Westford will continue its electricity aggregation program under a new three-year supply contract set to start in January 2018.
Westford is part of a buying group of 23 communities stretching from the South Coast to northern Middlesex County that originally launched their Community Electricity Aggregation (CEA) programs in January 2016. By purchasing together, these communities have collectively saved over $8 million for their residents to date and have now renewed their supply contracts for another three years. In addition to savings, in an environment of continuing rate volatility, these aggregation programs have successfully provided safe harbor for rate payers with one fixed rate while maintaining the freedom to leave the program at any time without penalty. The goals of the program are to provide ratepayers with reduced electric rates, price stability and a responsible alternative to utility rates.
The new electric rate is fixed at $0.10122 per kilowatt hour (kWh) from January 2018 to January 2021. This compares favorably with the Basic Service rate for National Grid from November 1, 2017 to April 30, 2018 which will be $0.12673 per kWh.
The electricity supply will be provided by Public Power, LLC. Public Power won a highly competitive bid conducted by consultant Good Energy in April 2017, beating out two of the nation’s largest power companies. The supplier name will change from Constellation to Public Power and this will be reflected along with the new rate of $0.10122 per kilowatt hour on your January 2018 bill which you will receive in February 2018. While the aggregation rate compares favorably with the winter rate of National Grid, there is no guarantee of future savings under the aggregation program. The National Grid Basic Service supply rate changes every six months.
• If you are currently in the program, no action is required to continue participation.
• If you opted out of the original program, you will not be sent an opt-out letter and you will not be enrolled in the new contract. However, you may still join the program by contacting Public Power, LLC at 800- 830-2944, or by email at customercare@ppandu.com.
• If you are on the Basic Service with National Grid and have not previously opted out, you will be sent an opt-out letter which details the program.
• Residents who wish to opt into the program, including residents who previously opted out or who are currently with a third-party supplier, may still join the program by contacting Public Power, LLC at 800- 830-2944, or by email at customercare@ppandu.com. Please note that residents currently on with a third-party supplier should check for any early termination fees associated with their existing supply contract prior to joining the new program.
Municipal officials emphasize that no one affiliated with the program will call, email or knock on residents’ doors asking them to enroll or re-enroll. As before, there is no penalty or termination fee for leaving the program at any time.
For more information about Westford's program, please read this press release fromthe Town Manager's Office webpage, or visit the program's main webpage.
You can also watch a video about the program online.