Franklin Energy Program Announces New Supplier And Lower 36-Month Contracted Rates

The Town of Franklin has signed a thirty-six month contract with a new electricity supplier, First Point Power. Beginning with the November 2025 meter reads, the Franklin Community Choice Power Supply Program will have a new rate of $0.139 per kWh for its standard product which meets the state’s minimum renewable requirements (this is a change in renewable energy content). 

Town of Franklin

The Program will also now offer an additional, optional product that uses 100% Massachusetts Class I Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), at a rate of $0.1659 per kWh. 

The Town’s current contracted supply rate of $0.151 per kWh with Dynegy Energy will expire with the November 2025 meter reads, at which time the new, lower contracted rate with First Point Power will take effect. This new rate is approximately 10% lower than National Grid’s current Residential Basic Service rate of $0.1548 per kWh and 7% lower than Eversource’s current Residential Basic Service rate of $0.1488 per kWh. Residents can expect to see an average savings of $7 per month (National Grid) and $6 per month (Eversource) for the months of November 2025 through January 2026.

Residents who are already enrolled do not need to take any action to opt-in to this program with the standard product at a rate of $0.139 per kWh. To opt-in with the optional 100% Massachusetts Class I Renewable Energy Certificates product at a rate of $0.1659 per kWh,  residents will need to visit colonialpowergroup.com/franklin or call First Point Power at (888) 875-1711. 

Residents who are not already enrolled but would like to enroll will need to opt-in to the program. To opt-in, visit colonialpowergroup.com/franklin or call First Point Power at (888) 875-1711.

Anyone who is enrolled will see the new rate and “First Point Power” printed under the “Supply Services” section of their December 2025 bill. 

The Franklin Community Choice Power Supply Program has no fees or charges. 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.

Basic Service rates with National Grid and Eversource change twice a year or more, depending on rate class. As a result, the aggregation rate with First Point Power 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, future savings cannot be guaranteed. Participants in the program are able to opt-out or re-enroll at any time.

National Grid has several programs to help income-eligible families and customers needing special assistance meet their energy needs. To learn more visit nationalgridus.com/MA-Home/Bill-Help/Payment-Assistance-Programs.

Residents may visit colonialpowergroup.com/franklin or call (866) 485-5858 ext. 1 to learn more about Franklin’s Community Choice Power Supply Program, to opt-in or opt-out, or to change product selection.

Residents may also visit the Town of Franklin’s Municipal Aggregation website at: https://www.franklinma.gov/163/Municipal-Aggregation

Franklin launched its electricity program in November 2020 in an effort to develop an energy program that would be stable, affordable and incorporate renewable energy. From inception through March 2025, the Program has saved residents and small businesses over $16.6 million in electricity costs as compared to National Grid Basic Service.

ABOUT COLONIAL POWER GROUP: 

Based in Marlborough, Mass., Colonial Power Group is the leading aggregation-consulting firm in Massachusetts. Colonial Power has been working with local governments since 2002 in the design, implementation and management of municipal aggregation programs.

Massachusetts Electric Utility Customers Will Soon Be Eligible for Heat Pump Discount Rates

Submitted by Mark Minnichelli – member, Energize Franklin

"The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities has recently approved new, lower electric rates for residential customers using heat pumps to heat their homes. Franklin residents who heat their homes using heat pumps should contact their electric supplier (typically National Grid) to enroll in the new residential heat pump rate prior to November 1, 2025. And since these new, lower rates apply to the distribution and transmission charge portion of the bill, even those who are using Franklin’s municipal aggregation rate for electric supply should still see significant savings!

On Friday, September 5th, I called National Grid requesting access to the new heat pump electric rate. I was told that I would need to provide proof of heat pump purchase and installation, but that National Grid was not yet ready to accept applications. I was also told they would be ready for applications by the end of September or beginning of October; roughly the time of publication for this article.

www.energizefranklin.org

If you are a National Grid customer, check out their website www.nationalgridus.com or call their customer service number: 800-322-3223 for more information on how to enroll."

The following information regarding details of this new program were published on the Mass.gov website on July 29, 2025:

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) recently issued an order approving a new heat pump rate that eligible Eversource customers can start taking advantage of this winter. Customers of all three electric utilities that use heat pumps will be able to enroll in the seasonal electric rates which could save them an average of $540 this winter.  

