Showing posts with label aggregation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label aggregation. Show all posts

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Nexamp Shared Solar Farm Information Sessions Scheduled - Aug 25, Aug 26

Franklin residents,

Please find an informational letter regarding a shared community solar farm attached here:   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/nexamp_signed_letter.pdf


"We're excited to let you know that residents of the Town of Franklin are eligible to subscribe to a new local shared community solar farm that is being built by Nexamp and going live in Summer 2021. Nexamp will be hosting online information sessions on August 25th and August 26th for all Franklin residents to learn more about how you can tap into these solar farms to reduce your electric bill.

The solar farm, located on Spring Street in Franklin, will add more than a 6.3 MW of renewable energy to National Grid's electricity grid, or enough electricity to power more than 800 homes. This community solar farm falls under Massachusetts' community solar program, which allows residents to subscribe to a share of a local solar farm and go solar without rooftop panels.

Subscribers receive credits on their National Grid electric bill for the energy produced by their solar farm share. Nexamp normally provides these credits at a 12.5% discount but, through a special agreement with the Town of Franklin, Nexamp is offering a special discount rate of 15% to Franklin residents, meaning subscribers can save even more on their annual electricity costs.

There's no upfront cost and no long-term commitment - you can cancel your community solar share with no penalties.
Nexamp and Franklin have worked together to ensure that a portion of the farm has been reserved for Franklin residents. Openings are on a first-come, first-served basis until October 15th. To learn more or to subscribe right now, please visit solar.nexamp.com/Franklin or call Nexamp at 800-945-5124.

You can also join Nexamp at one of the upcoming information sessions to learn more about the program and the special offer for Franklin residents. Each session runs for about 30 minutes and includes a program overview followed by a time of interactive Q&A.

Tues, August 25 7:00 PM  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84925478387

Weds, August 26 1:00  PM  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85976472137

You can quickly and easily register for either session by visiting the links above. having you join us."

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Note: Franklin residents will also get the benefits of Municipal Aggregation this fall and only need to opt out of the agreement if they already have a solar or other private supply agreement.

The deal for Municipal aggregation was confirmed at the February 12, 2020 Town Council meeting. 


olar farm installation at Mount St Mary's Abbey in progress in July 2013
solar farm installation at Mount St Mary's Abbey in progress in July 2013
 

Sunday, March 15, 2020

Town Council meeting Feb 12, 2020 - recap

Quick summary:

  • Plastic bag prohibition finally approved
  • Zoning changes to reduce solar farms introduced
  • Zoning changes on continuation of plot line clean up first hearing
  • Transitional assistance and homelessness discussed
  • Municipal aggregation deal announced (effective Nov 1, 2020)
  • First discussion on 'civil discourse pledge'


Audio segment on municipal aggregation  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HVJSJ7GX

Audio segment on 'civil discourse pledge' https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hy6gCj6X

Audio segment on Transitional assistance and homelessness
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HcdPW36X




Additional details can be found in my notes recorded live during the meeting


  • Live reporting: Town Administrator's Report through Closing

  • https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-town-administrators_12.html

  • Live reporting: Legislation for Action

  • https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-legislation-for-action_12.html

  • Live reporting: Housing and Transitional Assistance

  • https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-housing-and-transitional.html

  • Live reporting: Town Council - Feb 12, 2020

  • https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-town-council-feb-12-2020.html

    Town Council Chair Tom Mercer with proclamation recognizing the FHS student for their work on the plastic bag prohibition
    Town Council Chair Tom Mercer with proclamation recognizing the FHS student for their work on the plastic bag prohibition

    Tuesday, March 10, 2020

    Town Council recap - MArch 4, 2020

    Walter Zinchuck, the oldest Franklin resident, 102 years young, received the Boston Post Cane

    The resolution on Civil Discourse passed after much discussion.

    Municipal aggregation was confirmed as happening in November 2020. You can opt out of it. Why? If you already ahve a long term electrical contract or already have solar panels... For the rest of us, we get to see a savings with green energy (wind power) and a rate of 10.5 cents/KWH for three years. More to come on this as the Sep/Oct time frame when mailings to all the residential customers will be sent. In the meantime, more info can be found on the Colonial Power page for Franklin  https://colonialpowergroup.com/franklin/

    The first look at the budget for Fiscal Year 2021 was presented showing a deficit of $3.5M which will need to be resolved before passing a balanced budget by June 30,2020.

