Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell is releasing a new report on competitive electricity suppliers.
Campbell says in the last six years, individual residential customers have paid over 500-million dollars more on their electric bills with the alternative suppliers than they would have if they stayed with their original utility companies.
Campbell says competitive electric supply suppliers pitch consumers on the idea of cheaper bills, but then charge higher rates.
She says the losses are being disproportionately borne by residents in zip codes with a higher concentration of low-income and residents of color in many of the state's gateway cities, including Springfield and Worcester.
Those with concerns about deceptive marketing practices are being encouraged to reach out to Campbell's office.