City Hall put out a useful warning this week, and for once it is about something that hits people where they actually live: the utility bill.
The city says it has received reports of third-party energy suppliers going door to door in Everett and claiming they work with the city. According to the city, that is false. “The City of Everett does not currently work with any third-party energy suppliers,” the notice says. It also says, plainly, “The City and Electrify Everett do not partner with third-party energy suppliers.”
That matters because the pitch is usually dressed up to sound official. Somebody at the door says they are with the city, or with National Grid, asks to see your bill, and then tries to switch your supply service on the spot. If you are tired, busy, or just trying to be polite, that is how you end up paying more.
The city’s breakdown of the bill is straightforward. Delivery charges are what it costs to bring gas or electricity to your home. In Everett, delivery is handled by National Grid no matter what. That part does not change.
Supply charges are the part that can change. That is the cost of the gas or electricity itself. You can stay with National Grid as the default supplier, or sign up with a third-party supplier.
And this is where the sales pitch usually gets slippery. Third-party suppliers often advertise a low introductory rate. Then the rate changes. Then people find out the “savings” did not save much of anything.
The city points to a March 30, 2026 report from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. The numbers are ugly. Massachusetts residents “paid $87.4 million more in one year (July 2024–June 2025) by using third-party suppliers.” Over the last decade, the report says excess costs totaled $738.7 million.
That is not a rounding error. That is a lot of working people paying extra because someone in a polo shirt had a script.
The city also says 25 percent of National Grid accounts in Everett are currently enrolled in third-party supplier programs. That is not a small number. If you have not checked your bill in a while, now would be a good time.
The city says residents can check by looking at the “Supplier” or “Supply” section of the bill. If it is not National Grid, you may be enrolled with a third-party supplier.
And no, you do not have to hand your bill to somebody standing on your porch. The city says residents “are not required to share your utility bill or account information with anyone at your door.” You can decline, tell them to leave, and verify whatever claim they are making on your own time.
If you want help reviewing a bill or switching back, the Planning Department says residents can call 617-394-2246 or go to Housing and Utility Assistance hours at City Hall, Room 27, on Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m. Representatives from The Neighborhood Developers and the Planning Department will review bills and help people switch back to the default supplier.
Not every city notice is worth your time. This one is. Read your bill before someone else does it for you.