How Much Would You Pay For Clean Energy? Newton Wants To Know

NEWTON, MA — The city is working on giving residents a choice when it comes to how green their electricity is. The program, called Newton Power Choice, would allow residents to choose how much (if any) renewable electricity they'd like their electric company to offer.

"It's a very, very important program. One of the most important things we can do when it comes to climate change is using more renewable electricity," said Newton Co-Director of Sustainability Ann Berwick to Newton News.

More than 125 communities in Massachusetts are already engaged in this type of electricity aggregation. The program will impact the supply charges on your Eversource electricity bill, but it's not required to participate.

Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller is reaching out to residents to get a sense of just how much renewable energy they want to see included in as Newton develops a contract, and how much they might be willing to pay for cleaner energy.

To answer that question the city has posted a one-question survey online.

The average household in Newton pays Eversource about $150 per month for electricity, which currently includes 13 percent clean renewable electricity as required by state law.

The program will provide a standard amount of renewable electricity automatically, above the minimum state law requirement. Next year the percent will go up to 14 percent and then hit 15 percent in 2020.

"Replacing fossil fuels with renewable power to generate electricity is one of the keys to addressing climate change. With Newton Power Choice you will have greater control than you currently do over the environmental characteristics and price of your electricity," reads a communication from the mayor's office.

According to the website set up to educate residents about Newton Power Choice, you can choose to:

• Opt up to 100 percent renewable electricity.
• Opt down to receive no additional renewable electricity above the state law requirement.
• Opt out of the program completely.

You can review the chart here to understand how much more additional clean renewable energy will cost at current prices, varying with the amount of electricity you use.

There were a couple community meetings about this program that's been in the works for at least a year. The next one is slated to be hosted by the Newton League of Women voters at 8 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Durant Kenrick House, 286 Waverly Ave.

Check out the explainer here on Newton News:

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