Nearly two dozen Southcoast communities have officially entered a power purchasing agreement for the area's electricity consumers.

The Community Electricity Aggregation Program has reached an agreement with Con Ed Solutions to provide electricity to the 23 communities for two years at a fixed rate of 9.49 cents per kilowatt hour. That's about a 10% savings over the current Eversource and National Grid rates.

New Bedford Energy Director Scott Durkee tells WBSM News residents who are eligible for the savings will be automatically enrolled. "You'll still have one single bill. Everything stays the same. If there's any issues that you have with the electricity, you call Eversource. The only change is the part of the bill that says your supply source. Instead of saying Eversource, it'll say Con Ed Solutions," explained Durkee.

Acushnet, Fairhaven, Fall River, Freetown, Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, and many other Southcoast communities are estimated to see a collective $15 million savings within the first six months of the program.

The new rates will go into effect in January.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Community “Choice” Electricity Aggregation?

Community “Choice” Electricity Aggregation is a program in Massachusetts that allows cities and towns to bring together large groups of residential & business electricity accounts to seek cheaper supply rates, essentially through bulk-purchasing. The main objective is to lower your electricity bills.

The city has partnered with 23 other municipalities in this aggregation, or bulk purchasing.

Will the Community Electricity Aggregation program include both electricity and natural gas?

No. This program will focus only on your electricity.

How does Community Electricity Aggregation work?

The process was started through a Motion passed in City Council. The city’s Energy Office oversees the consultant, Good Energy L.P., as they seek to bring you the lowest electricity rate from Third Party Supplier’s. You will be able to Opt-Out of the program during a 30 day period at the onset of the program or leave the program at any point with no termination penalty.

How long will the contract term be for?

The contract term is anticipated to be for 24 months.

Are there any fees or penalties?

No, there will be not be any fees or penalties

Who do I call if there is an outage or issues with my electricity bill?

Your service and billing questions will continue to be directed to Eversource @(800) 592-2000

Your service will not be affected in any way. Eversource does not make any money from the electricity they supply your account(s), only the delivery of that electricity.

Do I have to sign a contract?

No.  There is no contract to sign and the program is designed to be as easy as possible for participants.  Those customers with current Eversource basic service will automatically be enrolled in which you will receive an opt-out option if you choose this is not for you. If you have signed up with a competitive supplier please call NBEN @ (508) 991-6193 to assess your options for participation in the aggregation.

When will I begin seeing a change in my electricity bill and how will it be impacted?

The program is expected to begin in January and you will continue to receive one bill from Eversource. The only change will be the new fixed supply rate and the chosen provider stated.

Where can I get more information about the Community Electricity Aggregation program?

What’s the catch you ask? If you have any additional questions or want find out if you’re eligible, your expected savings, or what happens after the program expires and how this program can benefit you regardless if you’re already signed up with a competitive supplier please contact the city’s Energy Office Program: “New Bedford Energy Now” (NBEN) @ (508) 991-6193

*NBEN will be holding public meetings and informational sessions throughout the city. The schedule as well as guidance documents will be posted on the City’s and its department’s websites. You can also find regional information on the community choice electricity aggregation at website www.masscea.com

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