Last summer, the DPU approved a seasonal heat pump rate for Unitil electric customers, and it approved a similar rate in September of 2024 for National Grid customers. The DPU worked quickly to approve Eversource’s rate, taking only four months to conduct the proceeding before issuing its order. Now, customers of all three electric utilities can access heat pump rates. The new rates will be available every winter for qualifying customers.  

“With heat pump adoption picking up statewide, these discount rates will further help make a dent in winter heating bills,” said Chair James Van Nostrand. “The seasonal rates we approved for heat pump households puts money back into customers’ pockets.”  

“This new order makes it possible for electric customers with heat pumps to lower their utility bills in the winter while strengthening our grid and reducing harmful emissions,” said Commissioner Cecile Fraser. 

“By approving these flexible rates for the winter, we make heat pumps more cost-effective, and improve air quality and public health,” said Commissioner Staci Rubin. “The new rates effective this winter make our clean energy transition more affordable and accessible.”   

Heat pumps make it possible for households to decarbonize quickly and efficiently, with minimal impacts to their homes. Heat pumps use electricity to both cool and heat homes, making them an economical solution to mitigate volatile winter utility bills. 

These seasonal rates are at a lower cost than the average base distribution rates from the electric utilities. The new rates for heat pump households will have no financial impact on other electric customers: non-heat pump households will not pay more for electricity this winter because of the new rate.  

To be eligible for the new rates, households must be customers of one of the three electric utilities (Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil), have a heat pump installed in their homes, and communicate to their electric provider that they wish to enroll in the seasonal rate before the winter heating season starts on November 1, 2025. Residential customers in the electric utilities’ low-income discount program that use a heat pump are able to also enroll in the new seasonal rate.  

Customers who installed their heat pumps through Mass Save may be automatically enrolled in the new rates but should call their electric utility provider to confirm their enrollment.

Energize Franklin is an online space where friends and neighbors here in Franklin can find inspiration and see what others in their community are doing. Anyone can go to the site to browse the suggested actions, or you can sign up and track the actions you’ve done and create a to-do list for items you would like to accomplish. Having a free account also allows you to track your carbon reductions and leave a testimonial. You can find us online at www.energizefranklin.org.

Franklin Secures Lower Electricity Rate for Franklin Residents

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

National Grid Helicopter to Patrol Entire Electric Transmission System in Franklin

via Franklin Dept of Public Works 

"FYI: National Grid Helicopter to Patrol Entire Electric Transmission System

Beginning 2/3/25, National Grid will conduct helicopter visual patrol of its entire Transmission system along statewide rights-of-way. This visual survey is expected to last 3 weeks dependent on good weather.

The licensed vendor, JBI will be flying a Blue/Yellow helicopter at patrol speeds with a brief hover over transmission structures that may require maintenance work.

If you have any questions, please contact the Northborough Dispatch Center (800) 462-9852."

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1AFJ1Rskie/

National Grid Helicopter to Patrol Entire Electric Transmission System in Franklin

Representative Roy Among Climate Leaders Honored at the State House for their Work in Energy Efficiency

State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) was among those honored at the 2024 Mass Save Climate Leaders ceremony held at the State House on Tuesday, January 21st.

The annual event, co-hosted by the Sponsors of Mass Save (National Grid, Eversource, Until, Berkshire Gas, Liberty, and the Cape Light Compact), celebrated 19 “Climate Leaders” across a range of industries for partnering with Mass Save to make substantial and innovative energy efficiency investments.  Representative Roy also received an award honoring him for his unwavering commitment to advancing energy efficiency in Massachusetts.

(L-R) Katherine Peters, Director of Residential Energy
Efficiency at Eversource, Rep Roy
and Chris Porter from National Grid, Director
 of Customer Energy Management at National Grid

Collectively, the Mass Save Climate Leaders avoided 47,500 metric tons of CO2, which is equivalent to the amount of energy used by over 6,300 homes in one year.  The awardees represented industries across a wide array of sectors such as healthcare; municipalities; community organizations; cultural institutions; hospitality; industrial & agricultural energy efficiency; post-secondary education; developers; the food industry; and school districts.  

