New lower municipal aggregation electricity rate coming this fall

The Town of Franklin is pleased to announce that when the current electricity supply agreement expires with the Community Choice Power Supply Program in November 2025, a new agreement with a lower fixed rate of 13.9 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) will commence and remain in effect through November of 2028. 

The newly secured supply rate of 13.9 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) is 1.2 cents less than the current rate of 15.1 cents per kWh, and reflects an anticipated average savings of 7 dollars per month, or 84 dollars annually, assuming an average household usage of 600 kWh per month. 

Since its inception in November 2020, the Town of Franklin has successfully saved Franklin residents and small businesses an estimated $16.7 million in electricity costs by securing a fixed supply rate through the Community Choice Power Supply Program. State law allows the town to partake in aggregate energy supply pricing in an effort to secure more competitive rates than what is offered through basic National Grid supply service. 

 

“In this challenging fiscal climate, the Town of Franklin is pleased to offer some financial relief to our residents and small businesses through continued participation in the Community Choice Power Supply Program,” stated Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. 

In addition to its cost saving benefits, the Franklin Community Choice Power Supply Program also promotes the Town’s commitment to lowering carbon emissions. The energy supplied through the new contract meets Massachusetts’ renewable energy requirements at 63% renewable (69% in 2026); and, for the first time, Franklin residents will also have the option to utilize energy that is 100% renewable and locally sourced at a rate of 16.6 cents per kWh. While its rate is 1.5 cents per kWh higher than the current contracted rate, this local option accomplishes a goal of the recently approved 2025 town-wide Master Plan.

“As a Certified Green Community since 2018, Franklin is committed to further reducing its carbon footprint, and this program allows us to do so through the use of renewable energy” commented Jamie Hellen. “We are excited to provide residents and ratepayers with the option to source 100% of their renewable energy locally, which has been implemented as part of the Town’s Master Plan and in response to community feedback.”

This contract does not prohibit any resident or small business from procuring their own electricity distribution separately. 

The Franklin Community Choice Power Supply Program is an electricity aggregation program that allows a municipality to purchase electricity in bulk on behalf of its residential and small business customers. The goal of municipal aggregation is to stabilize energy costs, deliver savings to ratepayers, reduce the community’s carbon footprint, and enhance local control in its energy purchasing. Currently, 8,492 meters are enrolled in the program and Franklin ratepayers have saved a combined 16.7 million dollars as of December 2024. 

Residents and business owners who are already enrolled in Franklin’s Community Choice Power Supply Program will be automatically re-enrolled in the program with the Town’s standard product at the new rate of 13.9 cents per kWh, and will receive an informational postcard from Colonial Power Group thirty days before the new rates take effect. The postcard will include the name and contact information of the new supplier, instructions on how to select the locally sourced energy product at a rate of 16.6 cents per kWh instead of the Town’s standard product, how to opt-out of the program, and other important details.

Residents and business owners that are not enrolled will need to opt into the program if interested in participating.  To opt into the program with our current supplier, Dynegy Energy Services, at the rate of 15.1 cents per kWh, call Dynegy at (866) 220-5696 or visit https://colonialpowergroup.com/franklin/. Enrolled participants will be automatically re-enrolled with the new supplier and rates when the agreement takes effect later this year.  Anyone who wishes to opt into the program after the new agreement commences will need to visit the

Town’s Municipal Aggregation Website or contact the Town Administration Office at (508) 520-4949 for more information.

https://colonialpowergroup.com/franklin-documents/

There are no fees for enrollment or cancellation.  However, residents and business owners with a supplier block on their account must contact National Grid at (800) 322-3223 to have the block removed in order to participate in this program. Additionally, anyone already locked into an existing contract with another third-party supplier is advised to verify the contract terms before switching, as they may be subject to penalties or early termination fees charged by that supplier.

Residents and ratepayers seeking enrollment status are advised to contact Colonial Power Group at (866) 485-5858 ext. 1 or colonialpowergroup.com/franklin. 

Learn more about the Town of Franklin’s Community Choice Power Supply Program at https://www.franklinma.gov/163/Municipal-Aggregation.

Franklin Secures Lower Electricity Rate for Franklin Residents

The Town of Franklin is pleased to announce that when the current electricity supply agreement expires with the Community Choice Power Supply Program in November 2025, a new agreement with a lower fixed rate of 13.9 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) will commence and remain in effect through November of 2028. 

