In December, the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities announced its intention to create a web portal to compare retail energy offerings from different providers. DPU has suggested that the portal would include information on pricing and terms, energy characteristics (e.g., renewable percentage), fees, and other relevant product characteristics.

The Department has now directed retail electric providers to circulate a straw proposal regarding the proposed state-run energy shopping website. Other states have already created this type of tool to assist customers, including Texas, Ohio, Connecticut, and several others.