QUINCY − A new city program coming online in June could save residents more than 25% on their electricity rates.
Quincy will join about 170 communities in Massachusetts that have already adopted the program known as municipal aggregation. The program allows cities and towns to purchase electricity in bulk on behalf of their residents and businesses, giving them more leverage in negotiating rates.
The program changes the source of electricity, not its delivery. National Grid will continue to provide services and charge delivery fees. National Grid will still respond to outages, according to the city.
A letter distributed to residents outlines Quincy’s agreement with Dynegy, which offers customers three options, each with a different share of renewable energy.
The “basic plan,” which includes at least 62% of the state’s renewable energy, costs 13.394 cents per kilowatt hour. The “standard” plan, which is an additional 10% renewable, costs 13.804 cents per kilowatt hour, and the “premium” plan, which is 100% renewable, costs 14.727 cents per kilowatt hour.
How much can households save on electricity bills through the aggregation program?
National Grid, which provides electricity to most Quincy residents, has a current rate of 18.213 cents per kilowatt hour, about 26% more expensive than Quincy’s “standard” option, and adds no renewable energy on top of the state mandate.
According to rate tracker EnergyBot.com, households in Massachusetts use an average of 596 kilowatt hours per month. Based on that figure, Quincy residents who participated in the “standard” program would save $26.28 per month and $315.60 per year.
However, the city’s letter notes that savings through the program are not guaranteed. That’s because Quincy has locked in its rates with Dynegy for a 43-month period ending in December 2027, while National Grid’s rates change every six months.
Although the City Council approved the program in 2018, the state did not give Quincy the green light until early 2024. Chris Walker, Mayor Thomas Koch’s chief of staff, said there is a backlog at the Department of Public Utilities, which reviews and approves the plans. by individual towns and cities, delayed the implementation of the program.
How do I register? How can you unsubscribe?
National Grid residents will be automatically enrolled in the “standard” option of the program, according to the city. However, the program is optional and households will receive a letter in April explaining how to decline or choose the three plans.
Residents who have a provider other than National Grid will not be automatically enrolled or receive a letter in April, but can sign up at any time by filling out a form at quincycea.com or calling 857-209-7741. Once registered, residents can unsubscribe at any time free of charge.
The city urges these residents to check with their current providers about possible cancellation penalties if they switch to Quincy Community Eletric.
To opt in or out, before or after the start of the program, return the card included in the mailing, call Quincy’s provider, Dynegy, at 866-220-5696 or submit the form at quincycea. com.
A public meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 23 at 6:00 PM at the Kennedy Center on East Squantum Street.
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This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Quincy joins state’s aggregated electricity program to lower your bill
