Swampscott Takes Steps Toward Energy Aggregation

Swampscott Town Planner Peter Kane has announced that the town has begun the process of implementing the Swampscott Community Power Program.

The bottom line: “By bulk purchasing electricity for the entire community through this program, Swampscott will seek a lower rate than National Grid’s Basic Service rate, a longer term for that rate, and 100 percent green electricity supply for eligible residential and business customers,” according to a press release.

If all goes according to the current timeline, the program will launch in fall 2015. Between now and then, the state must approve the program, the press release explains, among other steps.

Swampscott is working in partnership with Salem, which is launching its own program, and has brought on board a consulting team including Bay State Consultants and Peregrine Energy Group to help draft the plan, navigate the state approval process and teach Swampscott residents and businesses about the program.

On Monday, April 6, Swampscott, the City of Salem, Bay State Consultants, and Peregrine Energy Group, met with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) for “an advisory review of the drafted aggregation plans.”

“The meeting went very well for both communities and a letter of support is anticipated from DOER in the coming weeks,” the press release reads.

Swampscott power users will not be required to participate in the program, the press release stresses and can opt out before the program begins or at any point after becoming a part of the program. Eligible customers will receive a letter about the program 30 days before it launches.

“The Town decision to pursue energy aggregation is timely, given the dramatic rate increases that electricity customers have seen from National Grid,” the press release reads.

Participants will still see only one invoice from National Grid and the utility company will maintain responsibility for delivering power to the town and the upkeep of poles and wires.

The Swampscott Board of Selectmen will discuss the draft plan at its meeting on Wednesday, April 15. The draft plan will then be available for public view and comment from Thursday, April 16 at 8 a.m. until Thursday, April 30 at 4:30 p.m. Residents and business owners are encouraged to review the plan and submit comments by email to pkane@town.swampscott.ma.us, or by mail to Pete Kane, Town Planner
 re: Energy Aggregation Plan
 22 Monument Ave. Swampscott, MA 01907.

Comments via mail must be received, not postmarked, by the end of the comment period.

Additional public information sessions will be scheduled at a later date and more information, including the draft plan, is available online.