Program implementation process

Municipal electricity aggregation was enabled by the Massachusetts Restructuring Act of 1997 (Chapter 164, Section 134) and is regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU).

The implementation process 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

Pepperell had to vote publicly to pursue aggregation.

• The Town Meeting vote occurred on May 9, 2022.

2. Public review and comment

To obtain the regulatory approval needed to launch Pepperell Community Electricity, the Town first created a draft Aggregation Plan and made 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 Pepperell will meet regulatory requirements.

• Pepperell’s draft Aggregation Plan was made available for a 30-day public review and comment period from April 11 – May 11, 2024, and presented to the public on April 11, 2024. 

3. Regulatory review and approval

Pepperell submitted its Aggregation Plan to the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) for review and then to the DPU for approval.

• Pepperell’s Aggregation Plan was reviewed by the DOER on May 9, 2023.
• Pepperell’s Aggregation Plan was approved by the DPU on April 8, 2024.

4. Signing an electricity supply contract

Once the regulatory review process was complete and Pepperell’s Aggregation Plan received approval from the DPU, Pepperell implemented a competitive procurement process to select and sign a contract with an electricity supplier.

• Pepperell conducted a competitive bid and signed an electricity supply contract with First Point Power on June 26, 2024.

5. Public notification and education

After the electricity supply contract was signed, Pepperell sent a formal notification in August to electricity account holders with National Grid’s Basic Service who were eligible for automatic enrollment in the program. (The automatic enrollment model is state law.) The notice included information about program options and prices and how to opt out if you do not wish to participate.

In addition, Pepperell conducted a public outreach about the program, which included a media release and public information sessions where community members could ask questions.

6. Program launch

At the conclusion of the public education effort, Pepperell Community Electricity launched.

• Pepperell Community Electricity launched in October 2024.