Frequently Asked Questions - how to deal with rising heating and utility costs

The MA Attorney General's Office has prepared a Frequently Asked Questions page on how to deal with rising heating and utility costs this winter.

"Many residents are struggling to pay their bills, including their monthly utility bills. Electricity and Gas are essential services—that’s why it is important that customers know their rights and where they can go for help if they need it."

Visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/frequently-asked-questions-about-electric-and-gas-utilities-during-covid-19

• English version PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/17QqpZ0o9fkNhv3WBLVJ2jq-KJZYmaqvG/view?usp=sharing
• Spanish version PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/17TQgZmfwrFKlTpi-8APKeA7sFLunvUge/view?usp=sharing

Frequently Asked Questions - how to deal with rising heating and utility costs

Tip of the hat to Tyngsborough for the info links ->

https://twitter.com/TyngsboroughMA/status/1456248576418500608

"the aggregation rate is often lower than the utility rate"

"AROUND THE WORLD, in the White House, and at our State House, leaders are finally beginning to respond to the climate challenge. Here in Massachusetts, we can take pride in bold new legislation to curb greenhouse gas emissions. And the nation’s first large-scale off-shore wind project, Vineyard Wind, has been given the go ahead by the federal government. Those are exciting developments, but there’s something happening at the local level that deserves our attention as well.

In Massachusetts, cities and towns are increasingly taking advantage of a process known as green municipal aggregation or community choice electricity, which allows municipalities to purchase electricity directly from suppliers (rather than relying on the utilities to do it for us). Through aggregation, communities can offer options that include more wind and solar than required by state law at affordable rates. Today about 50 cities and towns in Massachusetts have done so and dozens more are at various stages of the approval process. Communities that have been doing this for some time keep renewing and usually add more renewable energy as time goes on."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/the-municipal-solution-to-climate-change/

Municipal aggregation was approved by Franklin in 2016 and in 2020 they finally implemented a contract with good pricing. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provides the update and background to the Town Council in this audio segment. The link also contains link to the steps along the process from the archives.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/fm-208-jamie-hellen-on-municipal.html

Municipal aggregation is reported on quarterly and you can find those reports on the Town page  https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/municipal-aggregation

FM #208 - Jamie Hellen on Municipal Aggregation

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting, Thursday, June 3, 7:00 PM

The  Greater Franklin Node of  350 Massachusetts will meet this week,  Thursday, June 3rd, at 7:00 pm.  Here is the Zoom link: 

Zoom link for the meeting, June 3, 7:00 PM
Join on Zoom.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88924607755?pwd=bHl1empTRVFxYzdZUmVBSGl1Q0p3Zz09
Meeting ID: 889 2460 7755

Password: 350ma 

Audio by phone: +1 646 876 9923  

 

Residents of Franklin and nearby cities and towns are welcome to attend.

 

Meeting Agenda: We will discuss climate-related developments nationally, statewide, and locally. We will describe 350 Mass' campaigns to convert to clean, renewable energy sources in our homes, on the roads, and throughout the power grid. We will learn about the not-for-profit corporation ISO New England that is charged with managing electricity across the 6-state region; and hear about calls to change this entity so it does more to promote wind and solar power. 

 

We will continue our conversation about engaging our region in climate activism: working with residents and like-minded organizations, and advocating for actions and programs by our municipalities, including Franklin. Please join us to learn and contribute.    

 

350 Massachusetts for a Better Future ( https://350mass.betterfutureproject.org/ ) is building a powerful statewide social movement to confront the climate crisis, hold our politicians accountable and undermine the destructive influence of the fossil fuel industry. Our name comes from 350 parts per million, the safe level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. 

 

350 Mass is made up of several local volunteer-led chapters we call "nodes" around the state that carry out both municipal-level and statewide campaigns, coordinated by a Statewide Steering Team (SST). The Greater Franklin Node includes Franklin and close to twenty nearby communities. We meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month, at 7:00 PM.

 

For questions and information, contact the node co-coordinators,  carolyncbarthel@gmail.com and/or  ralph.halpern@comcast.net.

 

 

350 Mass Greater Franklin Node Meeting, Thursday, June 3, 7:00 PM

 

Tri-County Electrical Students Go For Gold In Wiring Competitions at District SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure that America has a skilled workforce. They provide educational programs, events and competitions that support career and technical education in the nation’s classrooms. “SkillsUSA is an investment in student success and its impact on student learning will be felt over the coming years,” said Tri-County electrical instructor, Robert Sprague.

