average residential bills are lower than those of neighboring investor-owned utilities (IOUs), based on typical usage.

Chart shows average residential bills at 550 kWh/month (which is the average use in Belmont), comparing Belmont Light with nearby investor-owned utilities. Belmont Light remains lower even after the March 1 rate increase.

Belmont Light remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and locally governed electricity. If you have any questions about the new rates, please contact Customer Service at (617) 993-2800 or at customer-service@belmontlight.com.