What are your office hours and toll-free customer service numbers?

Our customer service hours are 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Friday, and 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Saturday. However, you may call and use our automated system to report an electric outage or emergency, or to make a payment:

Capital-area customers: 800-852-3339
Seacoast-area customers: 800-582-7276

If you experience an outage, please call us at the toll-free number above to report it. You may also report your outage online.

What are your office hours and toll-free customer service numbers?

Our customer service hours are 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Friday, and 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Saturday. You may call 888-301-7700 and use our automated system 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for account inquiries and to make a payment.

If you experience an electric outage, please call us at the toll-free number above to report it. You may also report your outage online.

In the case of an emergency, please call 888-301-7700 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Gas emergencies should be reported immediately to 866-542-3547.

What holidays are observed by the Company?

The table below lists the observed Company holidays for 2012. Our offices are closed for business on the following days:

 

New Year's Day (observed) Monday, January 2, 2012
Memorial Day Monday, May 28, 2012
Independence Day Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Labor Day Monday, September 3, 2012
Veteran's Day (observed) Monday, November 12, 2012
Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 22, 2012
Day after Thanksgiving Day Friday, November 23, 2012
Christmas Tuesday, December 25, 2012
What is your mailing address?

To mail in a payment, please address it to:
Unitil
P.O. Box 981010
Boston, MA 02298-1010
 

What information do I need to start an account?

You will need to provide us with a handful of information to start service at a new location:

  • The address of the new location
  • The former tenant’s name (if applicable)
  • Your name
  • Your social security number
  • Your telephone number at the new location
  • Your business phone number
  • The date you will be requiring service
  • Spouse’s name (if applicable)
How do I read my meter?

Your meter could be one of several models we use in our service areas. Digital and odometer displays are the most straightforward to read because they present your energy usage directly; dial meters can be a little more difficult. Click here to learn how to read your dial meter.

Where can I find the latest outage and restoration information?

We've centralized all of our outage information in a section on our site called the Outage Center. Here you'll find links to the latest news, public service announcements and outage updates for our customers, as well as general information on seasonal storm preparation, power restoration and being prepared for extended outages. 

We also have dedicated resources and information for municipal contacts in the communities we serve here.

Why does Unitil trim service areas on cycles?

Trimming cycles allow us to control re-growth over a consistent percentage of a service territory and ensure that all areas in a service territory are maintained over a similar period of time.

How does Unitil classify hazard trees?

Hazard, or danger trees, are dead or dying trees or limbs that pose a threat to our electrical facilities.  We make every effort to identify and remove these trees at the earliest possible stage.

How does Unitil handle tree work after storms?

 

Tree crews are often an integral part of outage restoration during and following a storm. We work with our tree contractors to reserve resources ahead of major storms, and communicate with crews during and after the restoration process to address hazard trees and other compromises to our system.

Tree debris will not be removed during or after storm conditions; this is the responsibility of the owner of the tree. Any debris that is a result of our standard trim cycles is removed or put through a chipper. Pieces not fitting into the chipper are cut into manageable lengths and left for the owner or their designee. Additionally, we do not remove debris after our tree or line crews remove branches or trees during unscheduled outages and other emergencies.

A key reason we don’t take your wood is that it belongs to you! Cut wood has value and can be sold. If your wood is of a high enough quality, you may find someone locally willing to pay to take that wood off your hands.

Will Unitil trim my trees?

If you have requested trimming service from us, we will visit your property for a survey. If the trees in question are encroaching on any power equipment or clearances, or pose a significant threat to the system, we will work with you to remove them.

When and why does Unitil use herbicides?

We plan to use herbicides to maintain tree growth in areas that prove difficult to access with standard equipment (trucks, saws, chippers) and to inhibit the growth of new trees once cutting has taken place. We work closely with local and state offices for the approval, notification and application of any herbicides before we use them. We plan to use herbicides primarily on our transmission system, with potential applications along the distribution system if necessary. 

Am I eligible to participate in the Budget Billing Program?

The Budget Billing Program is a free service available to all residential customers. Your account must be current with no overdue balance.

You may enroll anytime between September and June provided your bill is current. Our online enrollment form makes the process easy and convenient.

Why does my budget billing monthly payment amount sometimes change?

Generally, your budget billing monthly payment amount will change once or twice within the year. These adjustments are made to your payment amount to prevent you from having a large amount due or credit balance at the end of the program year. Prior to our changing your payment amount, you will be notified by mail of the new amount, which will appear on your next bill. The decision to change your payment amount is based on several factors. While we try to limit the number of adjustments, your payment amount may change when:

  • The price of electricity and/or natural gas changes
  • Warmer or colder temperatures mean you will use more or less energy to heat or cool your home
  • Your monthly usage has changed compared to prior usage history that was used for calculating your payment amount
  • You have purchased or replaced appliances
How do I cancel my enrollment in the Budget Billing program?

You may cancel your budget plan online or contact our Customer Service Team at 888-301-7700  800-852-3339 (Capital-area electric),  800-582-7276 (Seacoast-area electric), or 866-933-3820 (natural gas customers) 866-933-3821.

After we receive your cancellation request, your next billing statement will reflect the cancelled budget. Your bill will include any previous balance owed, your current charges and your deferred balance from the program. The total amount billed will be payable by the due date reflected on your bill.