Solar Deal Could Save Westford $400,000 Annually

After a recent deal, Westford will reportedly save money every year on utility costs thanks to a partnership with a solar-power production company.

According to a story in the Lowell Sun, Westford recently signed with Nexamp Inc. for a net-metering agreeement that will save the town $400,000 over the next 20 years. 

Westford Assistant Town Manager John Mangiaratti told The Sun that the savings comes by the town getting credit for owning meters in solar projects that will be built in Hubbardston and Palmer, even though the town doesn't own the land and will not use electricity created by solar farms.

"It was a way to reduce costs without making any investments," said Mangiaratti, according to The Sun. "There's no project in town, it's just a financial transaction. There's low overhead and it's a significant opportunity for savings."

Annually, Westford pays $1.4 million in electricity costs, the newspaper reported, while also reporting that agreements similar to the one reached in Westford are new. Some communities are "scared off" by the possibility because the deals are so complicated, according to The Sun.

"I think the town of Westford diligently studied this opportunity and brought in consultation and had a good legal team and entered into this agreement with full understanding of the regulations of the law and the market and benefits it will provide," Nexamp Senior Vice President Jon Abe said in the article.