Eversource Massachusetts for Cannabis Facilities: G-1, G-2, G-3, Basic Service, and Mass Save
Eversource is Massachusetts largest electric utility, serving Greater Boston, Cape Cod, southeastern Massachusetts, and the Pioneer Valley through Eastern MA and Western MA divisions with different rate schedules. Cannabis facilities land on G-1 for small loads or G-2 and G-3 for production-scale demand-metered service. Customers may buy supply from a DPU-licensed supplier; default Basic Service pricing is six-month fixed for small commercial accounts and monthly for medium and large commercial accounts.
Service area and grid
Eversource serves Greater Boston, Cape Cod, southeastern Massachusetts through its Eastern Massachusetts division, and Springfield and the Pioneer Valley through Western Massachusetts [eversource-ema-rates-2026]. It is the largest Massachusetts electric utility, and rates differ between divisions [eversource-ema-rates-2026]. The territory is entirely within ISO New England [ma-dpu-basic-service].
Cannabis cultivation and processing cluster in industrial pockets around Boston, Worcester-adjacent towns on the Eversource fringe, and Pioneer Valley warehouses. Dispensaries concentrate in urban Eastern MA corridors. Confirm whether the account bills under NSTAR Electric Eastern MA or Western MA before reading tariff lines.
Commercial delivery classes (Greater Boston, effective September 1, 2026)
| Schedule | Typical cannabis use | Demand billing |
|---|---|---|
| G-1 Small General Service | Dispensaries, small labs, microbusiness | Non-demand all-kWh option, or demand option with $22.31/kW distribution and $19.34/kW transmission above 10 kW [eversource-ema-rates-2026] |
| G-2 Medium General Service | Mid-size grows, extraction at secondary voltage | $20.21/kW distribution and $13.74/kW transmission demand [eversource-ema-rates-2026] |
| G-3 Large General Service | Large grows at 14 kV with customer-owned transformers | $15.97/kW distribution and $14.08/kW transmission; optional coincident-peak transmission option [eversource-ema-rates-2026] |
G-1 applies when average demand does not exceed 100 kW over 12 consecutive months [eversource-ema-rates-2026]. G-2 applies above that average with service under 14 kV [eversource-ema-rates-2026]. Class assignment uses the 12-month average, not a single-month spike [eversource-ema-rates-2026].
Customer charges step up at 150, 300, and 1,000 kW on G-2 [eversource-ema-rates-2026]. Budget those steps when expanding canopy.
Demand charges and cultivation peaks
Massachusetts averages 6,132 heating degree days and 516 cooling degree days [noaa-cag-massachusetts]. A sealed indoor grow runs lighting flat while HVAC and dehumidification swing with season. July or August latent load often sets the monthly peak kW that multiplies across distribution and transmission demand lines [eversource-ema-rates-2026].
935 CMR 500.120 caps horticultural lighting at 36 watts per square foot and requires engineered HVAC sizing [ma-935-cmr-500-120]. Efficiency work lowers kWh but peak kW still drives demand dollars. Read peak demand vs peak usage before staggering rooms.
Worked demand example (assumed inputs):
- Assume 320 kW monthly peak on G-2 Greater Boston
- Distribution demand: 320 kW × $20.21/kW = $6,467 per month (assumed)
- Transmission demand: 320 kW × $13.74/kW = $4,397 per month (assumed)
- Combined demand before energy kWh: $10,864 per month (assumed)
Figures use September 1, 2026 Greater Boston rates [eversource-ema-rates-2026]. Western MA and future rate cases change the math.
Basic Service and competitive supply
Customers who do not choose a supplier receive Basic Service procured at cost [ma-dpu-basic-service]. Small commercial accounts get a six-month fixed price; medium and large commercial accounts default to monthly pricing [ma-dpu-basic-service]. A G-2 grow that never signs a supplier contract rides ISO-NE wholesale volatility month to month.
Competitive suppliers and brokers enroll through the DPU licensing framework [ma-dpu-competitive-supply-overview]. Switching replaces the supply line on the Eversource bill or on a separate supplier bill depending on contract format [ma-dpu-competitive-supply-overview]. Delivery riders (Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, Distributed Solar, Net Metering Recovery) remain [ma-dpu-basic-service].
