Online energy source quits Massachusetts

BOSTON — California-based Utility.com has informed its 1,000 Bay State customers that it is ending its online service in this state, leaving them to fend for themselves among established utilities which charge considerably more for their services, up to twice as much. In its e-mail message to its customers, Utility.com blamed soaring wholesale energy costs for its giving up its online business here. Utility.co, which began service in Massachusetts last spring, is the second such company to abandon its venture in the Bay State, Essential.com having already left.