Program implementation process

Implementing a municipal electricity aggregation program like Framingham Community Electricity 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

 Framingham had to vote publicly to pursue aggregation.

  • The City Council vote occurred on March 15, 2022.

2. Public review and comment

 To obtain the necessary regulatory approval to launch Framingham Community Electricity, the City 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 Framingham will meet regulatory requirements.

  • Framingham’s Aggregation Plan is available for a 30-day public review and comment period from May 1 – June 1, 2023 and was presented to the public on May 2, 2023.

3. Regulatory review and approval

 Framingham 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.

  • Framingham partcipated in an advisory meeting with the DOER on July 11, 2023.
  • Framingham’s Aggregation Plan was submitted to the DPU on February 2, 2024.

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

 Once the regulatory review process is complete and Framingham’s Aggregation Plan has received approval from the DPU, Framingham 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, Framingham 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 City 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, Framingham Community Electricity 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. Framingham is targeting 2024 for program launch, depending on the duration of the state regulatory review and approval process.