Among those honored was the Acton Boxborough Regional School District (ABRSD). ABRSD Superintendent Peter Light, formerly Principal at Franklin High School, was at the ceremony on behalf of the district to receive the award.

The ABRSD was honored for their work as one of the first-ever U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools awardees.  Their Boardwalk Campus is a newly constructed, fully electric project that relocated two separate elementary schools into one energy efficient building.  With the help of their Mass Save partner Eversource, the project exceeded an Energy Use Intensity goal and installed energy-efficient measures such as ground-source heat pumps, enhanced insulation, demand-control ventilation, energy recovery, as well as a commercial-scale electric kitchen.

Representative Roy spoke at the awards ceremony along with Elizabeth Mahony, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, as well as leaders from Eversource and National Grid, each a Mass Save sponsor.

Representative Roy speaking

“I applaud the 2024 Mass Save Climate Leaders for undertaking innovative, climate-driven solutions to reduce their energy use and carbon footprint,” said State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin).  “I especially want to thank the Mass Save Sponsors for honoring me with an award and for their strong partnerships with entities across the Commonwealth to facilitate tangible, measurable, and impactful climate action that moves Massachusetts forward into its clean energy future.”

 “I’m happy to be here to celebrate the Mass Save Climate Leaders and their good work to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and lower energy use through efficiency measures,” said Elizabeth Mahony, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. “The 2024 Climate Leaders are undertaking impressive projects including electrification, energy efficient upgrades, sustainable building projects, energy conservation, net zero buildings, and two all-electric geothermal schools.”

“It is our pleasure to recognize the 2024 Mass Save Climate Leaders, all of whom have distinguished themselves as true leaders in our collective missions to help Massachusetts achieve a net zero future,” said Tilak Subrahmanian, Vice President of Energy Efficiency at Eversource. “The impact each has had – individually and collectively – cannot be overstated.” 

“Thank you, honorees, for being leaders not just in your industries, but for the entire Commonwealth,” said Christopher Porter, Director of Customer Energy Management at National Grid. “Your commitment to innovation, sustainability, and climate action is a testament to what can be achieved when we all work together towards a common goal.”

In recent years, the Legislature has taken significant steps to help decarbonize the Commonwealth while maintaining affordability and energy reliability. 

In 2021, the Legislature set bold goals to reduce emissions with the Next Generation Roadmap Law, which required clean energy and climate “roadmap” plans every five years through 2050 to ensure the Bay State stayed on track.  

In 2022, they built on this work by creating clean energy policies and programs to help meet these limits. 

Recently, in 2024, the Legislature passed a climate bill which makes historic changes that streamline the state’s siting and permitting processes for clean energy infrastructure projects, and promotes clean energy, battery storage, and electric vehicle policies to build a robust charging network, among many other reforms. 

They also passed a climatetech bill which provides significant levels of funding and tax incentives to support the growth of the climatetech industry, making the Commonwealth a competitive hub for this innovative and critical sector. This bill was modeled after legislation that helped launch the successful life sciences industry in Massachusetts. 

Reminder: NationalGrid outage reporting helps

There are a number of power outages around Franklin as of the result of the storm Sunday/Monday. Trees were a common cause.

Outage map as of 12/18/23 approx. 9:30 PM

There was considerable improvement overnight as the status this AM shows 12/19 - 7 AM

It is good to log into your NationalGrid account and report the outage for your location. That sets you up for individual updates and notifications on the outage specifically for your location. 

Reminder on estimated time to restore

Link to outage map (The map updates every 5 minutes) https://outagemap.ma.nationalgridus.com/?_gl=1*1dbqlj0*_ga*MTczNjU2ODI0My4xNzAyOTM4MzQy*_ga_FH50R0D4B4*MTcwMjk1MTk3Ni4zLjEuMTcwMjk1MzY5OS42MC4wLjA.

