Program implementation process

Implementing a municipal electricity aggregation program like Maynard 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, 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

 Maynard had to vote publicly to pursue aggregation.

  • The Town Meeting vote occurred on May 21, 2012.

2. Public review and comment

 To obtain the necessary regulatory approval to launch Maynard Power 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 Maynard will meet regulatory requirements.

  • Maynard’s Aggregation Plan was presented to the public on May 21, 2024, and made available for a 30-day period of public review and comment from May 21 – June 20, 2024.

3. Regulatory review and approval

 Maynard 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 many months and can take as long as a year to complete.

  • Maynard participated in an advisory meeting with the DOER on September 30, 2024.

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

 Once the regulatory review process is complete and Maynard’s Aggregation Plan has received approval from the DPU, Maynard 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, Maynard will conduct a public education effort to inform the community about program details like prices 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, Maynard Power Choice will launch. Any account on Eversource’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.