Program Development Timeline
Below are the milestones in the development of Townsend’s aggregation program.
Passage of Authorizing Resolution
The municipal aggregation statute requires that the Town obtain approval from the local governing authorities before initiating the development of the Plan. The Town satisfied the local approval requirement when the Town Meeting voted to initiate the process of municipal aggregation on May 2, 2023.
Signed Agreement with Town’s Aggregation Consultant
Townsend selected Good Energy, L.P. as its aggregation consultant to assist in developing this Plan, managing the supply procurement, developing and implementing the public education plan, interacting with the Local Distribution Company, Unitil, and monitoring the supply contract.
Creation of a Draft Plan & Public Review
Townsend prepared a Draft Plan which is available for citizen review beginning on August 28, 2023 through October 3, 2023. Copies of the Plan are available on the Program website, linked from the Town website, and in hard copy at Town Hall.
Public Hearing on Draft Plan
Townsend held a public hearing to receive comments from citizens on the Plan on October 3, 2023.
Full agenda: https://www.townsendma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif1331/f/uploads/board_of_selectmen_legal_notice_10-3-2023.pdf
Consultation with Department of Energy Resources & Other Parties
The aggregation statute also requires that the Town consult with the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) in developing the Plan. The Town submitted a draft of the Plan to DOER; Townsend municipal officials and their Aggregation Consultant met with DOER to discuss that draft on November 7, 2023. The Town will also provide an opportunity for input from Unitil.
Local Approval of Plan
The Board of Selectmen approved the plan on December 5, 2023.
Submission of Final Plan to Department of Public Utilities
Before being implemented, the Plan must be reviewed and approved by the Department. The Department will ensure that the Program satisfies all of the statutory requirements, including that the Plan provides universal access, a reliable power supply and equitable treatment for all customer classes. The Plan was submitted to the Department on February 9, 2024 for approval in docket 24-08.
DPU Public Hearing
The DPU held a public hearing for the Town of Townsend on March 25, 2024, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Further details can be found in the NOTICE OF FILING, PUBLIC HEARING AND REQUEST FOR COMMENTS.
Approval & Launch
The DPU approved Townsend’s Plan on August 29, 2024. With this approval, the Town is able to procure electricity supply and launch its program.