Municipal Aggregation Plan - MassPowerChoice.com...Town of Acton Municipal Aggregation Plan 2 3. Incorporating Local Renewable Resources As is possible and cost effective, the Town

TownofActonMunicipalAggregationPlan 1

TownofActonMunicipalAggregationPlan

June14,2017

TheTownofActon(the“Town”)hasdevelopedtheActonPowerChoiceprogramtobringthebenefitsof

renewableenergyandelectricitychoicetoitsresidentsandbusinesses.Acenterpieceoftheprogramwill

betheintegrationofrenewableenergyintothepowersupply.Theprogramwillalsobedesignedtogive

programparticipantsthegreatestamountofcontrolovertheirelectricitysupplybyofferingtwodifferent

variationsontheelectricitymixaswellastheabilitytoleavetheprogramandreturntoEversourceBasic

Serviceatanytimewithnopenaltyorfee.TheprogramispartoftheTown’seffortstomoveassertively

andcollectivelytowarditssustainabilitygoals.

I. KeyFeatures

ThekeyfeaturesoftheTown’smunicipalaggregationprogramwillinclude:

Renewablepower:TheTownwillincludemorerenewableenergyinthepowersupplythanisincludedin

UtilityBasicService,whichmeanspursuingtheuseofpowerfromresourcessuchaswindandsolar.

Choice:TheTownwillofferatleasttwovariationsinelectricitymixtogiveprogramparticipantsachoice

intheenvironmentalcharacteristicsandpriceoftheirelectricitysupply.

Consumerprotection:TheTown’sprogramwillincludestrongconsumerprotections,includingtheability

foranycustomertoleavethestandardproductatanytimewithnopenaltyorfee.Therewillbeno

hiddenchargesofanykind.

II. SupportforRenewableEnergy

The integration of renewable energy into the Town’s power supply is a driving motivation for Acton’s program. Acton anticipates achieving that integration in three key ways:

1. AGreenerStandardOffering

Theprogramwillseektoprovideastandard,ordefault,electricityofferingthatincludesahigher

renewableenergycontentthanisincludedinEversourceBasicService.TheTownwillconsideravarietyof

renewableenergyresourcesandwillchoosetheoptionthatoffersthebestcombinationofrenewable

contentandprice.

2. AnEvenGreenerOption

Theprogramwillofferatleastoneoptionthatisevengreenerthanthestandardoffering.Forexample,

thisoptionmayincludeahigherpercentageofrenewablecontentfromnew,renewableresourceswithin

NewEngland.Oritmayincludeahigherpercentageofsolar.Thisoptionwouldbeavailableatan

additionalcosttoprogramparticipants.Byofferingthisoptioninadditiontothestandardoffering,the

Townwillgiveitsresidentsandbusinessesthefreedomtomakeindividualchoicesaboutthe

environmentalcontentoftheirpowersupply.


3. IncorporatingLocalRenewableResources

Asispossibleandcosteffective,theTownmayalsochoosetointegrateelectricityproducedbylocal

renewableenergyprojects,suchasprojectslocatedwithintheTownorotherMassachusetts

communities,intotheTown’spowersupply.TheTownenvisionsachievingthisintegrationthroughthe

purchaseofRenewableEnergyCertificates(RECs)associatedwiththoseprojects.

III. ProceduralRequirements

TheMunicipalAggregationStatute,G.L.c.164,§134,setsoutthelegalrequirementsforamunicipal

aggregationplan.Thoserequirementsincludeproceduralrequirements,specifiedplanelements,and

substantiverequirements.Theproceduralrequirementsarediscussedbelow,andtheotherrequirements

inthesectionsthatfollow.

1. LocalApproval

TheMunicipalAggregationStatuteprovidesthatatownmayinitiatetheprocesstoaggregateelectrical

loaduponauthorizationbyamajorityvoteoftownmeeting.TheTownobtainedsuchauthorizationby

voteatitsAnnualTownMeetingheldonApril4,2016.AcopyoftheTownMeetingvoteisattachedas

ExhibitA.

2. ConsultationwiththeDepartmentofEnergyResources

TheaggregationstatutealsorequirestheTowntoconsultwiththeDepartmentofEnergyResources

(DOER)indevelopingitsaggregationplan.TheTownsubmittedadraftofitsAggregationPlantoDOER

andTownofficialsmetwithDOERtodiscussthatdraftonAugust16,2016.

