We don’t like to waste things. Our forefathers understood this was common sense.”

Franklin is not like a lot of New England communities where the rivers running through the city/town have been dammed and once upon a time used to generate electrical power. 

"As the turbid currents of the Hoosic River tumble over his backyard dam, a century-old barrier of concrete and limestone, Ken Egnaczak sees a cascade of lost opportunity. 

Day after day, the water flows by without generating even a spark. 

“It’s such a waste,” he said. 

As the state seeks new sources of clean energy to replace power lost from the closures of nuclear and oil-fired plants, the retired mechanical engineer sees promise in the unharnessed power on his property, and at the nearly 3,000 other unused dams across the state."

Ken Egnaczak sat on a wall by the small backyard dam that he is trying to get approval to repower.
(photo credit - MATTHEW CAVANAUGH FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE)

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/05/14/state-and-towns-looking-tapping-into-hydropower/DzhV2W1YHJwHX38GrEJueI/story.html


I ride along the Blackstone River Bikeway several times a year and there are many dams along the Blackstone River that could generate electrical power.

comparison of water flow at the Pratt Dam along the Blackstone River

Additional photos of the Blackstone River Bikeway can be found here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/albums/72157622053236460/with/4485646180/

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

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

"most municipalities have seen savings of $100 per family"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The town is making progress in an initiative to lower electricity bills for local residents, officials reported at the most recent Town Council meeting. 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said at the Jan. 20 council meeting that he had tasked new deputy town administrator Jamie Hellen with exploring municipal aggregation opportunities for the town. 

"He's been full steam ahead into that," Nutting said. "He'll probably be able to report back to you in 30 to 45 days, and we're looking forward to that."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160124/franklin-research-on-municipal-aggregation-progressing-officials-say

"protect yourself from being taken advantage of by unscrupulous competitive suppliers or brokers by understanding your choices and knowing your rights as a consumer"

The Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation has a good post on how to understand the electricity marketplace and make good decisions. 

They provide a list of questions to ask to help set up a proper comparison of the rates and services so you can make a good choice.

Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation

"Comparing Plans

Although promotional offers may be appealing, there are a number of factors that may affect the amount you will actually end up paying for your electricity.  It is important to review your options and compare them to the local utility company’s basic service before switching.  Asking the following questions can help you make an informed decision.

1. Are the energy prices (rates) fixed, or will they change throughout the term?  If your energy consumption is consistent, fixed rate plans will offer less variation in your monthly bill.  Variable rate plans, however, fluctuate more often because the rates can change by the hour, day or month, etc., according to the terms and conditions in the competitive supplier’s disclosure statement.
2. What is the length of the contract?  Consider how long you will be locked- in to the contract and what that means in conjunction with the rates.
3. Is there an initiation/transfer charge?  If there is an initiation fee, you could be paying more.
4. Does the contract contain an introductory price?  If your contract contains an introductory price, then your supply cost may increase substantially after the introductory pricing period ends.
5. Are there minimum bill amounts?  If so, consider whether you consistently use the minimum amount of power.
6. Are there cancellation fees?  Consider whether you will have to pay a cancellation fee or other fees at cancellation whether or not you terminate the contract before its expiration date.  It is common to pay early termination fees if you cancel the contract before it expires.
7. How does renewal work?  Consider that if you do not make a decision to renew or cancel a contract within the permitted period the competitive supplier may renew your contract and change its terms.
8. What is the price per kWh?  Calculating your usual monthly kWh consumption times the price per kWh will help you compare supply cost.
9. What is included in the price per kWh?  If you can find out how the company sets its rates, you can make a more informed decision."

You can read the full article here
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/competitive-energy-sellers/

Why is my National Grid bill skyrocketing and what can I do about it?

From Brett Feldman:

Why is my National Grid bill skyrocketing and what can I do about it?

I've heard from a lot of people who have opened their winter National Grid bills and got extreme sticker shock. They are wondering what happened and how they can address it. I'm sorry I didn't write this sooner in the season when it could have been more helpful for this winter, but hopefully I can provide some short-term help, prevent people from making reactionary mistakes, and give some suggestions to better manage your energy costs in the long term.

A little history and background. National Grid is a regulated monopoly utility. The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities controls how National Grid can charge its customers. Because energy is a volatile commodity, the DPU requires National Grid to procure electricity for its customers on a relatively long-term basis to reduce risk. Electricity prices actually change on a hourly basis, but National Grid purchases 6-month blocks at a fixed price. Sometimes this price might end up higher than the actual prices over that term, and sometimes it might be lower, but the idea is to lower the risk to the consumers. National Grid makes NO profit on this function.

nationalGRID

New England relies greatly on natural gas to fuel its power plants these days. We don't have any native sources of natural gas here, so we have to get it here by pipelines, and we are at the end of the pipeline. Pipelines have limited capacity, so if there is excessive demand due to cold weather, there can be a shortage and prices will spike. So even if natural gas prices in general are low, local congestion costs can increase our price. It's similar to gasoline prices being cheaper in Oklahoma and Texas than here because we need to transport it here, which adds costs.

