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

Spencer had to vote publicly to pursue aggregation.

  • The Town Meeting vote occurred on May 4, 2023.

2. Public review and comment

To obtain the necessary regulatory approval to launch Spencer Electric Choice, the Town had to 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 Spencer will meet regulatory requirements.

  • Spencer’s Aggregation Plan and other aggregation documents were made available for a 30-day public review and comment period from April 17 – May 20, 2024, and presented to the public on April 17, 2024.

3. Regulatory review and approval

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

  • Spencer had an advisory meeting with the DOER on May 22, 2024.
  • Spencer’s Aggregation Plan was submitted to the DPU for review and approval on July 25, 2024. A public hearing occurred as part of that process on November 18, 2024. 
  • Spencer’s Aggregation Plan received DPU approval on January 17, 2025.

4. Signing an electricity supply contract

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

  • Spencer signed a 30-month contract with First Point Power that is in effect from June 2025 to December 2027.

5. Public notification and education

After the electricity supply contract is signed, Spencer 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.

  • Coming-soon postcard mailing date: March 26, 2025
  • Opt-out notice mailing date: April 2, 2025

6. Program launch

At the conclusion of the public education effort, Spencer Electric 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. Spencer Electric Choice will launch with June 2025 meter reads.