Program implementation process

Implementing a municipal electricity aggregation program like Sherborn Power Choice is a regulated process that is overseen by the 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

 Sherborn had to vote publicly to pursue aggregation.

  • The Town Meeting vote occurred on August 15, 2020.

2. Public review and comment

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

  • Sherborn’s aggregation plan was presented to the public on March 8, 2021, and made available for a 3-week public review and comment period.

3. Regulatory review and approval

 Sherborn 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.

  • Sherborn’s plan was reviewed by the Massachusetts DOER on April 13, 2021.
  • Sherborn submitted its aggregation to the DPU for review and approval on May 14, 2021. The DPU held a hearing to accept public comment on July 20, 2021.
  • Sherborn’s Aggregation Plan received DPU approval on December 27, 2023.

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

 Once the regulatory review process is complete and Sherborn’s Aggregation Plan has received formal approval from the DPU, Sherborn 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.

  • Sherborn signed a 24-month electricity supply contract with Gridwealth Electric on February 27, 2024.

5. Public notification and education

 After the electricity supply contract is signed, Sherborn will conduct a public engagement 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, 2024.
  • Opt-Out Notice mailing date: April 2, 2024.

6. Program launch

 At the conclusion of that public education effort, Sherborn 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 the state law.) Any electricity customer who has an electricity supply contract at this time will not be automatically enrolled but will be able to enroll quickly and easily if they wish.

  • Program launch: June 2024 meter reads.