Program implementation process

Implementing a municipal electricity aggregation program like Hopkinton Power Choice is a regulated process that is overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU).

The implementation process can take as long as a year to complete, and it includes a regulatory review and approval process that typically requires several months. The list below includes key milestones in the program implementation process.

1. Public vote

Hopkinton had to vote publicly to pursue aggregation.

• The Town Meeting vote occurred on May 7, 2023.

2. Public review and comment

To obtain the regulatory approval needed to launch Hopkinton Power Choice, the Town must first create an Aggregation Plan and make it and other aggregation documents available for public review and comment.

The Aggregation Plan is a high-level authorization document that lays out the program structure and demonstrates how Hopkinton will meet regulatory requirements.

• Hopkinton’s Aggregation Plan and other aggregation documents were made available for a 30-day public review and comment period from August 8 – September 9, 2024, and presented to the public on August 15, 2024.

3. Regulatory review and approval

Hopkinton must submit its Aggregation Plan to the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) for review and then to the DPU for approval before the program can launch.

This regulatory review process typically takes several months.

• Hopkinton participated in an advisory meeting with the DOER on June 18, 2024.
• Hopkinton’s Aggregation Plan was submitted to the DPU on November 7, 2024.

4. Signing an electricity supply contract

Once the regulatory review process is complete and Hopkinton’s Aggregation Plan has received approval from the DPU, Hopkinton will implement a competitive procurement process to select and sign a contract with an electricity supplier.

During the electricity supply procurement process, program details will be finalized, including the launch date and the price for each program option.

5. Public notification and education

After the electricity supply contract is signed, a formal notification will be sent from the Town to electricity account holders with Eversource’s Basic Service who are eligible for automatic enrollment in the program. (The automatic enrollment model is state law.) The notice will include information about program options and prices and how to opt out if you do not wish to participate. The notice will bear the Town Seal.

In addition, Hopkinton will conduct a public outreach about the program, which will include a media release and public information sessions where community members can ask questions.

Customers with private electricity supply contracts can begin requesting enrollment during this time as well.

6. Program launch

At the conclusion of the public education effort, Hopkinton Power Choice will launch. Hopkinton is targeting 2025 for program launch, depending on the duration of the state regulatory review and approval process.