If you own a business in Quincy, Massachusetts, you’ve probably noticed something alarming this year. Your energy bill is increasing significantly. For many local businesses, utility costs have jumped higher than expected, and the increase isn’t just a one-time thing. So, what’s really going on?
At Harold Brothers Mechanical Contractors, we’ve heard this concern from businesses across the South Shore. As a trusted local provider of commercial HVAC and mechanical services, we understand how rising energy costs can put pressure on your bottom line and how smart upgrades and planning can make a big difference.
Let’s break down why commercial energy bills in Quincy are higher than usual in 2025, how it’s affecting local businesses, and what you can do to take control of your costs before things get worse.
What’s Causing Energy Prices to Rise in Quincy, MA?
There are several reasons commercial energy bills are increasing in Quincy. Some of them are happening right here in town, while others are bigger issues affecting all of New England or even the entire country.
One reason is that utility providers such as Eversource and National Grid have raised their electricity rates. In early 2025, Eversource raised prices by nearly 20%. This means that even if your energy use stays the same, you’re paying more every month just because of the rate hike.
Natural gas prices have also gone up. Many Quincy buildings rely on natural gas for heating and powering equipment. Because the winters have been colder and there’s limited pipeline access into New England, gas prices have risen. Global events and supply chain problems have made it harder and more expensive to get the fuel we need.
The Problem with Peak Demand Charges 
Another reason your bill may be higher is due to a fee called peak demand charges. These are extra fees you pay when your business uses a lot of power all at once, like during a busy lunch rush at a restaurant or when office buildings run heating and computers at the same time.
Even one hour of high energy use can cause your bill to jump for the entire month. This has become a greater issue in 2025 due to longer workdays, more extreme weather, and older systems that use more electricity.
Paying for a Cleaner Energy Future 
Massachusetts is working hard to modernize its power grid and move toward cleaner energy. Solar farms, wind energy, and other infrastructure upgrades are being created to improve future energy systems.
However, these upgrades cost money. Utility companies are passing some of those costs onto their customers. If you examine your bill closely, you may see small line items like "grid modernization charge" or "renewable energy fee." On their own, they don’t look like much, but when you add them all up, they make a real difference.
Energy Waste in Older Quincy Buildings
Another challenge is that many commercial buildings in Quincy are older and not very energy-efficient. This means they use more power than necessary just to do basic things like heating, cooling, and lighting.
Poor insulation, old windows, and outdated HVAC systems all lead to energy waste. If your building hasn’t had any upgrades in a while, you’re likely paying more than you should. Not just because of high prices, but also because of energy being lost through walls, ceilings, and old equipment.
How Much Are Quincy Businesses Paying?
While every business is different, average commercial energy bills in Quincy this year have increased by 25% to 40% compared to two years ago.
A small retail shop may now pay around $1,200 a month for electricity and gas. A mid-sized office might be looking at $3,000 to $4,000 per month. Larger buildings, like schools or warehouses, often spend $6,000 or more monthly, especially during the coldest or hottest times of the year.
These high costs aren’t just frustrating. They make it harder for small businesses to stay profitable.
What Can You Do to Lower Your Energy Bills?
The good news is that you do have options. You can’t control the utility rates, but you can control how much energy your business uses.
Start by getting an energy audit. Local programs like Mass Save offer free or low-cost audits to help you figure out where your building is losing energy. The audit will show you what’s using the most power and offer suggestions for improvements, like sealing air leaks, upgrading lighting, or replacing old heating systems.
Next, consider making small upgrades that lead to big savings. Switching from older light bulbs to LED lighting can reduce your electric bill. A programmable thermostat helps control heating and cooling more efficiently. Even replacing a single piece of outdated equipment can make a noticeable difference over time.
Another tip is to change how and when you use energy. If your business can shift some energy-heavy work to off-peak hours, like early morning or evening, you may be able to avoid high demand charges. You can also spread out energy use by staggering when machines or systems are turned on.
Some Quincy business owners are also exploring solar energy. There are state and federal rebates available for solar panel installation. While the upfront cost is high, the long-term savings, especially with rising energy prices, can make it worth considering.
Also, don’t forget about rebates and incentives. Programs like Mass Save offer money back when you install energy-saving upgrades. These rebates can help you offset costs for lighting, insulation, HVAC systems, and more.
Will Commercial Energy Prices Decrease?
Unfortunately, experts believe high energy prices are here to stay, at least for a while. Many factors that cause these increases, like global supply chain issues and clean energy investments, are long-term.
That’s why it’s more important than ever for Quincy business owners to take energy use seriously. Waiting too long to make changes could mean even higher bills next year.
Take Action Before It Gets Worse
If your commercial energy bill feels higher than ever this year, it’s not just your imagination. Quincy businesses are facing real challenges when it comes to utility costs. Understanding what’s behind the price increases and making smart decisions about energy use gives you the ability to take back some control.
At Harold Brothers Mechanical Contractors, we’ve helped businesses across Massachusetts improve energy efficiency through expert HVAC design, retrofits, and maintenance. Whether you're planning upgrades or just need guidance on where to start, we're here to help you move forward with confidence.
Your energy bill might not shrink overnight, but with the right steps, you can avoid getting caught off guard by the next big increase. If you’re planning to upgrade your commercial building with a more energy-efficient HVAC system, be sure to read our article, “What’s the Most Energy-Efficient Commercial HVAC System?” It breaks down the top options to help you choose the best fit for your facility.
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