News Flash

A Public Informational Session will be held on Thursday, Sept. 5th at 7:00 in the Upton Community Center

To learn more visit https://www.uptonma.gov/854/Town-of-Upton-Community-Choice-Power-Sup

UPTON, MA – The Town of Upton is pleased to announce that it’s launching its Community Choice Power Supply Program this fall to provide an energy program that is stable, affordable and incorporates additional renewable energy. Upton signed a twenty-four month contract with Direct Energy.

Beginning with the October 2024 meter reads, Upton’s Program will offer three products with varying amounts of renewable energy content. “Through municipal aggregation, we’re ensuring that our community’s energy needs are met in a way that aligns with our values, including affordability, reliability, and sustainability,” said Joseph Laydon, Upton Town Manager.

*National Grid’s Residential Basic Service meets MA renewable energy requirements and is in effect from August 1, 2024 thru January 31, 2025. Assuming usage of 600-kilowatt hours of electricity per month, residents can expect to see an average savings for that period.

The Upton Community Choice Power Supply Program is a municipal aggregation program which, according to Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 164, § 134), enables local government to combine the purchasing power of its residents and businesses so that it can provide them with an alternative electricity supply. Approximately 190 Massachusetts communities, to date, have chosen to develop community choice electricity programs to benefit their residents and small business owners.

Residents will not notice any change in their electricity service. The only discernible difference will be that Direct Energy Services of Houston, Texas, will be printed under “Supply Services” on National Grid’s monthly bills. Residents and small business owners will continue to receive one bill from National Grid and to send payments to National Grid for processing. There will be no interruption in billing, power, or customer service.

No action is required by ratepayers to participate in this cost-saving program. The Program will be operated on an opt-out basis, meaning that all Upton residential and business customers currently on National Grid’s Basic Service will be automatically enrolled into the Program unless they choose to opt-out. Residents who wish to opt-down to the optional basic product or opt-up to the optional renewable product can make that selection accordingly.

There are no enrollment, early termination, or cancellation fees attached to the Upton electricity program. Residents who choose to opt-out can also opt-in at a later date if they so choose at no cost. However, anyone switching from a contract with a third-party supplier may be subject to penalties or early termination fees charged by that supplier. Ratepayers should verify terms before switching.

Basic Service rates change twice a year or more, depending on rate class. As a result, the aggregation rate may not always be lower than the Basic Service rate. The goal of the aggregation is to deliver savings over the life of the program against National Grid’s Basic Service. However, such savings and future savings cannot be guaranteed.

Residents or business owners with a supplier block on their account must contact National Grid to request that the block be removed if they want to participate in Upton’s electricity program.

National Grid has several programs to help income-eligible families and customers needing special assistance meet their energy needs. To learn more visit nationalgridus.com/MA-Home/Bill-Help/Payment-Assistance-Programs. 

An information session to answer any questions regarding Upton’s Community Choice Power Supply Program will be held by the Town and representatives of Colonial Power on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 7:00 PM at the Upton Community Center, Great Room, 9 Milford Street, Upton MA. The session will be taped for later broadcast and posting on the Town’s website.

Residents may also visit colonialpowergroup.com/upton or call (866) 485-5858 ext. 1 to learn more about Upton’s Community Choice Power Supply Program, to opt-in or opt-out, or to change your product selection.