    From the meeting I created two audio files to listen to meeting segments:

    • Audio segment on Civil Discourse
    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/fm-218-town-council-citizen-comments.html

    • Audio segment on FY 2021
    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/fm-220-town-council-fy-2021-budget.html


    Actions Taken
    https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/files/tc-actions-taken-3420


    My notes reported live during the meeting
    • Live reporting: Town Administrators Report to Closing
     https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-town-administrators.html
    • Live reporting: Legislation for action
    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html
    • Live reporting: Civil Discourse Discussion
    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-civil-discourse.html
    • Live reporting: FY 2021 Budget Update
    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-fy-2021-budget-update.html
    • Live reporting: Municipal Aggregation
    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-municipal-aggregation.html
    • Live reporting: Town Council - March 4, 2020
    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-town-council-march-4-2020.html

    Walter Zinchuck, the oldest Franklin resident, 102 years young, received the Boston Post Cane
    Walter Zinchuck, the oldest Franklin resident, 102 years young, received the Boston Post Cane

    Wednesday, March 4, 2020

    Live reporting: Municipal Aggregation

    called back to session after recess


    8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS 

    A. Municipal Aggregation
    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8a._municipal_aggregation.pdf

    Mark Capadona, Colonial Power Group
    overview of the municipal aggregation
    residential cost savings on electricity rates

    mailing coming in Sep/Oct, no fees to join or leave
    very competitive price
    effective Nov 1 meter reads

    everyone gets a mailing, if you do nothing, you are in
    you can opt out

    https://colonialpowergroup.com/franklin/



    Tuesday, February 18, 2020

    FM #208 - Jamie Hellen on Municipal Aggregation

    This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 208 in the series. We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

    During the Town Administrator’s Report segment of the Town Council meeting, Feb 12, 2020, there was a good piece of news. Municipal aggregation is finally here with a good deal.

    What is municipal aggregation?
    “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.“
    On your electric bill, there are two sections, one for delivery services, and one for the cost of the electricity itself. With aggregation, Franklin has just signed a contract to deliver electricity at a cost of only 10.5 cents for three years. This is one, an improvement over the current rate (around .14 cents) and two, confirms the rate for three years.

    This is a good deal. More will be forthcoming on this as we get closer to Sep/Oct 2020. There will be additional information shared, info on how to opt out (accepting a rate other than the 10.5 cents confirmed for three years), etc.

    Let’s listen to Jamie Hellen talk about the municipal aggregation deal at the Town Council meeting.

    Additional info will be provided at the Town Council meeting on March 4, 2020.

    Links to the archives for prior posts on municipal aggregation which was initially approved by the Town Council in 2016 are provided in the show notes


    Audio file  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d8099baa-7dc9-49c7-b55a-cfdb619a52d2



    From the archives:

    Aggregation Plan released for Town Council meeting review and discussion
    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/municipal-aggregation-program.html

    Link to Municipal Aggregation docs on Town of Franklin page
    https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/municipal-aggregation-documents

    Embedded copy:




    From the Town Council meeting where this was approved
    http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

    Aggregation Presentation doc - March 9, 2016
    https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/franklin-community-choice-aggregation-program




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    FM #208 - Jamie Hellen on Municipal Aggregation
    FM #208 - Jamie Hellen on Municipal Aggregation

    Wednesday, December 6, 2017

    "opportunity to have a lower cost energy option"

    From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
    "The town (Medway) has entered into a municipal aggregation agreement with an energy supplier, saving residents an estimated $215,500 over the first half of 2018. 
    The town entered into the six-month contract - its first under the new Medway Community Choice Power Supply program - with Constellation NewEnergy of Texas late last week. The state’s Department of Public Utilities approved the local aggregation program in October. 
    The town worked with energy consultant Colonial Power Group throughout the approval and bidding process. Mark Cappadona, Colonial’s president, said the agreement charges Medway customers about 11.8 cents per kilowatt hour, beginning in January. This represents a savings over the default rate of 13.2 cents per kilowatt hour that Eversource will begin charging in January."

    Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
    http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171205/medway-signs-energy-agreement


    Update: Franklin also has a municipal aggregation program. The Town has gone to bid three times and have yet to get an acceptable rate to start. Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen wants to get a good differential rate for the first time out as the rate will change over time (as shown in the Medway article).

