Residential Electric
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Residential Rates
AVAILABILITY
Service under this rate is available for Residential purposes in a single, private dwelling or a single apartment. Incidental commercial uses on the same premises (not exceeding 20% of the total energy use as determined by the Department) may be permitted under this rate at the Department’s discretion depending upon metering requirements and the nature of the commercial load characteristics.
COST-OF-SERVICE
- $0.0820 per kwhr for Energy Charge
- $0.0665 per kwhr for Distribution Charge
The cost-of-service per Kwhr $0.1485 does not include the 10% Discount, Transmission, PPA or PASNY charges.
DISCOUNT
A 10% discount will be applied to that portion of the bill determined per the cost-of-service section (Energy & Distribution Charge) of this tariff if payment is made on (or before) the discount day that is printed on the customer’s bill. There is no discount allowed on the purchased power adjustment or when arrears are due and unpaid.
FARM DISCOUNT
An additional 10% discount is available under this rate for all residential customers that are properly certified by the Department of Food and Agriculture (DFA) for a one-year period commencing upon their application date with the DFA. If after one year they have not properly recertified themselves with the DFA, they will not be eligible for this rate application.
CUSTOMER CHARGE
$4.00 per billing period.
The cost of providing customer-related services such as metering, meter reading and billing. These fixed costs are not affected by the actual amount of electricity you use.
CONNECTION PERIOD
The minimum connection period for service under this rate is six months during which all billing provisions of this rate, including the minimum charge, shall apply.
PURCHASED POWER ADJUSTMENT (PPA)
A purchased power adjustment, either a charge or credit, shall be applied to all kilowatt-hours sold under this rate as provided in the purchased power adjustment. The early payment discount does not apply to the purchased power adjustment.
PASNY CREDIT
A credit on a Residential bill for Sterling’s pro rata share of hydroelectric power from the Power Authority of the State of New York (PASNY).
TRANSMISSION CHARGE ADJUSTMENT (TCA)
A transmission charge adjustment (TCA), applicable to all rate schedules, shall be applied to all kilowatt-hours sold under this rate as provided in the TCA. The early payment discount does not apply to the TCA.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The SMLD’s Terms and Conditions in effect from time to time, where not inconsistent with the specific provisions hereof, are a part of this rate.
EFFECTIVE
Effective on all bills rendered after February 1, 2023.
Residential Controlled Rates
AVAILABILITY
Service under this rate is available for Residential purposes in a single, private dwelling or a single apartment. Incidental commercial uses on the same premises (not exceeding 20% of the total energy use as determined by the Department) may be permitted under this rate at the Department’s discretion depending upon metering requirements and the nature of the commercial load characteristics.
Service under this rate is available for special load control applications approved by the SMLD and where service is separately metered. Service shall be controlled by equipment owned and installed by the SMLD which shall limit delivery of energy during the time(s) when it is called upon by the SMLD.
COST-OF-SERVICE
- $0.0510 per kwhr for Energy Charge
- $0.0622 per kwhr for Distribution Charge
The cost-of-service per kwhr $0.1132 does not include the 10% Discount, Transmission, PPA or PASNY charges.
DISCOUNT
A 10% discount will be applied to that portion of the bill determined per the cost-of-service section (Energy & Distribution Charge) of this tariff if payment is made on (or before) the discount day that is printed on the customer’s bill. There is no discount allowed on the purchased power adjustment or when arrears are due and unpaid.
FARM DISCOUNT
An additional 10% discount is available under this rate for all residential customers that are properly certified by the Department of Food and Agriculture (DFA) for a one-year period commencing upon their application date with the DFA. If after one year they have not properly recertified themselves with the DFA, they will not be eligible for this rate application.
CUSTOMER CHARGE
$4.00 per billing period.
The cost of providing customer-related services such as metering, meter reading and billing. These fixed costs are not affected by the actual amount of electricity you use.
CONNECTION PERIOD
The minimum connection period for service under this rate is six months during which all billing provisions of this rate, including the minimum charge, shall apply.
PURCHASED POWER ADJUSTMENT (PPA)
A purchased power adjustment, either a charge or credit, shall be applied to all kilowatt-hours sold under this rate as provided in the purchased power adjustment. The early payment discount does not apply to the purchased power adjustment.
PASNY CREDIT
A credit on a Residential bill for Sterling’s pro rata share of hydroelectric power from the Power Authority of the State of New York (PASNY).
TRANSMISSION CHARGE ADJUSTMENT (TCA)
A transmission charge adjustment (TCA), applicable to all rate schedules, shall be applied to all kilowatt-hours sold under this rate as provided in the TCA. The early payment discount does not apply to the TCA.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The SMLD’s Terms and Conditions in effect from time to time, where not inconsistent with the specific provisions hereof, are a part of this rate.
