Mass. Nearly Priciest State for Energy Costs

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By CHARLENE ARSENAULT (Patch Staff)

Since July is the time when most Americans relocate to start a new career, and also the time when energy consumption is high, WalletHub chose the month to conduct its in-depth look at 2015’s Most and Least Energy-Expensive States.

Coming in “ahead” only of Connecticut and Wyoming, Massachusetts ranked at number 49 on the list, which ranked all 50 states and the District of Columbia on costs of energy.

WalletHub compared average monthly energy bills, natural gas usage, home heating oil, motor fuel prices and electricity rates. About 7.3 percent of total annual income for the average consumer, said WalletHub, goes to energy costs.

With a 1 being “best” and 25 “average,” here’s how Massachusetts ranked in each category:

44th – Price of Electricity
6th – Electricity Consumption per Total Housing Units
41st – Price of Natural Gas
36th – Natural Gas Consumption per Total Housing Units
32nd – Price of Fuel
8th – Fuel Consumption per Driver
47th – Price of Home Heating Oil
46th – Home Heating-Oil Consumption per Total Housing Units

According to the analysis, Massachusetts’s total energy cost is $352. Bay Staters, per month, average $108 for electricity, $63 for natural gas, $108 for motor fuel and $73.48 for home heating oil, according to the study.

Read the full report here.