This winter, electricity prices in New England were expected to increase dramatically based on the Polar Vortex last winter. Last winter, there was extremely cost weather, and real-time electricity prices spiked very high. So energy traders were concerned about a repeat this winter, and that risk premium was built in when National Grid bought its winter supply last fall. In reality, the weather hasn't been nearly as bad this winter and prices have not been as high. But last winter, National Grid locked in ahead of time at lower rates than what actually transpired, so we consumers actually saved money whether we realized it or not.

I hope that helps explain how we got here, and didn't just confuse you more.

In any case, what can you do now to deal with the high rates? I'll give you a few options.

1. Alternative Suppliers

Similar to how the airline and telecommunication industries were deregulated in the 1980s and 1990s, the energy industry has been deregulated as well. You will always have National Grid providing the physical delivery of electricity, but you can choose the financial supplier of your electricity. There are a number of suppliers listed on National Grid's website http://www.nationalgridus.com/masselectric/home/energychoice/4_supplier_list.asp. 

Unfortunately there is no comparison site like Orbitz, so you have to check each one individually. They are not regulated by the DPU, so they can offer a range of options, from monthly pricing to long-term fixed price contracts.

Because I knew what was going to happen with the National Grid rates back in October, I locked in for the 6-month winter season for 7 cents with Provider Power. At this point, you won't find anything that low. I would advise against locking in for more than a few months now, because the National Grid rates almost always go down in the summer. 

See the history here http://www.nationalgridus.com/masselectric/non_html/MA_Residential_Table.pdf. 

And next winter likely won't be as high as this winter since we are having a mild season and gas storage should be ok.

You can't just focus on the price, you also have to think about quantity. Most people use about twice as much electricity during summer months than winter due to air conditioning. So you don't want to lock in a higher rate in the summer, because it will cost you a lot more than the winter due to the higher volume.

2. Energy Efficiency

The cheapest energy is what you don't use, so energy efficiency is the best way to cut your bills. Get a free energy audit from National Grid http://www.masssave.com/.  

Mass save

They will give you CFL or LED lightbulbs and other tips like more insulation or more efficient heating and air conditioning equipment. Also, think about turning off lights and electronics when not in use, getting smart power strips that save energy, and turning down thermostats when possible. My house uses about half the electricity of a normal house our size because I have trained my kids to be light police.

3. Produce your own energy, like Solar

These days, you can take matters into your own hands as well by generating your own energy. The Franklin Solar Challenge http://solarflair.com/solarize/franklin-solar-challenge is currently underway to offer residents a vetted vendor and the best group pricing possible. The more homeowners and business that sign-up, the better price everyone gets. Plus, if we get a certain level of participation, our vendor will donate a solar array to a local non-profit or affordable housing unit. Everyone wins.

Franklin Solar Challenge

If you have good solar access on your roof, you can expect a 4-5 year payback. Otherwise, it may be 7-8 years. If that is too long or you don't have good solar access, you can still invest in Community Solar, which allows you to buy a piece of a solar array somewhere else but get the same financial benefit.

So don't feel helpless; there are actions you can take. I am happy to talk with anyone about more details. I have nothing to gain professionally, I just want to help my fellow residents (although maybe I could make a business out of it!).

Brett Feldman

Franklin Town Council

Navigant Consulting

17-year energy industry veteran

feldjamin@hotmail.com

National Grid: Update on Winter Rates

To view this email as a web page, click here.

An Update on Winter Electric Rates As you may know, the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities recently approved an increase for electric supply prices for the period of November 1 through April 30. This means that, starting in November, residential electric customers using 500 kilowatt hours (kWh) per month will see an electric bill that is 37 percent (about $33 per month) higher than last winter. We asked for this increase because of higher energy supply prices. Energy supply prices are set by the commodity market, not National Grid. When we purchase energy on your behalf, we pass on those costs directly without a markup. With the chance of another cold winter on the way, National Grid is very concerned about what these higher energy costs mean for our customers. And though we can't control energy supply prices, we can help in other ways, which is why we urge you to take advantage of the various solutions we offer that can help lower bills, including: Payment Options - We have a variety of options including our Budget Plan which lets you spread out those high winter bills over the course of a year. Payment Assistance - We have consumer advocacy programs to help low-income eligible customers pay their bill. Energy Efficiency - From simple no-cost tips to more comprehensive programs we have the energy saving solution to match your individual needs. We know how concerning this may be for customers and we encourage you to take advantage of these programs during this very difficult time. To learn more, please visit nationalgrid.com. National Grid Here with you. Here for you.   Connect Now Visit us online at nationalgrid.com

This email was sent by: National Grid 40 Sylvan Road Waltham, MA, 02451, U.S.A.