    The Municipal Aggregation program documents can be found here
    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
    cover page of presentation to Town Council on Aggregation Program

    Tuesday, November 28, 2017

    In the News: veterans walkway bricks for sale; municipal aggregation in Bellingham

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

    "The town is doing more to remember not just local veterans, but any veteran or active duty member from anywhere in the country. A newly approved pathway project at the town common offers anyone the chance to buy a dedicated brick for a military person they know. 
    The bricks will cost $100 each and proceeds will go into the project and maintenance. Each brick will include the name and branch of the person for which it is dedicated. 
    The pathway will stretch from the flagpole at the town common by the war memorial, and circle around to connect with the diagonal walk on the Union Street side. The entire project will cost about $85,000, and will have room for 5,000 to 6,000 bricks dedicated to veterans. As of Monday, nine bricks had been sold. 
    Veterans Services Officer Dale Kurtz said it would be great to have the pathway completed by next Veterans Day, but that will depend on funding. Kurtz said once the initial construction is complete, they will periodically replace blank bricks with newly dedicated ones."

    Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
    http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171127/franklin-pathway-to-recognize-all-veterans


    "The town has signed a new municipal aggregation energy contract in an effort to save local electricity customers money over the next year. 
    The contract is the town’s second since it began its aggregation program earlier this year. With municipal aggregation, towns look to save money from the utility company’s default rate by seeking bids from energy suppliers. 
    The town announced the 12-month agreement, with Agera Energy, on Monday. Its standard option charges 11.5 cents per kilowatt hour - a rate Town Administrator Denis Fraine said is about a penny lower than National Grid’s default rate and two cents below the Eversource charge. The new Bellingham rate is set to take effect in December. 
    The contract comes with the expiration of the town’s one-year contract with NextEra. Fraine noted that the new rate would be higher than that contract’s 8.68 cents per kilowatt hour charge, but said that reflected an across-the-board jump in prices."

    Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
    http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171127/bellingham-signs-energy-contract

    Update: Franklin also has a municipal aggregation program. The Town has gone to bid three times and have yet to get a good rate to start. Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen wants to get a good differential rate for the first time out as the rate will change over time (as shown in the Bellingham article).

    The Municipal Aggregation program documents can be found here
    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
    cover page of presentation to Town Council on Aggregation Program

    Saturday, May 6, 2017

    "people feel like they have a good alternative"

    From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
    "A small but growing number of cities and towns are negotiating new electric contracts for their residents to boost renewable energy use in Massachusetts, bypassing the basic service offered by utilities such as National Grid and Eversource. 
    The practice is called municipal aggregation. 
    “Traditionally, it’s been much more used as a practice to achieve savings and provide much more price stability,” said Cammy Peterson, director of clean energy at the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. “The innovation is that piece where they’re also using it as a tool to advance renewable energy in a supply.”

    Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
    http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170505/massachusetts-towns-ditch-standard-electric-service-to-embrace-green-power

    Franklin's plan was released in Feb 2016
    http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/municipal-aggregation-program.html

    The aggregation plan is ready to go as of Nov 2016
    Municipal aggregation is ready but the pricing is not expected to produce sufficient savings to execute it right now. The Town is ready to do so, all the approvals have been received.They will continue to watch the market pricing to see when to make the move.
    http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/11/no-change-in-town-council-leadership.html

    http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/11/in-news-legislative-delegation-reports.html


    Thursday, November 3, 2016

    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."

    Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
    http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161102/franklin-legislators-give-report

    Senator Ross, Senator Spilka, Representative Roy
    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."

    Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
    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."

    Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
    http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161102/united-regional-chamber-of-commerce-accepting-award-nominations


    Monday, October 17, 2016

    "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."

    Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
    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
    cover page of presentation to Town Council on Aggregation Program

    Wednesday, October 5, 2016

    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."
    Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
    http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161004/national-grid-bills-increase-7-month

    cover page of presentation to Town Council on Aggregation Program
    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


    Tuesday, September 20, 2016

    "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."

    Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
    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
    cover page of presentation to Town Council on Aggregation Program

    Friday, August 5, 2016

    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
    cover page of presentation to Town Council on Aggregation Program

    ------   ------  ------

    "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."

    Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
    http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160804/franklin-substance-abuse-coalition-preps-for-future

    Friday, March 11, 2016

    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."

    Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
    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."

    Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
    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. 


    Tuesday, February 16, 2016

    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.

    Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
    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."

    Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
    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.

    Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
    http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160215/kenny-hadley-big-band-to-headline-black-box-brunch

    Sunday, February 14, 2016

    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"
    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
    the most recent 2 years of rates from NationalGrid

    Monday, February 8, 2016

    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
    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
    Safe Coalition

    Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
    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.

    Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
    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.

    Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
    http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160206/jefferson-elementary-school-holding-pajama-sock-drive