The newly secured supply rate of 13.9 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) is 1.2 cents less than the current rate of 15.1 cents per kWh, and reflects an anticipated average savings of 7 dollars per month, or 84 dollars annually, assuming an average household usage of 600 kWh per month. 

Since its inception in November 2020, the Town of Franklin has successfully saved Franklin residents and small businesses an estimated $16.7 million in electricity costs by securing a fixed supply rate through the Community Choice Power Supply Program. State law allows the town to partake in aggregate energy supply pricing in an effort to secure more competitive rates than what is offered through basic National Grid supply service. 

 

“In this challenging fiscal climate, the Town of Franklin is pleased to offer some financial relief to our residents and small businesses through continued participation in the Community Choice Power Supply Program,” stated Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. 

In addition to its cost saving benefits, the Franklin Community Choice Power Supply Program also promotes the Town’s commitment to lowering carbon emissions. The energy supplied through the new contract meets Massachusetts’ renewable energy requirements at 63% renewable (69% in 2026); and, for the first time, Franklin residents will also have the option to utilize energy that is 100% renewable and locally sourced at a rate of 16.6 cents per kWh. While its rate is 1.5 cents per kWh higher than the current contracted rate, this local option accomplishes a goal of the recently approved 2025 townwide Master Plan.

“As a Certified Green Community since 2018, Franklin is committed to further reducing its carbon footprint, and this program allows us to do so through the use of renewable energy” commented Jamie Hellen. “We are excited to provide residents and ratepayers with the option to source 100% of their renewable energy locally, which has been implemented as part of the Town’s Master Plan and in response to community feedback.”

This contract does not prohibit any resident or small business from procuring their own electricity distribution seperately. 

The Franklin Community Choice Power Supply Program is an electricity aggregation program that allows a municipality to purchase electricity in bulk on behalf of its residential and small business customers. The goal of municipal aggregation is to stabilize energy costs, deliver savings to ratepayers, reduce the community’s carbon footprint, and enhance local control in its energy purchasing. Currently, 8,492 meters are enrolled in the program and Franklin ratepayers have saved a combined 16.7 million dollars as of December 2024. 

Residents and business owners who are already enrolled in Franklin’s Community Choice Power Supply Program will be automatically re-enrolled in the program with the Town’s standard product at the new rate of 13.9 cents per kWh, and will receive an informational postcard from Colonial Power Group thirty days before the new rates take effect. The postcard will include the name and contact information of the new supplier, instructions on how to select the locally sourced energy product at a rate of 16.6 cents per kWh instead of the Town’s standard product, how to opt-out of the program, and other important details.

Residents and business owners that are not enrolled will need to opt into the program if interested in participating.  To opt into the program with our current supplier, Dynegy Energy Services, at the rate of 15.1 cents per kWh, call Dynegy at (866) 220-5696 or visit https://colonialpowergroup.com/franklin/. Enrolled participants will be automatically re-enrolled with the new supplier and rates when the agreement takes effect later this year.  Anyone who wishes to opt into the program after the new agreement commences will need to visit the

Town’s Municipal Aggregation Website or contact the Town Administration Office at (508) 520-4949 for more information.

There are no fees for enrollment or cancellation.  However, residents and business owners with a supplier block on their account must contact National Grid at (800) 322-3223 to have the block removed in order to participate in this program. Additionally, anyone already locked into an existing contract with another third-party supplier is advised to verify the contract terms before switching, as they may be subject to penalties or early termination fees charged by that supplier.

https://colonialpowergroup.com/franklin-documents/

Residents and ratepayers seeking enrollment status are advised to contact Colonial Power Group at (866) 485-5858 ext. 1 or colonialpowergroup.com/franklin. 

Learn more about the Town of Franklin’s Community Choice Power Supply Program at https://www.franklinma.gov/163/Municipal-Aggregation.

Town of Franklin's Municipal Aggregation Program Update

This is a reminder that the Town of Franklin's new 24-month contract with energy consultant Colonial Power Group and renewable electricity supplier Dynegy Energy Services will commence in November.  The new fixed rate is 15 cents per kilowatt-hours (kWh) and is slated to begin with the November 2023 meter reads and end with the November 2025 meter reads. The change will be reflected in ratepayers' December 2023 bill.

Municipal Aggregation Program

Residents and business owners who are currently enrolled in Franklin's Community Choice Power Supply Program will be automatically enrolled in the program when the new contract takes effect in November, and will not need to take any action to continue to participate. Also note, anyone currently enrolled should have received a postcard from the Town of Franklin c/o Colonial Power in early October containing information about the new rate + term along with a notice regarding automatic enrollment.  A link to the postcard is also available here. 