ISO New England Requests Voluntary Electricity Conservation

While the heat wave continues to steam us all, there is a request to minimize electricity use where possible. The following document makes several suggestions on how this could be accomplished:




This notice was originally posted to the Franklin website here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01B4E8F4-000F8513

Mount St Mary's - solar farm

The sisters of Mount St Mary's Abbey installed a wind turbine a couple of years ago. It helps to power their candy store operations.  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/09/mount-st-marys-new-candy-house.html

You can purchase their candy on site or via their web store  http://www.trappistinecandy.com/

Mt St Mary's Abbey - wind turbine

The wind turbine in action as captured in a 2010 video
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/02/abbey-wind-turbine.html


Recently they signed an agreement with the Town of Franklin to install a solar farm. The Town Council voted in November 2012 to approve the deal.  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/real-time-reporting-legislation.html

Mt St Mary's Abbey - solar farm

I stopped by on Sunday to grab these photos of the construction underway for this solar farm.

Mt St Mary's Abbey - solar farm 2

The frames are sturdy and follow the contour of the ground.  Completely installed the farm is reported to generate 6 megawatts of electricity.

Mt St Mary's Abbey - solar farm 3

The galvanized steel (?) is shining in the sunlight. When the panels are installed the sunlight will be generating electricity.

Mt St Mary's Abbey - solar farm 4

Additional links
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/its-win-win-for-town.html

Mount St Mary's Abbey = http://abbey.msmabbey.org/

National Grid invests $60M to prepare for severe weather seasons

I think it interesting to find this from the Providence area news and not yet reported on by MA news.

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

National Grid invests $60M to prepare for severe weather seasons

via PBN.com - Latest Stories by By PBN Staff Twitter: @ProvBusNews on 8/27/12

National Grid is investing $60 million in a new system to prepare for the severe weather season and make sure customers who lose power get it back more quickly.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to PBN.com - Latest Stories using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Nation Grid tree work to start

Posted on the Franklin, MA website:

Beginning in August, Asplundh Tree Company will be performing work on behalf of National Grid. Crews throughout town will be cutting, clearing, pruning and removing trees around electrical transmission lines. The work is expected to last into mid September. Any questions should be directed to National Grid Arborist David W. Donaghue at 508-482-1242.

National Grid provides power poorly

If you felt you lost power frequently, the report from National Grid has confirmed your experience, Coincidentally, our house briefly lost power during the day on Tuesday before the storms rolled through in the afternoon and evening.

Consistently underperforming feeders are ranked by DPU in a category called "Poor Performing Circuits." The ranking system allows DPU to monitor the feeders and address reliability issues they may be having. 

The report also addresses the amount of time Franklin residents were without power in those years. In 2010, the report says, the average Franklin resident lost electricity more frequently than any other National Grid customer in the state. 

Last year, Franklin residents were without power longer than the average customer — 2.5 days compared to 1.5 days — in part due to the damage caused by Tropical Storm Irene.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x814447576/Franklin-officials-upset-with-National-Grid-report#ixzz21cn64q3o

In the News: Police, helicopters

Ashland Police sergeant hired by Franklin P.D.

by Laura Krantz/Daily News staff

National Grid will use copters for power line inspections in region

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Alert: low flying helicopters Friday, May 18

From the Announcement page on the Franklin website:

Please be advised that on Friday, May 18th, National Grid will be conducting low-level distribution and sub-transmission helicopter patrols in the area. In case of inclement weather the patrols will be postponed until a later date.

"it doesn't show any sign of coming back"

Franklin Fire Chief Gary McCarraher said that as of this afternoon, 40 to 50 percent of Franklin is without power and his main concern has been ensuring residents have access to food and water. 

"The sewer and water system is functioning as designed, which is a blessing," said McCarraher. "The downtown Franklin restaurants are all open for business...We're pretty confident our people can get access to food." 

Residents without water can head to the Department of Public Works, at 257 Fisher St., or either fire station - 40 West Central St., or 600 King St. - with their own containers for water. 

Most of the traffic lights along Rte. 140 in Franklin are out, and stop signs affixed to barrels are set up at the intersections instead. McCarraher said he is meeting with National Grid, but that the DPW has opened all roads that are free of debris and downed wires. 

Although National Grid is working as fast as they can to restore power, it still is frustrating to some residents.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1688627525/Area-towns-still-without-power-after-Irene#ixzz1WVL6OXAC

Powerless and lucky

We're powerless but lucky to have escaped with little tree damage from what was left of Hurricane Irene. The power went out about 1:00. We were prepared with batteries, candles and the Coleman camping lantern provides a great deal of light.

When the rain stopped we picked up most of the small branches and twigs dropped by the wind from the trees. It didn't take long to cut up the one large branch that fell into the street. We'll have some good fire wood for the winter!

The cell phone batteries were the first to die away. Depending upon when the power returns (today?), we may need to run the car to re-charge them a bit. I have sparingly used my netbook and broadband card so I have several hours of connection remaining.

We did take a walk around the neighborhood last night. It was a rare event to see no lights anywhere. If there was a light (from a passing car, or a candle in a house) the little light was very noticeable in the darkness.

I hope you all survived with a story or two to pass along.