National Grid MA files Comprehensive Performance and Investment (CPI) plan

National Grid MA posted on Fri, Nov 17, 2023:

We have filed a Comprehensive Performance and Investment (CPI) plan with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities. This is part of our required Rate Review filing, designed to deliver the fair, affordable and clean energy transition, reinforce the local energy grid and hold us accountable to achieving a smarter, stronger, cleaner and more equitable energy future for the 1.3 million customers we serve across #Massachusetts

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/nationalgridMA/status/1725526811918877062

Read the summary of the plan -> https://www.nationalgridus.com/News/2023/11/National-Grid-Submits-Comprehensive-Performance-Investment-Plan-as-Part-of-Rate-Review-to-Build-a-Smarter,-Stronger,-Cleaner,-and-More-Equitable-Energy-Future/

National Grid MA files Comprehensive Performance and Investment (CPI) plan

Franklin Secures Stable Electricity Rate Through Renewal of Utility Relief Program

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

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

Franklin Secures Stable Electricity Rate Through Renewal of Utility Relief Program

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

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

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

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

Franklin Community Choice Program customers currently enrolled in the program will not need to re-enroll or do anything to continue to participate. Residents and business owners are eligible to opt-in or opt-out of the program at will, and those currently not enrolled in the program will need to enroll if interested in participating. There are no fees for enrollment or cancellation, however, residents and business owners with a supplier block on their account must contact National Grid to request that the block be removed to participate in Franklin's Community Choice Power Supply program, and anyone switching from a contract with a third-party supplier may be subject to penalties or early termination fees charged by that supplier. Ratepayers should verify terms before switching. 

Basic Service rates change twice a year or more, depending on rate class. As a result, the aggregation rate may not always be lower than the Basic Service rate. The goal of the aggregation is to deliver savings over the life of the program against National Grid Basic Service. However, such savings and future savings cannot be guaranteed.

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

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

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

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

Head's Up Franklinites! National Grid is going to be doing some tree trimming

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted on Fri, Jul 21, 2023:

DPW Notice: North Eastern Tree will conduct preventative tree around National Grid's power lines over the next several months. 

Access a full list of streets scheduled for tree work here: https://t.co/VCVF0mOCV1 

https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1682392490953850881

Following is a list of streets scheduled to be included:

• King St.
• Lockewood Dr.
• Wachusett St.
• Susan's Way
• Lawrence Dr.
• Sandy Lane
• Summer St.
• Crocker Ave
• Lewis St.
• Cook St.
• Hill AveEast Central St.
• Glen Meadow Rd.
• Squibnocket Rd.
• Shawkemo Path
• Woodchester Rd.
• Marion St.
• Florence St.
• Uncas Brook Dr.
• Uncas Pond Rd.
• Old Birch St.
• Jordan Rd.

National Grid is going to be doing some tree trimming

Register Now! The Transmission Challenge: Unleashing New England's Renewable Energy Potential featuring Sen. Markey

The Transmission Challenge:Unleashing New England's Renewable Energy PotentialA new era of renewable energy beckons in New England. Yet the promise of deploying abundant clean energy — both on land and at sea — faces a fundamental obstacle: the need for new and upgraded transmission infrastructure.  Without significant transmission planning and investment, New England states risk squandering clean and inexpensive energy sources while falling short of vitally important carbon reduction goals. Effective transmission planning will help ensure states meet greenhouse gas reduction goals and reward New England ratepayers with billions in energy savings.Join RENEW Northeast, an organization that unites environmental advocates and the clean energy industry, along with energy regulators, elected officials, and thought leaders, for a conference on the urgent and necessary steps to build the transmission foundation for the next era of clean energy.Monday, April 3, 20238:30 a.m. - NoonFederal Reserve Bank of BostonProgram Details:Keynote Address - Senator Edward J. MarkeyPresentation - Maria Robinson, Director, Grid Deployment Office, U.S. Department of EnergyPanel Discussion - Making the Connection: Transmission Challenges Confronting Renewable EnergyNew England faces a variety of challenges in connecting needed renewable energy resources to a legacy grid built around fossil fuel power plants. Our panel of leading clean energy executives, public interest organizations and leading academic researchers will explore the opportunities and obstacles in harnessing the full potential of New England renewable energy.Featured Panelists: Clarke Bruno, CEO, AnbaricMichelle Gardner, Executive Director, Regulatory Affairs - Northeast, NextEra Energy ResourcesCarrie Hitt, Lead Transmission Strategy & Innovation Hub, EquinorSarah Jackson, Northeast Climate Mitigation Strategy Lead, The Nature ConservancyLopa Parikh, Head of Electricity Policy, OrstedPanel Discussion - The Transmission Infrastructure Opportunity: The Regional PlanIn recognizing the need to expand transmission and work collaboratively, New England states are joining together to pursue Department of Energy funding to support the expanding grid capacity and building critical new infrastructure. What are the potential benefits from this innovative multi-state collaboration and what hurdles remain? Join leading New England energy officials working on the proposal (panel in formation).Featured Panelists:Moderator: Jon Chesto, Reporter, The Boston GlobePhilip L. Bartlett II, Chairman, Maine Public Utilities CommissionChristopher Kearns, Interim Energy Commissioner, Rhode Island Office of Energy ResourcesJason Marshall, Deputy Secretary & Special Counsel for Federal & Regional Energy Affairs, Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy & Environmental AffairsRegister Now for what promises to be an engaging morning. We look forward to seeing you there!

