Umair Gaines
Somerville, Massachusetts, has an electricity aggregation program called Somerville Community Choice Electricity (Somerville CCE). The program aims to stabilize electricity costs for residents and businesses and increase the use of renewable energy sources. Eversource is the default electricity supplier for the city, but residents can choose to opt into the Somerville CCE program. The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) regulates investor-owned electric and gas companies in Massachusetts and can provide information on power outages and billing issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electricity company | Eversource |
| Electricity aggregation program | Somerville Community Choice Electricity (CCE) |
| Goal of the program | Reduce and stabilize the cost of electricity, increase the share of renewable energy |
| Electricity bill supplier | Direct Energy City of Somerville |
| Electricity bill opt-out | Available |
| Electricity bill opt-out process | Mail-in opt-out card with pre-paid postage |
| Electricity bill opt-out deadline | 30 days after notification |
| Electricity regulator | Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) |
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What You'll Learn
- The electric company serving Sommerville, MA, is Eversource
- The City of Somerville offers a Community Choice Electricity (CCE) program
- The CCE program provides stable rates and more renewable energy
- The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) regulates electric companies in Massachusetts
- Multiple companies might serve a single city or town in Massachusetts
The electric company serving Sommerville, MA, is Eversource
In June 2016, the City of Somerville submitted an aggregation plan for review and approval by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU). The DPU is responsible for regulating investor-owned electric and gas companies in the state, as well as some privately-owned water companies. The DPU also has limited oversight of municipal light plants (MLPs) that provide electric and/or gas services in certain locations within Massachusetts.
The aggregation plan, known as Somerville Community Choice Electricity (Somerville CCE), was approved by the DPU in April 2017. This program is designed to reduce and stabilize electricity costs for Somerville residents and businesses while increasing the city's renewable energy supply. Somerville CCE offers stable rates and a higher proportion of renewable electricity than required by state law.
While most Somerville residents and businesses participate in the Somerville CCE program, Eversource continues to be the default supplier for those who opt out or have not switched. Customers who are enrolled in the Somerville CCE program but wish to return to Eversource can do so at any time without penalty. Eversource remains responsible for billing and service for all customers, regardless of their participation in the Somerville CCE program.
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The City of Somerville offers a Community Choice Electricity (CCE) program
The Somerville CCE program offers three different options for electricity supply, so everyone in Somerville can find an option that fits their budget and climate goals. The standard and optional products include more Renewable Energy Certificates (MA Class I RECs) than required by the Commonwealth, enabling participants to support the growth of renewable energy generation in the region.
All Somerville ratepayers received a notification letter on June 1, with a mail-in opt-out card and pre-paid postage. Ratepayers were automatically enrolled 30 days after notification unless they chose to opt out in advance. Customers may also leave the program at any time without penalty and will be automatically returned to Eversource supply.
The Somerville CCE program is regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU), which oversees investor-owned electric and gas companies in the state, as well as some privately-owned water companies and municipal light plants (MLPs).
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The CCE program provides stable rates and more renewable energy
Somerville, Massachusetts, has its own electricity supplier: Somerville Community Choice Electricity (CCE). The CCE program provides stable rates and more renewable energy to Somerville residents and businesses.
The CCE program is a bulk-buying program that aims to reduce and stabilize electricity costs for the city's residents and businesses. It does this by using strategic purchasing and the bulk purchasing power of thousands of Somerville households and businesses. This allows the program to offer competitive, stable rates. While savings cannot be guaranteed because future Basic Service rates are unknown, ratepayers will be insulated from market fluctuations. Additionally, income-eligible customers can still receive Eversource's 36% discount while participating in the CCE program.
The CCE program also prioritizes increasing the share of renewable "green" energy in Somerville's electricity supply. The default supply contains 5% more renewable energy than what is required by Massachusetts state law. This includes 26% local renewable energy, compared to the 16% required by the state. Participants in the program also have the option to increase their renewable energy percentage to 100% by switching to Somerville 100% Local Green. This option provides more renewable energy certificates (MA Class I RECs) than required by the Commonwealth and comes from sources such as solar, wind, anaerobic digestion, and low-impact hydro located within New England.
