In the News: legislative delegation reports; municipal aggregation not yet; Chamber looking for nominations

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The town's legislative delegation gave its report to the Town Council Wednesday night - discussing efforts to direct resources to local ends and deal with the statewide opioid crisis. 

State sens. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham, and Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, and State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, spoke before the council at its regular meeting. 

Spilka cited an opioid bill as one of the Legislature's biggest accomplishments over the past few months. She said it was a follow-up to a bill passed two years ago; the new one, she said, focused on treatment and prevention. 

"We did things that were first in the nation, and are now the model for other states," she said."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161102/franklin-legislators-give-report

Senator Ross, Senator Spilka, Representative Roy

"For the time being, the town will not move forward with its municipal energy aggregation efforts. 

The town has received state approval for its aggregation plans - which would seek to lower local electrical ratepayers' bills by bidding out to energy suppliers - but Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said the current state of the market did not justify a change. 

"Unfortunately, the rates on the bid we had did not come out advantageously for the community," he said. "The savings were microscopic." 

While this means there will be no immediate contract with a new supplier, Hellen said, the town may choose to go out to bid at any time."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161102/franklin-holds-off-on-municipal-aggregation

"Those interested can submit nominations for the 2016 Person of the Year and 2016 Business of the Year awards that will be presented by the United Regional Chamber of Commerce at its 100th annual meeting in December. 

The chamber's Person of the Year award is bestowed on a person who is committed to the overall mission of the chamber of commerce and who has made a positive impact on the community as a whole. The Business of the Year award will be presented to a chamber member company, which has staying power as an established business, increase in sales as an indication of continued growth and innovativeness of product or service offered."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161102/united-regional-chamber-of-commerce-accepting-award-nominations

"We're in control of the situation"

"The town has gone out to bid for energy suppliers, looking to put into motion a plan that could save money for local electricity customers. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said the state Department of Public Utilities has approved Franklin's municipal aggregation plan, which has the town seeking alternative suppliers and, hopefully, lower rates for its residents. He said the bidding process began on Oct. 7, and the town hopes to have preliminary pricing within the next few days. 

"(This) week is where the rubber meets the road," he said. "We'll see if there are savings, and what the savings might be."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161016/franklin-goes-out-to-bid-for-power

• Related posts

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/municipal-aggregation-program.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/in-news-national-grid-gets-rate-increase.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

cover page of presentation to Town Council on Aggregation Program

In the News: National Grid gets rate increase

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Department of Public Utilities has approved a rate increase that will add about 5 percent to residential electric bill in National Grid’s service territory. 

The average will increase from $139 to $146. 

The agency approved $101 million of the $132 million sought by the company in its first distribution rate increase since 2009. 

The money will help pay for improvements to its facilities and its response to storm-related power failures."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161004/national-grid-bills-increase-7-month

cover page of presentation to Town Council on Aggregation Program

If the pending aggregation plan for Franklin goes through, this won't be an issue. The cooperative buying power of aggregation should do better than the current rate National Grid was authorized for.

Updated: Per the Town Council meeting, Wednesday, Oct 5, the aggregation plan was approved. They'll go to bid in the next two weeks and should have a decision to proceed at this time or not. The key will be what the market will offer for rates and for what period. Assuming the market rates will be lower than what NationalGrid received, this will go forward and we'll all save some money.

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/municipal-aggregation-program.html

In early August, it was reported the State was beginning to deliberate on the aggregation proposal

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/in-news-aggregation-plan-making.html

"The only way we're doing this is if residents will see savings"

"Town officials are hoping for state approval of a municipal aggregation plan in the next few weeks, a move that could end up saving residents money on their utility bills. 

The town presented its aggregation plan - in which it would go out to bid for its energy supply, using the number of energy customers in town as leverage - to the state Department of Public Utilities in August. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said that process had gone well, and the town has been in contact with the firm it hired, Colonial Power Group, to guide it through the approval process. 

"There were a lot of municipalities ahead of us - seven of them at the DPU hearings," he said. "Four of those seven have received orders to move forward."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160919/franklin-awaiting-aggregation-approval

• The Municipal Aggregation Plan

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/municipal-aggregation-program.html

• From the Town Council meeting where this was approved

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

cover page of presentation to Town Council on Aggregation Program

In the News: aggregation plan making progress, SAFE Coalition schedules events

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The state government will deliberate next week on a plan expected to save money for local power customers. 

