Eversource Smart Meters Read Power Use Every 15 Minutes as Privacy Concerns Surface

Eversource Energy is rolling out smart meters across Massachusetts that record electricity use every 15 minutes, and the utility said it had largely finished installations in western Massachusetts. Yahoo reported the rollout, which has drawn objections from some residents over opt-out charges and privacy.

How the Eversource Meter Rollout Works

Doug Griffith, who oversees Eversource's meter deployment, described the change in reading frequency to WBZ-TV. "It reads every fifteen minutes versus once a month," he said. The rollout also includes high-energy-use alerts and a data-tracking app, Griffith said, tools meant to help customers spot consumption spikes and see which appliances or habits are driving up bills.

Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui's home is among the properties receiving a new meter. Siddiqui said a clearer picture of electricity use could help households adjust consumption and manage spending, a concern she said she frequently hears from Cambridge residents. "I do think if there's any relief they can provide long term because of having these smart meters, that will make a huge difference to people's lives," she said.

WBZ-TV reported online objections from some Massachusetts residents over smart-meter opt-out charges and privacy. Cambridge resident Deneen Scully said she preferred having less involvement with her utility; she relies partly on solar power and described her decision to go solar as a good one. Griffith said usage data can affect a bill "if they pay attention to the kilowatt usage and the times they're using certain appliances."

Eversource's Regulated Utility Business

Eversource Energy is a publicly traded regulated utility that transmits and delivers electricity, natural gas and water to more than 4.6 million customers across Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, according to akta.pro company records. The same records show trailing twelve-month revenue of approximately $13.9 billion and full-year 2025 earnings of $1.69 billion, or $4.56 per share, up from $811.7 million, or $2.27 per share, in 2024. Eversource divested its Massachusetts natural gas distribution business in April 2026, refocusing on regulated electric networks and clean-energy-backed projects.

Cyber Attack and Rate Case Precede Meter Push

Eversource's data breach went undetected for 13 days until a hacker emailed the company from a compromised employee account, according to a state report cited by the Hartford Business Journal in November 2026; the attacker accessed over 3.6 million files, including personal data for 2,592 Connecticut residents. Consumer Counsel Claire Coleman called for an independent review of Eversource's cybersecurity after a spring cyber attack that compromised records of over 2,500 customers, Yahoo reported in November 2026. PURA also held a public comment meeting in November 2026 on Eversource's proposed 11-18% rate increase, which would raise average Connecticut electric bills by $20-$33 monthly, Yahoo reported.

What Comes Next for Eversource Meters

Eversource said installations in western Massachusetts were largely finished, with the rollout continuing across the state. The utility's own materials describe the meter program and its customer tools.