EFFECTIVE
Effective on all bills rendered after February 1, 2023.
Residential Time-of-Use Rates
AVAILABILITY
Service under this rate is available for Residential purposes in a single, private dwelling or a single apartment. Incidental commercial uses on the same premises (not exceeding 20% of the total energy use as determined by the Department) may be permitted under this rate at the Department’s discretion depending upon metering requirements and the nature of the commercial load characteristics.
Service under this rate is available for all residential purposes, including electric vehicle(s) charging.
COST-OF-SERVICE
.1410 Per kwhr for energy and distribution cost for all kwhrs delivered per billing period, not including the 10% discount.
- $0.07450 per kwhr for Energy Charge for the FIRST 550 kwhrs or less delivered between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. of each billing period.
- $0.0665 per kwhr for Distribution Charge for the FIRST 550 kwhrs or less delivered between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. of each billing period.
.3100 Per kwhr for energy and distribution cost for all kwhrs delivered per billing period, not including the 10% discount.
- $0.2450 per kwhr for Energy Charge for all kwhrs OVER 550 kwhrs delivered between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. of each billing period.
- $0.0650 per kwhr for Distribution Charge for all kwhrs OVER 550 kwhrs delivered between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. of each billing period.
.07730 Per kwhr for energy and distribution cost for all kwhrs delivered per billing period, not including the 10% discount.
- $0.0220 per kwhr for Energy Charge for all kwhrs delivered between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m. of each billing period.
- $0.0553 per kwhr for Distribution Charge for all kwhrs delivered between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m. of each billing period.
The cost-of-service Kwhr charges above does not include the 10% Discount, Transmission, PPA or PASNY charges.
DISCOUNT
A 10% discount will be applied to that portion of the bill determined per the cost-of-service section (Energy & Distribution Charge) of this tariff if payment is made on (or before) the discount day that is printed on the customer’s bill. There is no discount allowed on the purchased power adjustment or when arrears are due and unpaid.
FARM DISCOUNT
An additional 10% discount is available under this rate for all residential customers that are properly certified by the Department of Food and Agriculture (DFA) for a one-year period commencing upon their application date with the DFA. If after one year they have not properly recertified themselves with the DFA, they will not be eligible for this rate application.
CUSTOMER CHARGE
$4.00 per billing period.
The cost of providing customer-related services such as metering, meter reading and billing. These fixed costs are not affected by the actual amount of electricity you use.
CONNECTION PERIOD
The minimum connection period for service under this rate is six months during which all billing provisions of this rate, including the minimum charge, shall apply.
PURCHASED POWER ADJUSTMENT (PPA)
A purchased power adjustment, either a charge or credit, shall be applied to all kilowatt-hours sold under this rate as provided in the purchased power adjustment. The early payment discount does not apply to the purchased power adjustment.
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Financial Assistance Programs
Making Opportunity Count (MOC)-Fuel Assistance
The Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a free program offered by Making Opportunity Count in partnership with the Department of Housing and Community Development. It helps eligible households pay a portion of their winter heating bills. Start your application here: https://www.mocinc.org/fuelassistance
Submit documents by:
- Mail: Making Opportunity Count, 165B Mill Street, Suite 1B, Leominster, MA 01453
- Email: fuelassistance@mocinc.org (Do not send to info@mocinc.org)
- Fax: 978-334-0735
- Drop Box: Available at our 165B Mill Street office
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
The Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), formerly known as LIHEAP, helps eligible renters and homeowners pay part of their winter heating bills. Funded by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and administered through local agencies, HEAP serves households statewide—regardless of heating source or whether heat is included in rent. This benefit is a grant and does not need to be repaid. Learn more or apply: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-about-home-energy-assistance-heap#how-to-apply
Neighbor to Neighbor
Neighbor to Neighbor is a community-supported program that provides assistance to Sterling residents in need. Sterling residents interested in contributing through the round-up program can contact the office for details. For more information, please contact SMLD at 978-422-8267.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) operates year-round and helps eligible households improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs. Residents who qualify for LIHEAP, receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or receive Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) may be eligible. Learn more: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/weatherization-assistance-program-wap
Heating System Repair & Replacement Program (HEARTWAP)
HEARTWAP provides emergency heating system repair or replacement services for eligible low-income households. The program is administered through local agencies—often the same agencies that manage HEAP—and the HEAP application also serves as the application for HEARTWAP. Learn more: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-about-home-energy-assistance-heap
Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)
The RAFT program provides short-term emergency financial assistance to help prevent eviction, foreclosure, utility shut-offs, and other housing crises. Apply here: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-raft-emergency-help-for-housing-costs
Hardship Protections
If you or a household member has a serious medical condition or another protected status, you may qualify for additional utility protections. Guidelines and required documentation apply. Please contact SMLD for more information.