The CCE program offers different products to allow participants to find the right balance of cost and renewable electricity. The program's standard product, Somerville Local Green, includes more renewable energy certificates than required by the state. Participants can also choose from a range of optional products to find the best fit for their needs.
The CCE program is an electricity aggregation program that is available to anyone who pays a residential or business electric account in Somerville. Most residents and businesses in Somerville already participate in the program, and new participants can enroll by checking their electricity bill and completing the enrollment form if Eversource is still listed as their supplier.
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The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) regulates electric companies in Massachusetts
The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is responsible for regulating electric companies in Massachusetts. The DPU is an adjudicatory agency with a three-member commission that oversees investor-owned electric power companies, natural gas companies, and some privately-owned water companies in the state. Its primary mission is to ensure that consumers' rights are protected and that utility companies provide reliable services at the lowest possible cost.
In Somerville, Massachusetts, the city has introduced the Somerville Community Choice Electricity (Somerville CCE) program. This program aims to reduce and stabilize electricity costs for residents and businesses while increasing the use of renewable "green" energy in the city's electricity supply. As of June 2016, Somerville submitted its aggregation plan for review and approval by the DPU, receiving approval in April 2017.
The DPU plays a crucial role in overseeing and regulating the electric power sector in Massachusetts. It works towards achieving specific goals, including protecting electric ratepayers, improving transparency and responsiveness, and enhancing public engagement. Additionally, the DPU is committed to developing alternatives to traditional regulation, monitoring service quality, and ensuring safety in the transportation and natural gas pipeline sectors.
While the DPU regulates investor-owned electric companies, Somerville's Somerville CCE program adds an interesting dynamic. This program leverages the concept of "municipal aggregation," which is allowed by state law. As a result, Somerville CCE can negotiate and purchase electricity in bulk on behalf of its residents and businesses, potentially driving down costs and increasing the use of renewable energy sources.
It's important to note that the DPU also provides consumer support. For instance, if you experience a power outage, the DPU can direct you to the appropriate resources and your electric company to address the issue. Similarly, the DPU's Consumer Division can assist with billing issues and other concerns related to electric, gas, and water services.
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Multiple companies might serve a single city or town in Massachusetts
In the state of Massachusetts, cities and towns are treated the same way under state law. They both collect taxes, provide services, and operate police departments. However, the key difference lies in their form of government. Cities like Boston, Lawrence, and Fall River have an elected mayor and council, while towns rely on the Town Meeting format for legislation. This means that towns in Massachusetts have more power compared to towns in other states, and this unique structure might be why multiple companies can serve a single city or town.
For example, in the city of Somerville, Massachusetts, multiple electricity companies serve the residents. In June 2016, Somerville submitted an aggregation plan for review and approval by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU). The DPU approved this plan in April 2017. This plan, known as Somerville Community Choice Electricity (Somerville CCE), is a bulk-buying program for electricity aimed at reducing and stabilizing electricity costs for residents and businesses. It also aims to increase the use of renewable "green" energy in Somerville's electricity supply. While Somerville CCE sources electricity for the city, Eversource still issues the bills and provides customer service. Additionally, ratepayers can choose to opt out of the Somerville CCE program and solely stick with Eversource.
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Frequently asked questions
Somerville's electricity supplier is listed as Direct Energy City of Somerville. Eversource is also listed as a supplier for the area.
The Somerville CCE is a bulk-buying program for households and businesses in Somerville, MA. The program aims to reduce electricity costs and increase the use of renewable energy sources.
Somerville ratepayers will receive a notification letter with a mail-in opt-out card. If you do not opt out, you will be automatically enrolled after 30 days. You can also complete an enrollment form to sign up.
The goal of the Somerville CCE program is to provide stable rates and increase the amount of renewable electricity above what is required by state law.