Residents and business owners who are not currently enrolled in the program will need to Opt In if interested in participating. Opt In instructions are available on the Municipal Aggregation webpage, and also included in a Public Notice which was recently released by Colonial Power Group, and linked here.  

If you would like to confirm if you are currently enrolled, simply look at your electric bill under "Supply Services".  If Dynegy Energy Services is named as your Supplier, you are enrolled with the Town's Municipal Aggregation Program. Or, call Dynegy directly at (866) 220-5696.

All consumers are able to opt in or opt out at any time and as often as desired. There are no fees for enrollment or cancelation, however, anyone with a supplier block on their account must contact National Grid to request that the block be removed to participate in Franklin's Community Choice Power Supply program, and anyone switching from a contract with a third-party supplier may be subject to penalties or early termination fees charged by that supplier. 

Please refer to the following resources for more detailed information:

• August 25, 2023 dated blog on the Town website titled "Franklin Secures Stable Electricity Rate Through Renewal of Utility Relief Program",
• The Town's Municipal Aggregation webpage and FAQs
• Public Notice released by Colonial Power Group
• Postcard from the Town of Franklin c/o Colonial Power

For questions regarding billing or enrollment status, residents and business owners must contact Dynegy Energy Services directly by calling (866) 220-5696 or by visiting colonialpowergroup.com/franklin.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-franklins-municipal-aggregation-program-update

Jamie & Amy provide updates on FinCom, migrants, municipal aggregation, and outlook to Council Mtg (audio)

FM #1064 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1064 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" session with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Deputy Administrator Amy Frigulietti. We had our conversation in the Municipal Building on Monday, September 18, 2023.  

Topics for this session

Finance Cmte recap

Migrant update

Municipal Aggregation

Town Council outlook

• Open Space plan

• Council goals update

• Tri-County ballot question

• Demolition bylaw

• Spring St decommission

The recording runs about 38 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie & Amy on Monday, September 18, 2023 Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1064-talk-franklin-09-18-23

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Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator

Talk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin 

Finance Committee agenda for 9/13/23 ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/finance_committee_agenda_9.13.23.pdf 

Town Council agenda for 9/20/23 -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_sept_20_2023.pdf 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Jamie & Amy provide updates on FinCom, migrants, municipal aggregation, and outlook to Council Mtg (audio)

Franklin Secures Stable Electricity Rate Through Renewal of Utility Relief Program

Program has saved ratepayers an estimated $11.5 million over three years.

The Franklin Community Choice Power Supply Program (also referred to as Municipal Aggregation) has successfully saved ratepayers an estimated 11.5 million dollars in electricity costs throughout the previous three-year contract. In an effort to continue to stabilize electricity costs and lower carbon emissions, Franklin has signed a new 24-month contract with energy consultant Colonial Power Group and renewable electricity supplier Dynegy Energy Services to continue to manage and supply its electricity program for all residents in Franklin. 

Franklin Secures Stable Electricity Rate Through Renewal of Utility Relief Program

The new fixed rate is 15 cents per kilowatt-hours (kWh); which is an increase of $.043 cents per kWh over the current rate of 10.7 cents per kWh and is slated to begin with the November 2023 meter reads and end with the November 2025 meter reads. The change will be reflected in ratepayers' December 2023 bill.

Consumers actively enrolled in Franklin's Community Choice Power Supply Program will receive a postcard. It contains information regarding the new rate + term along with a notice regarding automatic enrollment. Check your mailbox for a postcard from the Town of Franklin c/o Colonial Power, which will be mailed (to existing participating Consumers only) late September 2023.

"In these challenging fiscal times, this new contract represents a continued commitment to help stabilize electricity bills for ratepayers during this period of high inflation for all residents and small businesses," said Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator. "Also, as a certified Green Community, I know many Franklin residents are concerned about our carbon footprint. This electricity program has allowed us to reduce our dependence on non-renewable energy sources and decrease our carbon emissions by securing a contract that relies on 100% wind renewable energy."

The Franklin Community Choice Power Supply Program, is an electricity aggregation program that allows a municipality to purchase electricity in bulk on behalf of its residential and small business customers. The goal of municipal aggregation is to stabilize energy costs, achieve more affordable pricing and deliver savings over the life of the program against National Grid Basic Service, reduce the community's carbon footprint, and enhance local control in its energy purchasing. To date 10,260 meters are participating in the program and Franklin ratepayers have saved a combined $11.5 million through March 31, 2023. 