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is scheduled to consider the town's municipal aggregation plan at a hearing Monday afternoon. 

In a municipal aggregation arrangement, towns look to save ratepayers money by going out to bid for the supply of power. The intention is to use the number of local customers as leverage to seek a cost that is lower than the default rate charged by the utility company."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160804/franklin-state-to-hear-aggregation-plans-monday

• The Municipal Aggregation Plan

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/municipal-aggregation-program.html

• From the Town Council meeting where this was approved

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

cover page of presentation to Town Council on Aggregation Program

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"A local group dedicated to combating substance abuse is looking toward its future. 

The Support for Addicts and Families by Empowerment (SAFE) Coalition, which formed last year, held a strategic planning meeting this summer to consider ways to sustainably continue its efforts. 

State Rep. Jeff Roy, one of the group's founding members, said the tone of the meeting was optimistic. 

"It went really well - the future's looking bright," he said. "There are lots of good things happening, and we know we're saving lives."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160804/franklin-substance-abuse-coalition-preps-for-future

In the News: Medway official unhappy; municipal energy aggregation proceeds for Franklin

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"(Medway) Town officials are unhappy with a group opposed to Exelon’s proposed 200-megawatt expansion of the company’s existing Summer Street facility. 

The group, which operates a Facebook page called STOP Medway Power Plant, earlier this week posted a Connecticut Post article that highlighted power plant opponents. 

The story cited a proposal from Competitive Power Ventures (CPV) to build a 580-megawatt power plant in Walpole in 2008, when Medway Town Administrator Michael Boynton served the same role in that town."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160310/medway-exelon-town-officials-unhappy-with-opposition-posts

"The Town Council approved a municipal energy aggregation plan with the hopes that it will save local electricity customers money on their bills. 

The council heard a presentation about the merits of an agreement with Colonial Power Group during its Wednesday meeting. 

Representatives from the group, as well as the consulting firm Community Paradigm Associate, gave a brief slideshow presentation about municipal aggregation, which would have the town seek bids from power suppliers. Municipal aggregation options, they said, typically save customers money and - since the town can determine the length of its contract - can enjoy more stability from rate fluctuations. 

Officials also noted that though residents will be included in the program by default, they may choose to opt out when they wish."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160310/franklin-council-approves-power-plan


Note: I am pleased the aggregation was approved. I was pleased to learn that I did not need to sign up. I would have been happy to be among the first to do so. However, as announced during the Town Council meeting, all Franklin will be enrolled by default and can opt out at anytime. 

In the News: home buying boot camp, public comment welcomed, big ban brunch

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Michael Shain, senior loan originator with Village Mortgage in Milford, will offer a “Home Buying Boot Camp” in conjunction with the Tri-County Adult Education Program from 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 8 at the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, 147 Pond St. 

Attendees will learn about the mortgage process so they can get a better understanding of how a loan is approved. Additionally, they will learn about the roles the Realtor, lender, attorney and home inspector play in the home buying process. Shain will also discuss the importance of credit.

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160215/michael-shain-to-present-home-buying-boot-camp-in-franklin

Public comment is being welcomed on a proposal aimed at reducing local power bills. 

The town is looking to partner with Marlborough firm Colonial Power Group to pursue municipal electrical aggregation, in which groups look to lower electrical rates by shopping among different suppliers, using their large numbers of customers as negotiation leverage. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said the public review and comment period for the proposal opened at noon on Friday. 

"A public comment period is required under state law," he said. "We're looking to get feedback on the proposed plan, which is on our website."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160214/franklin-public-comment-sought-on-energy-plan

Drummer Kenny Hadley is Franklin Performing Arts Company’s go-to guy for live music. The company, now celebrating a milestone 25th anniversary, showcases professional musicians for all mainstage productions and presents an ambitious schedule of music series events at The Black Box, FPAC’s new home and performance venue. 

Hadley’s relationship with FPAC goes back to 1995 when the drummer played the debut production of “’Tis the Season!,” FPAC’s original holiday musical. The company’s orchestra contractor since the mid-2000s, Hadley now hires for six FPAC productions annually. 

At The Black Box this season, Hadley has played performances ranging from “The Addams Family” musical and Cabaret Series dates to a reunion gig with the R and B band Soul Kitchen and a Jazz Series presentation with his own critically acclaimed Kenny Hadley Big Band.