1st Competition: Industrial Motor Control

The contestant is required to install electrical wiring and other devices used in an industrial setting as well as design and troubleshoot electrical diagrams using the proper testing instrument. 

• Gold - Jack Whittlesy, Sherborn
• Silver - Ryan Nawn, Franklin
• Bronze - Sean O’Reilly, Bellingham

2nd Competition: Residential Wiring

Contestants in residential wiring are tested on their ability to install wiring in a residence, working from drawings and specification sheets. 

• Gold - Alex Majewski, North Attleborough
• Silver - Alan Zheng, North Attleborough

SkillsUSA State Competition 

Students who earned gold and silver medals in the district competition now qualify for the state SkillsUSA competition, which will be held April 29th - May 1st. “This is the industry that I am in and I can tell you that there is a great demand in this field,” said Tri-County Advisory Committee Chairman, John Rainone. “Tri-County students will continue to ‘work hard because today counts,’ just as our school motto states,” commented Tri-County electrical instructor, Francis McKeown. 

Back Row: Sean O'Reilly, Jack Whittlesy. Alex Majewski - Front Row: Ryan Nawn,  Alan Zheng

Town of Franklin, MA: Quarterly Aggregation Report

"The ToF's Quarterly Aggregation Report provides a summary of the Nov & Dec electrical savings vs National Grid rates. Franklin chose a 100% green product that supports renewable energy, with 100% of the power supply being offset by National Wind Renewable Energy Certificates. " https://t.co/saIwgNIsmO

 

"This report has been prepared by Colonial Power Group with information/data being provided by the Competitive Supplier and National Grid. The purpose of the report is to provide information about the Town of Franklin's Community Choice Power Supply Program, which currently provides competitive power supply to approximately 9,850 customers in the Town. The data provided by the Competitive Supplier is not available until three months after the month it is used. For example, power is Used in January, Invoiced in February, Paid in March and Reported in April" 

Read the full report on the Town of Franklin page:   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/franklin_quarterly_aggregation_report-q4_2020.pdf

By my calculations, for the simple act of not opting out, Franklin residential rate payers saved approx. $12 in Nov and $11 in Dec 2020. Not bad at all. Even if there is a more conservative savings estimate of $10/month, that works out to be $1200/year for green (wind) electricity.

(Understanding oi course, that some residential electric user have existing contracts from which they could not change. Once those agreements reach their end of life, the option to opt in will still be available.)

Town of Franklin, MA: Quarterly Aggregation Report113602

Town of Franklin, MA: Storm emergency reminder

"Residents should consider downloading the ⁦@nationalgridus⁩ app on their phones where you can report power outages, monitor restoration and much more. ⁦@FranklinMAFire⁩ "

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/VgQcVSQ9pb

Apple App Store =  https://apps.apple.com/us/app/national-grid/id632161989

Google App Store =  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ifactor.ngrid&hl=en&gl=US

nationalgrid web page = https://login.nationalgridus.com/

Town of Franklin, MA: Storm emergency reminder

"The project was not always easy"

From the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA)

"Twelve towns in Franklin County and one in Hampshire County have come together to form a municipal electricity aggregation program with the goal of combating climate change and providing residents with more renewable energy options.

The 13 towns – Buckland, Charlemont, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Gill, Huntington, New Salem, Northfield, Shelburne, Sunderland, Warwick and Whately – recently entered into a 41-month contract with municipal energy consultant Colonial Power Group to develop and manage the Community Choice Power Supply Program, with Dynegy Energy Services to supply electricity.

The aggregation program allows the towns to purchase electricity as a group, giving them greater bargaining power when selecting their supplier. The towns were able to select a range of different renewable energy products to offer their residents, with each town deciding its own default option from the portfolio assembled through the bidding process.

“It’s something that would be very difficult for a tiny town to do, but because we could get multiple towns together, we could make it work,” said Conway Selectboard Member Bob Armstrong, who leads the project. “We were able to get a bid that was lower cost than Eversource, and which offered more green options – something that we had promised the towns.”