 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 

The Transmission Challenge: Unleashing New England's Renewable Energy Potential A new era of renewable energy beckons in New England. Yet the promise of deploying abundant clean energy — both on land and at sea — faces a fundamental obstacle: the need for new and upgraded transmission infrastructure.   Without significant transmission planning and investment, New England states risk squandering clean and inexpensive energy sources while falling short of vitally important carbon reduction goals. Effective transmission planning will help ensure states meet greenhouse gas reduction goals and reward New England ratepayers with billions in energy savings. Join RENEW Northeast, an organization that unites environmental advocates and the clean energy industry, along with energy regulators, elected officials, and thought leaders, for a conference on the urgent and necessary steps to build the transmission foundation for the next era of clean energy. Monday, April 3, 2023 8:30 a.m. - Noon Federal Reserve Bank of Boston Program Details: Keynote Address - Senator Edward J. Markey Presentation - Maria Robinson, Director, Grid Deployment Office, U.S. Department of Energy Panel Discussion - Making the Connection: Transmission Challenges Confronting Renewable Energy New England faces a variety of challenges in connecting needed renewable energy resources to a legacy grid built around fossil fuel power plants. Our panel of leading clean energy executives, public interest organizations and leading academic researchers will explore the opportunities and obstacles in harnessing the full potential of New England renewable energy. Featured Panelists: Clarke Bruno, CEO, Anbaric Michelle Gardner, Executive Director, Regulatory Affairs - Northeast, NextEra Energy Resources Carrie Hitt, Lead Transmission Strategy & Innovation Hub, Equinor Sarah Jackson, Northeast Climate Mitigation Strategy Lead, The Nature Conservancy Lopa Parikh, Head of Electricity Policy, Orsted Panel Discussion - The Transmission Infrastructure Opportunity: The Regional Plan In recognizing the need to expand transmission and work collaboratively, New England states are joining together to pursue Department of Energy funding to support the expanding grid capacity and building critical new infrastructure. What are the potential benefits from this innovative multi-state collaboration and what hurdles remain? Join leading New England energy officials working on the proposal (panel in formation). Featured Panelists: Moderator: Jon Chesto, Reporter, The Boston Globe Philip L. Bartlett II, Chairman, Maine Public Utilities Commission Christopher Kearns, Interim Energy Commissioner, Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources Jason Marshall, Deputy Secretary & Special Counsel for Federal & Regional Energy Affairs, Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs Register Now for what promises to be an engaging morning. We look forward to seeing you there! Monday, April 3, 2023 8:30 AM Transmission Challenge: Unleashing New England's Renewable Energy Potential Register Federal Reserve Bank of Boston RENEW Northeast PO Box 383, Madison, CT 06443 US

Department of Public Utilities Approves New Wave of Grid Modernization Investments

"The Department of Public Utilities last month approved plans from the state’s three largest electric utilities to invest more than $450 million to modernize grid technologies from 2022 through 2025.

Under the three-year plans, the electric distributors will expand grid monitoring, communication and automation technologies to increase the safety and reliability of the Massachusetts electric power system, state officials said.

NSTAR Electric, National Grid and Unitil had each filed their grid modernization plans last year."

Continue reading the article at Mass Municipal Association ->

https://www.mma.org/dpu-approves-electric-grid-modernization-plans/ 

The DPU website has additional information

https://www.mass.gov/news/department-of-public-utilities-approves-new-wave-of-grid-modernization-investments

Department of Public Utilities Approves New Wave of Grid Modernization Investments

CommonWealth Magazine: Here are some ways to lower your electric bill

If you are in Franklin and not already with a contract for service, or with a solar system, you should be part of the municipal aggregation plan with National Grid.  