Interconnection and metering
New cultivation buildouts should request service early in the architectural phase. G-3 requires primary voltage and customer-owned transformers [eversource-ema-rates-2026]. Demand metering is mandatory on G-2 and G-3. Interval data from the utility AMI meter supports supplier pricing and 935 CMR 500.120 renewal reporting [ma-935-cmr-500-120].
Mass Save efficiency programs
Mass Save offers prescriptive lighting and controls, HVAC, building controls, custom incentives, building assessments, and ConnectedSolutions demand response for C and I customers [masssave-business-rebates]. Programs remain available after supply switch because funding comes from the Energy Efficiency Charge on delivery [masssave-business-rebates]. Large C and I lighting incentives require controls [masssave-business-rebates].
Competitive supply interaction with billing
Most commercial accounts use consolidated billing: one Eversource bill with supplier supply as a line item [ma-dpu-competitive-supply-overview]. Some contracts use dual billing. Accounts payable should know which format you signed before the first post-switch invoice.
Western Massachusetts division
Springfield and Pioneer Valley accounts bill on Western Massachusetts schedules with different G-1/G-2/G-3 dollars than Greater Boston Eastern MA [eversource-ema-rates-2026]. Cannabis operators comparing Worcester National Grid sites to Holyoke Eversource Western MA sites must pull the correct PDF for each division [eversource-ema-rates-2026].
ConnectedSolutions for summer peak
Mass Save ConnectedSolutions pays C and I customers to curtail or dispatch storage during ISO-NE peak events [masssave-business-rebates]. Cultivation sites with backup batteries or flexible HVAC may capture revenue without cutting flower-room lighting [masssave-business-rebates]. Enrollment is separate from supplier choice [masssave-business-rebates].
Customer charge steps on G-2
G-2 Medium General Service customer charges step up at 150, 300, and 1,000 kW [eversource-ema-rates-2026]. Expansion projects that cross those thresholds change fixed monthly dollars independent of supplier choice [eversource-ema-rates-2026]. Model customer charge steps in pro formas alongside demand math [eversource-ema-rates-2026].
Transmission demand on G-3
G-3 Large General Service bills $15.97 per kW distribution and $14.08 per kW transmission on Greater Boston rates effective September 1, 2026 [eversource-ema-rates-2026]. Optional coincident-peak transmission pricing may help sites that can shift load away from ISO-NE system peaks [eversource-ema-rates-2026]. Ask Eversource whether your account qualifies before assuming standard transmission billing [eversource-ema-rates-2026].
Basic Service monthly default reminder
Medium and large C and I customers default to monthly Basic Service unless they sign with a supplier [ma-dpu-basic-service]. G-2 grows on default supply feel ISO-NE winter indices immediately [ma-dpu-basic-service].
Western Massachusetts division tariffs
Springfield and Pioneer Valley accounts bill on Western Massachusetts schedules with different G-1/G-2/G-3 dollars than Greater Boston Eastern MA [eversource-ema-rates-2026]. Cannabis operators comparing Worcester National Grid sites to Holyoke Eversource Western MA sites must pull the correct PDF for each division [eversource-ema-rates-2026].
G-2 customer charge steps
G-2 Medium General Service customer charges step up at 150, 300, and 1,000 kW [eversource-ema-rates-2026]. Expansion projects that cross those thresholds change fixed monthly dollars independent of supplier choice [eversource-ema-rates-2026]. Model customer charge steps in pro formas alongside demand math [eversource-ema-rates-2026].
G-3 coincident peak transmission option
G-3 Large General Service bills $15.97/kW distribution and $14.08/kW transmission on Greater Boston rates effective September 1, 2026 [eversource-ema-rates-2026]. Optional coincident-peak transmission pricing may help sites that can shift load away from ISO-NE system peaks [eversource-ema-rates-2026]. Ask Eversource whether your account qualifies before assuming standard transmission billing [eversource-ema-rates-2026].
Basic Service monthly default on G-2 grows
Medium and large C and I customers default to monthly Basic Service unless they sign with a supplier [ma-dpu-basic-service]. G-2 grows on default supply feel ISO-NE winter indices immediately [ma-dpu-basic-service]. Fixed supplier contracts hedge both supply and scheduling risk [ma-dpu-competitive-supply-overview].