Continue reading the article online

https://www.mma.org/13-towns-in-franklin-and-hampshire-counties-create-electricity-aggregation-program/

 

From the Archives:

 

February 12, 2020 in this audio segment of the Town Council meeting, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen talked of the contract and bid price reached (finally)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/fm-208-jamie-hellen-on-municipal.html

 

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

 

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  

 

 

municipal aggregation program

 

Municipal Aggregation - Information Session Video

The recent Information Session on the Municipal Aggregation agreement the Town of Franklin has implemented for Franklin residents was recorded and available for video replay.

 

Video link =  https://youtu.be/Vl7qvosl33g

 

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen at the Town Council meeting announcing the deal in Feb 2020 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/fm-208-jamie-hellen-on-municipal.html

 

Municipal Aggregation Program Informational Session - Oct 5

Municipal Aggregation Program Informational Session

• Event Date: Monday, October 5, 2020 - 10:00am

Zoom Information

• Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84712272251
• Meeting ID: 847 1227 2251  Call-In Phone Number: 1-929-205-6099 

 

Program Announcement

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/2020-09-18_municipal_aggregation_announcement.pdf

 

 

Municipal Aggregation Program Informational Session - Oct 5

Franklin Announces Renewable Energy Program To Stabilize Electricity Costs And Lower Carbon Emissions

The Town of Franklin is implementing an electricity program for residents and small business owners designed to reduce the community’s carbon footprint, enhance local control, and achieve more affordable pricing.

The Franklin Community Choice Power Supply Program is an electricity aggregation program that allows for the bulk purchase of electricity for a community on behalf of its residential and small business customers. This type of program was authorized in 1997 by Massachusetts General Law. Electricity customers in Franklin are estimated to collectively save more than $2.0 million over the term of the three-year contract.

Renewable Energy Program

The Town of Franklin was designated as a Green Community in 2018. Its new renewable energy program, which utilizes 100% National Wind Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and aligns with the community’s efforts regarding the use of renewable energy.

By creating this program, Franklin aims to help displace fossil fuel generation and consumption, increase local control in its energy purchasing, and stabilize electricity costs for local residents and small business owners.

Franklin signed a 36-month contract with energy consultant Colonial Power Group and electricity supplier Dynegy Energy Services to design, implement, manage, and supply its electricity program. The Franklin program is slated to begin with the November 2020 meter reads, which will be reflected in ratepayers’ December 2020 invoices.

“In these challenging fiscal times for all families to pay their bills, this is an opportunity to save on electricity costs this winter and residents do not even need to do a thing” said Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator. “Also, as a certified Green Community, I know many Franklin residents are concerned about our carbon footprint. This new electricity program will allow us to reduce our dependence on non-renewable energy sources and decrease our carbon emissions, while also stabilizing electricity bills during a difficult economic period.”

By implementing a renewable energy program for electricity, Franklin is helping to meet the Massachusetts Global Warming Solutions Act goal of 80 percent emissions reduction by 2050.

Ease of Transition

Most electricity customers never notice that their electricity is being supplied by a new source. There is no change to electric meters; all service and billing questions still go to National Grid; and bills are still paid to and processed by National Grid. The only change is that the name of the electricity supplier on the bill will be Dynegy Energy Services.

Franklin electricity customers currently on National Grid’s basic rate plan will be automatically enrolled in Franklin’s Community Choice Power Supply Program unless they decide to opt-out. Importantly, there are no fees for enrollment or cancellation. Franklin customers can enter and leave the Franklin Community Choice Program at will. However, 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.

There will be no change in electricity service received. Franklin customers will continue to receive one bill from National Grid for both supply and distribution of electricity, and National Grid will process all payments. The selected electricity supplier for Franklin’s energy program, Dynegy Energy Services, will be listed under the “Supply Services” heading on residents’ monthly National Grid bills.

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.

Approximately 150 Massachusetts communities, to date, have chosen to develop community choice electricity programs to benefit their residents and small business owners. Note: 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 electricity program.

The Town and representatives of Colonial Power Group will hold two Zoom information sessions on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at 7 PM and Monday, October 5, 2020 at 10 AM.

The links can be found on colonialpowergroup.com/franklin and
 https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/municipal-aggregation

If you are unable to attend, recordings will also be posted to these sites and will be rebroadcast on Franklin TV and the Town’s YouTube page.

