Program implementation process

Implementing a municipal electricity aggregation program like Dunstable Community Power 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 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

Dunstable had to vote publicly to pursue aggregation.

• The Town Meeting vote occurred May 13, 2024.

2. Public review and comment

To obtain the regulatory approval needed to launch Dunstable Community Power, 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 Dunstable will meet regulatory requirements.

• Dunstable’s Aggregation Plan and other aggregation documents were made available for a 30-day public review and comment period from September 24 – October 25, 2024, and presented to the public on September 24, 2024.

3. Regulatory review and approval

Dunstable 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.

• Dunstable’s Aggregation Plan was reviewed by the Massachusetts DOER on August 27, 2024.
• Dunstable’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 Dunstable’s Aggregation Plan has received approval from the DPU, Dunstable 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 National Grid’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, Dunstable will conduct a public outreach about the program, which will include a media release and public information sessions where community members can ask questions.

Electricity 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, Dunstable Community Power will launch. Dunstable is targeting 2025 for program launch, depending on the duration of the state regulatory review and approval process.