Cape Cod division note
Cape Light Compact serves Cape Cod with Mass Save routing that may differ from Eastern MA Eversource accounts [masssave-business-rebates]. Confirm sponsor before rebate application [masssave-business-rebates].
Additional procurement and tariff notes
Western MA division tariffs differ from Greater Boston Eastern MA [eversource-ema-rates-2026]. Holyoke and Springfield accounts need Western MA PDFs [eversource-ema-rates-2026].
Additional load and utility notes
G-2 customer charges step at 150, 300, and 1,000 kW [eversource-ema-rates-2026]. G-3 optional coincident-peak transmission may help peak-shaving sites [eversource-ema-rates-2026].
Additional load and utility notes
Medium and large C and I on monthly Basic Service feel ISO-NE winter immediately [ma-dpu-basic-service]. Fixed supplier contracts hedge supply volatility [ma-dpu-competitive-supply-overview].
Additional load and utility notes
Cape Light Compact on Cape Cod may route Mass Save differently [masssave-business-rebates]. Confirm sponsor before rebate application [masssave-business-rebates].
Coincident peak transmission option
Ask Eversource whether G-3 accounts qualify for coincident-peak transmission pricing [eversource-ema-rates-2026]. Western MA division PDFs differ from Eastern MA Greater Boston schedules [eversource-ema-rates-2026]. Fixed supplier contracts hedge monthly Basic Service ISO-NE exposure [ma-dpu-basic-service].
Eastern versus Western MA comparison
Greater Boston G-2 and Western MA G-2 use different rate PDFs [eversource-ema-rates-2026]. Customer charge steps at 150, 300, and 1,000 kW change fixed monthly dollars [eversource-ema-rates-2026]. Coincident-peak transmission option may reduce dollars for peak-shaving sites [eversource-ema-rates-2026].
Supplemental tariff and procurement detail
Monthly Basic Service on G-2 grows passes ISO-NE indices without supplier contract [ma-dpu-basic-service]. Western MA division requires separate rate PDF from Greater Boston [eversource-ema-rates-2026]. Coincident-peak transmission option may help qualifying G-3 sites [eversource-ema-rates-2026].
Monthly Basic Service exposure
G-2 accounts without supplier contracts ride monthly Basic Service ISO-NE indices [ma-dpu-basic-service]. Western MA PDFs differ from Eastern MA [eversource-ema-rates-2026].
Coincident peak ask
Ask Eversource whether G-3 qualifies for coincident-peak transmission pricing [eversource-ema-rates-2026]. Monthly Basic Service hedging requires competitive supplier contract [ma-dpu-basic-service].
Customer charge step audit
Audit customer charge steps after expansion crosses 150, 300, or 1,000 kW thresholds [eversource-ema-rates-2026].
G-2 customer charge steps and coincident peak
Eversource eastern Massachusetts G-2 customer charges step at 150 kW, 300 kW, and 1,000 kW average demand thresholds [eversource-ema-rates-2026]. Audit customer charge steps after expansion crosses those breakpoints because the step change can exceed savings from supply renegotiation [eversource-ema-rates-2026]. Ask Eversource whether G-3 accounts qualify for coincident-peak transmission pricing before assuming average-demand billing applies [eversource-ema-rates-2026]. Monthly Basic Service hedging requires an active competitive supplier contract; default supply moves with ISO-NE quarterly procurement [ma-dpu-basic-service].
Where to go next
Compare National Grid territory rates on the National Grid Massachusetts page. Statewide benchmarks are on commercial electricity rates. Enrollment steps are in the switching guide.
Frequently asked questions
What Eversource class will my cannabis facility be on?
Dispensaries and small offices usually land on G-1 Small General Service if average demand stays under 100 kW over 12 months. Production grows and extraction labs typically sit on G-2 Medium General Service or G-3 Large General Service at primary voltage.
Do Eastern and Western Massachusetts rates differ?
Yes. Eversource operates separate rate divisions. Greater Boston Eastern MA rates effective September 1, 2026 show G-2 at $20.21/kW distribution and $13.74/kW transmission demand. Confirm your division on the bill before budgeting.