For more information on the Franklin’s Community Choice Power Supply Program, you may visit colonialpowergroup.com/franklin or call (866) 485-5858 ext. 1 

 

 

File can be found on the Town of Franklin page

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/2020-09-18_municipal_aggregation_announcement.pdf

 

This is the long awaited municipal aggregation program proposed and approved in 2016 and finally the bids were able to reach a good price early in 2020.

 

From the Archives:

 

February 12, 2020 in this audio segment of the Town Council meeting, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen talked of the contract and bid price reached (finally)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/fm-208-jamie-hellen-on-municipal.html

 

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

 

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 

municipal aggregation program

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

Franklin Community Choice Aggregation Program from Franklin Matters

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

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I 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 this, please let me know

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

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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!

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

FM #208 - Jamie Hellen on Municipal Aggregation

Aerial Drones to inspect electric transmission lines in Franklin

Aerial Drones to inspect electric transmission lines in Franklin

August 21, 2019 through August 26, 2019

Aerial Drones to inspect

Licensed Eversource contractor, Pinnacl X, will be using aerial drones to inspect electric transmission lines in Franklin beginning August 21, 2019 through August 26, 2019. Eversource regularly uses drones for routine infrastructure inspections to help improve the reliability of service to customers while reducing environmental impacts and costs.


- Inspections will occur within the Right of Way (ROW) between Bent St, Lincoln St, Pond St, and the Charles River.

Pinnacl X, our contractor, utilizes certified and licensed drone operators who are specially trained by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to perform inspection work. As always, Eversource ensures that contractors abide by all federal, state and local requirements. They also always carry proper identification. 


Get your copy of the drone fact sheet
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/eversource_drone_inspection_fact_sheet.pdf

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities for Custodian, Electrician, Firefighter/Paramedics

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.  

• Junior Building Custodian - Davis Thayer Elementary School 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/jr.custodian-posting-dt-dec2018.pdf

• Town Electrician 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/electrician-jobposting-oct2018.pdf

• Part-Time Custodian 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/part-time.custodian-posting-october2018_0.pdf

• Firefighter/Paramedics - The Town of Franklin's Fire Department is in the Massachusetts Civil Service system. 
  • If you are currently a Firefighter/Paramedic in a Civil Service community and are interested in working for Franklin, send a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov. 
  • Please note: new hires must have and maintain a paramedic certification and complete an Associate's Degree within 5 years of the date they are hired.   

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment form instead

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/application_for_employment_-_town_of_franklin.pdf

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here

https://www.franklinma.gov/subscribe

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities for Custodian, Electrician, Firefighter/Paramedics

In the News: NationalGrid negotiations resume Dec 26; vehicles sold in MA required to be electric by 2040

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

"The calendar for the next two weeks is creating some interesting interplay between a benefit bill for locked-out workers, Christmas and the end of the 2017-2018 session, and contract talks between National Grid and its 1,200 locked-out natural gas workers. 

Lawmakers on Friday agreed to the details of a bill extending unemployment benefits for locked-out workers and it appears they may take enactment votes to send that bill to Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk on Monday, Christmas Eve. 

Meantime, National Grid has been saying for days that it hoped to strike a deal with two employee unions by Christmas. However, a company spokeswoman on Saturday confirmed to the News Service that after seven consecutive weekdays of bargaining, the next session won’t be held until Wednesday, Dec. 26. 

And in another new wrinkle, the unions and the company issued a rare joint statement Friday night that suggested some optimism about a potential deal and markedly contrasted with the snippy statements that both sides have regularly issued after unsuccessful talks."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181223/national-grid-union-hope-to-end-impasse-by-friday

"Ready or not, Massachusetts is speeding headlong into a brave new transportation world. 

It may not include flying cars, but state leaders are looking to help pave the way for self-driving cars, an all-electric car future, a transportation grid resilient to climate change and a planned “reinvention” of the commuter rail system serving metropolitan Boston. 

Among the recommendations laid out in a hefty, two-volume report released this month by a state commission on the future of transportation in Massachusetts is for the state to set a goal “that all new cars, light duty trucks, and buses sold in Massachusetts will be electric by 2040.” 

