Frequently Asked Questions

Unitil does not endorse one company over another, but the Department of Public Utilities (Massachusetts) and the Public Utilities Commission (New Hampshire) do keep records of companies that are licensed to install projects and are good resources to confirm the legitimacy of a business.

With any major energy decision, especially one that involves a long-term contract, it is a good idea to get as much information as possible before making a decision. When entering into a long-term contract, good questions include the length of the contract, whether rates or payments are level or escalate over the duration of the contract, and what protections exist for you, the buyer, as part of the process.

The Massachusetts Attorney General’s office issued a press release in 2016 advising homeowners considering solar panel installations to be informed.

The New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission provides net metering information on its website, including a Homeowner’s Guide to Solar Financing.

The length of time for the application process depends on the size and complexity of the generator system, and varies by state.

In Massachusetts, most applications for residential systems 15 kW or smaller will receive conditional approval to install the system within 25 working days from the time the application is sent to Unitil.

In New Hampshire, most applications for residential systems 10 kW or smaller will receive conditional approval to install the system within 20 working days from the time the application is sent to Unitil.

Please note that once installation is approved by Unitil and by the local inspector, Unitil will still need to change your meter to one which measures power flow in both directions before the interconnection is completed. Applications for commercial or industrial systems should contact Unitil directly at 1-888-301-7700.

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This is the 1st read on your meter. This figure is measuring the energy (in kWh) passing from our electric infrastructure through the meter into the home. This is not the total amount of energy your home is using, but only the amount you are drawing off the wires coming down your street.

This is the 2nd read on your meter. This figure is measuring the amount of energy (in kWh) passing from your home back through the meter and onto Unitil’s infrastructure. It is important to note that this figure does not directly measure the amount of electricity generated by your facility. As your facility generates energy, your home is drawing from that power before it reaches the meter. This reading is only measuring the surplus energy that leaves your home without being used.

This is the 3rd read on your meter. The net, or difference, between the first two (+W and –W) readings. This is your net read, and is represented as a credit or charge on your next energy statement. NOTE: These readings are cumulative, meaning they do not reset to zero after each billing period. To measure a specific time frame, check the meter at the beginning and end of the time frame you want to check. Then, subtract the readings from the end of this period from the ones observed at the starting point to get an idea of your usage.

Unitil does not install renewable energy systems, but the Department of Public Utilities (Massachusetts) and the Public Utilities Commission (New Hampshire) do keep records of companies that are licensed to install projects and are good resources to confirm the legitimacy of a business.

Through the process of net metering, you can receive credit on your electric bill for supplying power to our electric grid. When you create more than you need, we can share it with your neighbors, and when you don’t generate enough, we can ensure you have the power you need to live your life. Net metering is the process of measuring this difference.

If you have a damaged meter, please call our Customer Service toll-free number at 1-888-301-7700 and speak with a representative.