Program implementation process

Implementing a municipal electricity aggregation program like Hanover Energy 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, because the regulatory review and approval process typically requires many months. The list below includes key milestones in the program implementation process.

1. Public vote

 Hanover had to vote publicly to pursue aggregation.

  • The Town Meeting vote occurred on May 1, 2023.

2. Public review and comment

 To obtain the necessary regulatory approval to launch Hanover Energy Choice, the Town must first create an Aggregation Plan and make it available for public review and comment. The Aggregation Plan is a high-level authorization document that lays out the program structure and demonstrates how Hanover will meet regulatory requirements.

  • Hanover’s Aggregation Plan and other aggregation documents were made available for a 30-day public review and comment period from March 18  – April 17, 2024, and a presentation about the Aggregation Plan was delivered to the public on March 18.

3. Regulatory review and approval

 Hanover must submit its Aggregation Plan to the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) for review and then to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) for approval before the program can launch. This regulatory review process typically takes many months and can take as long as a year to complete.

  • Hanover’s Aggregation Plan was reviewed by DOER on April 10, 2024.
  • Hanover’s Aggregation Plan was submitted to the DPU for review and approval on April 24, 2024. A public hearing occurred as part of that process on July 8, 2024. 

4. Choosing an electricity supplier and signing an electricity supply contract

 Once the regulatory review process is complete and Hanover’s Aggregation Plan has received approval from the DPU, Hanover will implement a public procurement process to select and sign a contract with an electricity supplier. During this process, program details will be finalized, including the amount of renewable energy in any program options and the price for each option.

5. Public notification and education

 After the electricity supply contract is signed, Hanover will conduct a public education effort to inform the community about program details like price and renewable energy. This effort will include public information sessions. In addition, a formal notification letter will be sent from the Town to each electricity account holder who is eligible for automatic enrollment in the program. The letter will include information about program options and prices and how to opt out if you do not want to participate.

6. Program launch

 At the conclusion of the public education effort, Hanover Energy Choice will launch. Any account on National Grid’s Basic Service will be automatically enrolled in the program, unless they choose to opt out. (Automatic enrollment is state law.) Any electricity customer who has a private electricity supply contract at this time will not be automatically enrolled but will be able to enroll quickly and easily if they wish. Hanover is targeting late 2024 or early 2025 for program launch, depending on the duration of the state regulatory review and approval process.