It’s part of a wider blueprint to create what the commission called “a 21st-century mobility infrastructure” that will help the state and its cities and towns both manage and make the most of emerging changes in transportation technology and behavior."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181223/brave-new-world-for-mass-transportation

In case you missed the post shared here last week:
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/focused-on-big-picture-on-what-and-why.html

Visit the Commission page  
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/commission-on-the-future-of-transportation

Report - Volume 1:
Choices for Stewardship: Recommendations to Meet the Transportation Future
https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/12/14/FOTCVolume1_1.pdf 

Report - Volume 2:
Choices for Stewardship: Background Books – Facts, Trends, and Issues 
https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/12/14/FOTCVolume2.pdf

Commission on the Future of Transportation, recommends 18 ways the state
should prepare for potential changes in transportation

"They’re really the backbone of the electric system”

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

"Officials from Eversource are hosting an open house next week at the Franklin Senior Center to discuss and answer questions about a project the company is undergoing that is designed to provide transmission system upgrades. 

The hearing takes place from 5-7 p.m. on Sept. 20 at the Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St. 

According to Eversource, the so-called Medway to Walpole Reliability Project calls for the company to separate two existing transmission lines onto new structures along an existing right of way (power line corridor). The project is expected to take about a year to complete, and runs from the West Medway Substation to the Walpole Substation. It will take place in portions of Bellingham, Franklin, Medway, Millis, Norfolk and Walpole. 

Michael Durand, a spokesman for Eversource, said the project is due to start construction in early 2020. He said that during the construction period, there should be no interruption in power in affected areas."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180909/eversource-plans-hearing-on-pole-project-on-sept-20-in-franklin

Prior post on Eversource Open House
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/09/medway-to-walpole-reliability-project.html

Medway to Walpole Reliability Project Open House - September 20

Medway to Walpole Reliability Project - Open House - September 20

Dear Neighbor,

You are invited to join us at an open house at Franklin Senior Center on Thursday, September 20th, 2018 between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. This is an opportunity for you to
learn more about proposed transmission system upgrades in your community. As part of the Medway to Walpole Reliability Project, we will separate two existing transmission lines onto new structures along an existing right of way (power line corridor). Spanning approximately 9 miles from Eversource’s West Medway Substation to the Walpole Substation, the separation project will take place in portions of Bellingham, Franklin, Medway, Millis, Norfolk and Walpole. While no new line will be added, the project team plans to place new single-pole structures within the existing right of way which is included on page two of this
letter.

We’re Always Working to Serve You Better

The proposed project will improve the transmission system in your community, ensuring customers will continue to have reliable electric power to meet their growing energy needs. The Medway to Walpole Reliability Project will also ensure that the area’s electric grid conforms to national and regional reliability standards. Since a portion of the proposed project route is located near your property, we are committed to keeping you updated as the project advances toward construction. In support of that effort, Eversource will be holding an Open House to provide you with information and an opportunity meet with members of the project team and ask questions about the project.

Open House for the proposed Medway to Walpole Reliability Project will be held

Drop in between 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. 

Franklin Senior Center 

10 Daniel McCahill Street

Medway to Walpole Reliability Project Open House - September 20

Medway to Walpole Reliability Project Open House - September 20

This was shared from

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/medway_to_walpole_reliability_project_open_house_invitation.pdf

“Is the fuel delivery infrastructure as constrained as it may appear or not? Prices may suggest it’s not.”

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

"New England has undergone a profound shift in how it produces electricity over the past decade and a half, phasing out coal and oil plants while becoming more reliant on natural gas. 

Following passage of a state energy law this summer, Massachusetts will see wind, solar and imported hydropower become increasingly important sources of energy in the coming years, but many in the energy industry expect natural gas to remain a crucial resource for the foreseeable future. 

“We’re not going to likely see any new coal built in the region,” said Anne George, vice president of external affairs and corporate communications for grid operator ISO New England. “Oil is very limited in this region … There’s unlikely to be any new nuclear in the region. So you’re left with natural gas, and we do see the increasing desire to develop renewables.” 

Back in 2000, just 15 percent of New England’s power was produced by burning natural gas. Last year, natural gas accounted for 49 percent of all electricity generated in the region."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161205/energy-landscape-undergoes-major-changes

About us page for ISO New England

ISO New England - screen grab of real time chart showing fuel mix (non-renewables)

ISO New England - screen grab of real time chart showing fuel mix (renewables)

Download these brief explanation documents from ISO New England:

• A summary of power grid facts and figures (PDF)
• An overview of the region’s wholesale electricity marketplace (PDF)
• A rundown of ISO New England’s latest high-tech initiatives (PDF)
• 
  

"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

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."

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