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160215/kenny-hadley-big-band-to-headline-black-box-brunch

Municipal Aggregation Program

Franklin Officials Have Released the Town’s Community Choice Power Supply Program Aggregation Plan

The Town of Franklin developed the Aggregation Plan in compliance with Massachusetts law regarding public aggregation of electric consumers. It contains required information on the structure, operations, services, funding, and policies of the Town’s Plan. The Plan has been developed in consultation with the Town’s aggregation implementation consultant, Colonial Power Group, Inc. (CPG) and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER).

The purpose of this Plan is to represent consumer interests in competitive markets for electricity. It seeks to aggregate consumers in the Town to negotiate rates for power supply. It brings together the buying power of over 32,000 consumers. Furthermore, the Town seeks to better manage energy prices. 

Participation is voluntary for each eligible consumer. Eligible consumers have the opportunity to decline service provided through the Plan and to choose any Competitive Supplier they wish. The Town has distributed this Plan for public review prior to submitting it to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities.

Public Review and Comment Period

The Town of Franklin’s Aggregation Plan is available for public review and comment from Friday, February 12, 2016, at 12:00 p.m. Noon through Tuesday March 8th, 2016, at 4:00 p.m.~

Any person who desires to comment may do so in person at the Town Clerk’s office or submit written comments using one of the following methods: (1) by e-mail to jhellen@franklin.ma.us; or (2) by postal mail to the address below.

Comments must be clearly marked Town of Franklin’s Aggregation Plan and must be received (not postmarked) by the end of the comment period in order to be addressed.

Jamie Hellen
Deputy Town Administrator
Town Hall
355 East Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038

Any questions pertaining to this should be directed to Jamie Hellen, Deputy Town Administrator at (508) 528-7900 x 4887.

Click here to read the Town of Franklin’s Aggregation Plan. An original hardcopy of the Plan is also available at the Town Clerk’s office.

A copy has also been posted here for your convenience




If your electricity is provided by NationalGrid you can download your recent information for further calculations. The supply rate is what the aggregation will enable savings for. The delivery charges will remain as they are from NationalGrid.

sign into your account and select "my usage and charts graph"

The municipal aggregation should do two things for our electric rate. (1) it should provide some stability in the rate and (2) it should lower the rate with the power of the group purchase.

the most recent 2 years of rates from NationalGrid

In the News: electrical aggregation, SAFE outreach, bone marrow drive, pajama and sock drive

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The town has contracted with an area company as it continues to explore a move that could bring down residents' power bills. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen announced that the town has reached an agreement with Marlborough firm Colonial Power Group, and will be pursuing municipal electrical aggregation solutions with them. 

"I think they've contracted with two or three other communities in the area," he said. "In all, I believe they have half a million customers in their portfolio."

Colonial Power Group

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160207/franklin-moves-forward-with-aggregation

A task force aimed at combating the current opioid epidemic is looking at several ways to reach out to area addicts, including possible police "ride alongs." 

James Derick, president of the Support for Addicts and Families by Empowerment (SAFE) Coalition, spoke - before a recent lecture by Harvard Professor Robert Putnam - of several initiatives the group is undertaking. 

One of the coalition's goals, Derick said, is to reach out to addicts in need of help. To that end, it has applied for grants to ride along with area police departments on certain drug calls.

Safe Coalition

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160207/franklin-safe-looks-at-outreach-for-addicts

Residents gathered for a bone marrow donor registration drive Saturday in support of a Franklin resident’s sister who is searching for a bone marrow match. 

Jennifer Felicetti, a New Jersey resident, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia after being hospitalized on Christmas Eve. She is currently receiving aggressive treatment, but doctors think a bone marrow transplant is her best option in hopes of beating the disease. 

There are no matching donors in her family so Felicetti is now on a waiting list to find a matching donor somewhere in the world.

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160206/bone-marrow-drive-supports-franklin-family

The Student Government at Jefferson Elementary School is conducting a pajama and sock drive through Feb. 12 to benefit the Friends of Foster Care and Comfort Cases for kids. All collected pajamas and socks will be included within a backpack and delivered to the children as they begin their journey with a new foster home.

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160206/jefferson-elementary-school-holding-pajama-sock-drive