The plan began in Nov 2020 and the current contract extends through Nov 2023. The plan should remain in effective after that time, the contract renewal rate will be determined next year. 

How can you tell if you are part of municipal aggregation? Looks at your most recent NationalGrid invoice/statement. There are two sections, one for delivery and one for supply. The suppler for municipal aggregation is Dynegy (Franklin Agg) and the rate should show as 0.10725 cents/kwh.

A copy of my redacted September invoice is shared with the delivery and supply sections circled.  https://drive.google.com/file/d/102IZ-zrPhP0L_FmmJxBGbpBCCThSwGYW/view?usp=sharing

Here are some ways to lower your electric bill as shared by CommonWealth Magazine

"MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS HAVE some options to avoid – or at least sidestep for awhile — the sky-high electricity rates coming this winter.

National Grid provided a glimpse of what’s coming last week, when it announced its basic service rate would jump to a record 39 cents a kilowatt hour starting November 1. That’s nearly four times the current 11.5-cent rate and close to three times last winter’s 14.8-cent rate. The new winter rate, if approved by state regulators, will increase the typical customer’s utility bill by $114 a month, or 64 percent., for the next six months.

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/the-download/here-are-some-ways-to-lower-your-electric-bill-2/

CommonWealth Magazine: Here are some ways to lower your electric bill

For more about Franklin's Municipal Aggregation program, visit the town page

https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/municipal-aggregation

National Grid electric rates to increase this winter but not for Franklin's Municipal Aggregation customers

"NATIONAL GRID said the price of electricity it supplies to customers in Massachusetts this winter is going to skyrocket to record levels because the cost of natural gas, the primary fuel used to generate power in New England, is soaring.

The utility said on Wednesday that the cost of electricity provided under its basic service plan will more than double on November 1, rising from 14.8 cents a kilowatt hour last winter to 33.9 cents this winter, the highest level ever."

Continue reading the article online -> 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/national-grid-says-electricity-prices-to-skyrocket/

For the Franklin National Grid customers who are part of Municipal Aggregation, there is no increase. Our contract price is not affect by this rate change.

For more about Franklin's Municipal Aggregation program, visit the town page

https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/municipal-aggregation

Franklin's Municipal Aggregation program

Other CommonWealth Mag coverage of the National Grid rate increase

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/healey-calls-national-grid-rate-hike-devastating/

Boston Globe (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/09/21/business/your-electric-bill-is-about-go-up-heres-why/

“It’s a pretty cost-effective solution”

"ONE OF THE LARGEST electric batteries in the nation is starting to provide backup power for Provincetown and will soon do the same for Truro and part of Wellfleet.

The $49 million battery, located on a few acres at the Provincetown transfer station, is designed to seamlessly integrate with the power grid in the area, called a microgrid. Whenever power goes down in a section of the grid, the battery will release its backup electricity to plug the gap.

The Provincetown battery was envisioned as a cheaper way to meet the reliability needs of the area. Currently, the area is served by a lone distribution line spinning off of a transmission line that ends 13 miles away in Wellfleet. Officials said building a new backup distribution line over that 13-mile stretch would have cost significantly more and it would have been partially routed through the Cape Cod National Seashore, raising a host of environmental issues."

Continue reading the article online 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/provincetown-hooked-up-to-large-electricity-battery/

Electric battery facility at Provincetown transfer station. (Photo courtesy of Eversource)

Making Sense of Climate with Ted McIntyre #12 - 06/23/22 (audio)

FM #826 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 826 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist. We recorded this via the Zoom conference bridge Thursday, June 23, 2022.  

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

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

The conversation runs about 36 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-826-making-sense-of-climate-12-06-23-22

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Articles referenced in this episode are collected in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sseaLTRkhhewVVCEzemgjAmCpohJJJoz/view?usp=sharing 

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

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

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

How can you help?

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

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

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

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

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

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

I hope you enjoy!

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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"

The report -> https://www.psr.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/hydrogen-pipe-dreams.pdf

Making Sense of Climate with Ted McIntyre #12