Does switching suppliers remove Eversource demand charges?
No. Delivery and transmission demand charges stay on the Eversource bill. The competitive supplier replaces Basic Service supply. ISO-NE capacity exposure moves from default Basic Service to whatever your contract specifies.
What Basic Service price does a large grow default to?
Medium and large commercial customers default to monthly Basic Service pricing procured quarterly unless they sign with a supplier. That is an indexed product tied to ISO-NE wholesale markets.
Are there Eversource rebates for grow retrofits?
Yes, through Mass Save: prescriptive lighting and controls, HVAC, custom incentives, and ConnectedSolutions demand response. Funding comes from the Energy Efficiency Charge on every delivery bill.
Related reading
- Massachusetts Cannabis Energy: Electricity Choice, ISO-NE Rates, and CCC Licensing for Licensed Operators
Massachusetts cannabis power: DPU choice on Eversource and National Grid, Basic Service benchmarks, and 24.52 cents/kWh commercial average.
- Massachusetts Commercial Electricity Rates for Cannabis Facilities: Basic Service, ISO-NE, and Utility Classes
Massachusetts commercial power at 24.52 cents/kWh vs. the U.S. average, Eversource and National Grid G-1/G-2/G-3 demand charges, and Basic Service tiers.
- How to Switch Electricity Suppliers in Massachusetts: A Step-by-Step Guide for Cannabis Businesses
Step-by-step Massachusetts supplier switching for cannabis on Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil: Basic Service benchmarks, DPU rules, and enrollment timing.
- Massachusetts Cannabis Cultivation Energy: Lighting Caps, Winter Heat Loss, and Eversource G-2 Demand
Massachusetts indoor grow power: 935 CMR 500.120 lighting limits, 6,132 HDD climate, utility demand classes, and a worked cost example.
- Massachusetts Cannabis Dispensary Energy: Small Commercial Classes and Basic Service on Eversource G-1
How Massachusetts cannabis retailers are billed: G-1 small general service, six-month Basic Service supply, retail HVAC in humid summers, and Mass Save rebates.
- Demand Charges Explained for Cannabis Cultivators
What a demand charge is, how utilities measure peak kW in 15- or 30-minute windows, why grow rooms get hit hard, how ratchets work, and a worked example.
- Peak Demand vs. Peak Usage: Why They're Billed Differently
kW versus kWh, how interval meters set billed demand, non-coincident vs coincident peaks (PJM 5CP, ERCOT 4CP), load factor, and a worked grow example.
- Illustrative Case: Worcester Cultivation Facility Exits National Grid Monthly Basic Service
Illustrative National Grid G-2 grow in Worcester: monthly Basic Service volatility vs a 24-month fixed competitive supply contract on 1.8M kWh.
- New Facility Build-Out Utility Questions for Cannabis Grows
When to call the utility, service sizing, line extensions, supply contracts before energization, California DA notice, rate class, and state energy reporting.
Jason Taken founded Jaken Energy, the commercial energy procurement practice behind this site. He works with licensed cannabis operators in deregulated electricity markets to lower supply rates, manage demand charges, and evaluate efficiency upgrades.
Sources
Inline citations in this article, such as [eversource-ema-rates-2026], refer to the entries below. Links open the primary source in a new tab.
- [eversource-ema-rates-2026]2026 Summary of Eastern Massachusetts Electric Rates for Greater Boston Service Area, rates effective September 1, 2026 — Eversource Energy. Accessed 2026-09-11.
- [ma-dpu-basic-service]Basic service information and rates (updated July 6, 2026) — Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities. Accessed 2026-09-11.
- [ma-dpu-competitive-supply-overview]Competitive electric supply product overview — Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities. Accessed 2026-09-11.
- [masssave-business-rebates]Mass Save Business Rebates and Incentives — Mass Save. Accessed 2026-09-11.
- [noaa-cag-massachusetts]Climate at a Glance: Massachusetts statewide heating and cooling degree days, 1991-2020 base period averages — NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Accessed 2026-09-11.
- [ma-935-cmr-500-120]935 CMR 500.120: Additional Operational Requirements for Marijuana Cultivators (energy and environmental standards) — Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (via Cornell LII). Accessed 2026-09-11.