Franklin Community Choice Program customers currently enrolled in the program will not need to re-enroll or do anything to continue to participate. Residents and business owners are eligible to opt-in or opt-out of the program at will, and those currently not enrolled in the program will need to enroll if interested in participating. There are no fees for enrollment or cancellation, however, residents and business owners with a supplier block on their account must contact National Grid to request that the block be removed to participate in Franklin's Community Choice Power Supply program, and 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. 

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 National Grid Basic Service. However, such savings and future savings cannot be guaranteed.

As a Green Community since 2018, the Town of Franklin aims to help displace fossil fuel generation and consumption. The Franklin Community Choice Power Supply Program aligns well with the community's renewable energy program, which utilizes 100% National Wind Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).

For questions regarding billing or enrollment status, residents and business owners must contact Dynegy Energy Services directly by calling (866) 220-5696 or by visiting colonialpowergroup.com/franklin.

Learn more about the Town of Franklin's Community Choice Power Supply Program at www.franklinma.gov/MunicipalAg.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-secures-stable-electricity-rate-through-renewal-utility-relief-program

Talk Franklin with Jamie & Amy recaps the Joint Budget Mtg and other topics (audio)

FM #1038 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1038 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" session with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti. We had our conversation in the Municipal Building on Thursday, August 10, 2023.  

Topics for this session

Joint Budget Subcommittee recap, OneFranklin

Davis Thayer Reuse Committee meeting

Town Council meeting, override do’s & don’ts

Municipal Aggregation contract renewal at $.15/kwh

The recording runs about 42 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie & Amy on Thursday, August 10, 2023. Audio file -> https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Budget-Engagement--Community-Savings-e285vq5

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Town FY 2024 budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials 

Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator

Davis Thayer Reuse Committee agenda & links ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-08-15_davis-thayer_reuse_agenda_.pdf 

Town Council agenda for 08/16/23 meeting ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_aug_16_2023.pdf  

Talk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Talk Franklin with Jamie & Amy recaps the Joint Budget Mtg and other topics (audio)

Ted & I talk microgrids and more in this 18th episode of Making Sense of Climate - 10/25/22 (audio)

FM #870 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 870 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist. We recorded this via the Zoom conference bridge Tuesday, October 25, 2022.  

In this episode our conversation covered the following topics: 

• Microgrids

• South Carolina residential building auto based

• DPU and municipal aggregation approval cycle

• Building code, stretch code revisions pending

• Offshore cable system

• Mother Jones says ‘microgrids’ are good

This discussion continues our journey understanding the MA roadmap toward net zero and while it helps me “make sense of climate”, we hope it helps with your understanding as well. 

If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session.  

The conversation runs about 40 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted 

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-870-making-sense-of-climate-18-10-25-22

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microgrid - Merriam Webster added the word in September

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/10/merriam-webster-we-added-370-new-words.html   

teaser to come back to microgrids

 

South Carolina massive residential building underway in 'low country' outside of charleston. 

no mass transit, while 55 housing is being built, all are hostage to the automobiles

not sustainable for net zero, or for those 55+ who as they age are going to be standed out there

 

municipal aggregation, we have it, others can't get it

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/10/16/science/these-communities-want-lower-residents-electric-bills-carbon-emissions-heres-whats-stopping-them/

 

public ownership of utilities I don't think it the answer, we need to ensure appropriate board and oversight of the utilities doesn't create/continue the fossil fuel domination

https://www.repmikeconnolly.org/public_ownership_of_public_utilities

 

Hard to find a good contractor.--- this will be important as we go forward in MA>

https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2022/10/8/23387530/home-electrification-heat-pumps-gas-furnace-contractors

 

offshore cable system, rather than extending electric grid above ground

https://www.wbur.org/news/2022/10/18/offshore-wind-transmission-lines-grid

 

microgrids, Mother Jones article

https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2022/10/tool-surviving-extreme-weather-mircogrids-distributed-power-batteries/

 

Eversource/Framingham pilot construction updates https://www.eversource.com/content/ema-c/residential/about/transmission-distribution/projects/massachusetts-projects/geothermal-pilot-project

See the page that collects the “Making Sense of Climate” episodes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.html 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Eversource/Framingham pilot construction update