Colrain Community Choice Power Supply Program
NEW TOWN PROGRAM WILL HELP COLRAIN
RESIDENTS SAVE ON ELECTRICITY
Green energy option will help reduce carbon emissions
COLRAIN, MA – The Town of Colrain is implementing an exciting new program that combines the purchasing power of area residents and small businesses to provide an electricity plan focused on lower and more stable pricing as well as the ability to use more renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions.
The Colrain Community Choice Power Supply Program will save local ratepayers nearly $200,000 over the 41-month contract term signed with municipal electricity aggregation consultant Colonial Power Group and electricity supplier Dynegy Energy Services. The combined monthly savings for Colrain ratepayers will be nearly $5,500 beginning with their September 2020 bills.
In response to the climate change crisis, Colrain is also stepping up its efforts to protect the environment by including an electricity program option that uses 100% renewable wind power. Those interested in using this higher level of green energy will be asked to “opt-in” by signing up for the program.
The standard electricity plan being provided by Colrain Community Choice Power Supply Program is “opt-out,” which means all ratepayers currently on Eversource’s Basic Service plan will be enrolled unless they request otherwise. Residents and business owners can opt-in and opt-out of Colrain’s program at any time with no fees or penalties. Some competitive electric suppliers, who send marketers to residents’ doors and make telemarketing calls, often charge hefty cancellation fees and typically charge higher rates.
Colrain joined with 11 other Franklin County communities and the Town of Huntington to seek electricity bids, thereby harnessing the power of bulk purchasing. While the communities have the same supplier and contract term, each town has products tailored to their individual needs. This effort will result in Colrain ratepayers saving an overall 11% on their electric bills during the contract term.
“We are excited to bring this program to Colrain’s residents and small business owners, particularly given the current economic conditions,” said Town Coordinator Kevin Fox. “It is gratifying to know that this program will help residents reduce costs without impacting services.”
The Colrain Community Choice Power Supply Program is a municipal aggregation program which, in accordance with Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 164, § 134), enables local government to combine the purchasing power of its residents and businesses so that it can provide them with a town-evaluated alternative electricity supply. The program will commence with the August 2020 meter reads.
Basic Service rates change twice a year or more, depending on rate class. As a result, the aggregation rate may not always be lower than the Basic Service rate. The goal of the aggregation is to deliver savings over the life of the program against Eversource Basic Service. However, such savings and future savings cannot be guaranteed.
Please note that any ratepayers who have placed a supplier block on their electricity account must call their utility company to request that the block be removed to be enrolled in this program.
Also note, anyone switching from a contract with a third-party supplier may be subject to penalties or early termination fees charged by that supplier. Ratepayers should verify terms before switching.
Residents may visit www.colonialpowergroup.com/colrain or call (866) 485-5858 ext. 1 to learn more about Colrain’s Community Choice Power Supply Program.
ABOUT COLONIAL POWER GROUP: Based in Marlborough, Mass., Colonial Power Group is the leading aggregation-consulting firm in Massachusetts. Colonial Power has been working with local governments since 2002 in the design, implementation and management of municipal aggregation programs.
Posted: to General Town News on Mon, Dec 5, 2022
Updated: Thu, Jun 29, 2023