3. CitizenReview

TheTownhasmadetheAggregationPlanavailableforreviewbyitscitizensatapublicmeetingofthe

BoardofSelectmenonJuly11,2016.ThedraftAggregationPlanwaspostedontheTownwebsitewitha

commentperiodfortheTown’selectricityconsumerstosubmitfeedback.

IV. ElementsofthePlan

TheMunicipalAggregationStatuterequiresthattheAggregationPlancontainthefollowingelements:

- Organizationalstructure

- Operations

- Funding

- Detailsonratesettingandothercoststoparticipants

- Themethodofenteringandterminatingagreementswithotherentities

- Therightsandresponsibilitiesofprogramparticipants

- Theprocedureforterminationoftheprogram

Eachofthoseelementsisdiscussedinturnbelow.

1. OrganizationalStructure

Theorganizationalstructureoftheaggregationprogramwillbeasfollows:


BoardofSelectmenandTownManager:TheaggregationwillbeoverseenbytheBoardofSelectmen

andtheTownManager.TheBoardofSelectmenwillreviewtheplanandsetthepolicydirection.The

TownManagerwillapprovetheplan,managetheconsultingteam,andsigntheelectricsupply

agreement.

Consultants:TheTown’saggregationconsultingteam(hereinafterjointlyreferredtoas“Consultant”)will

managetheaggregationundertheTownManager’sdirection.Theirresponsibilitieswillincludemanaging

thesupplyprocurement,developingandimplementingthepubliceducationplan,interactingwiththe

localdistributioncompany,andmonitoringthesupplycontract.TheTownhasselectedtheteamofBay

StateConsultantsandPeregrineEnergyGrouptoprovidetheseservicesforaninitialterm.

CompetitiveSupplier:Thecompetitivesupplierwillprovidepowerfortheaggregation,providecustomer

supportincludingstaffingatoll-freenumberforcustomerquestions,andfulfillotherresponsibilitiesas

detailedintheCompetitiveElectricServiceAgreement.

2. Operations

FollowingapprovalofthePlanbytheDepartmentofPublicUtilities(DPU),thekeyoperationalstepswill

be:

a. IssueaRequestforProposals(RFP)andselectwinningcompetitivesupplier

b. Implementthepublicinformationprogram,includingnoticeofthe30-dayopt-outperiod

c. Enrollcustomersandprovideservice,includingrequiredinformationdisclosures

a. IssueaRequestforProposalsandselectwinningcompetitivesupplier

AftertheDPUapprovestheAggregationPlan,thenextstepistoprocuretheelectricitysupply.

TheTownwillsolicitbidsfromleadingcompetitivesuppliers,includingthosecurrentlysupplying

aggregationsinMassachusettsandotherstates.TheRFPwillrequirethatthesuppliersatisfykey

thresholdcriteria,including:

- LicensedbytheDPU

- Strongfinancialbackground

- ExperienceservingtheMassachusettscompetitivemarketormunicipalaggregationsinother

states

- Demonstratedability,supportedbyreferences,toprovidestrongcustomerservice

Inaddition,supplierswillberequiredtoagreetothetermsandconditionsofaCompetitiveElectric

ServiceAgreement(ESA),substantiallyintheformoftheTown’smodelCompetitiveElectricService

Agreement.Theagreementrequiresthesupplierto:

- Provideall-requirementsservice

- Allowcustomerstoexitthestandardproductatanytimewithnopenaltyorfee

- Agreetospecifiedcustomerservicestandards

- ComplywithallrequirementsoftheDPUandthelocaldistributioncompany

TheTownwillsolicitpricebidsfromsuppliersthatmeetthethresholdcriteriaandagreetothetermsand

conditionsprescribedintheESA.Ifnoneofthebidsaresatisfactory,theTownwillrejectallbidsand

repeatthesolicitationasoftenasneededuntilmarketconditionsyieldapricethatisacceptabletothe

Town.


TheTownwillsolicitbidsbothforpowersupplythatmeetstheMassachusettsRenewablePortfolio

Standard(RPS)requirementsandforagreenersupplycontainingadditionalrenewableenergyoverand

abovetheRPSrequirements.Therenewableenergyinthepowersupplywillbedocumentedusing

RenewableEnergyCertificates(RECs).TheTownwillseekbidsthatincludeRECsfromavarietyof

renewablesources,andwillchoosetheproposalthatoffersthebestcombinationofenvironmental

benefitandprice.

TheTownwillaskbidderstoidentifythetechnology,vintage,andlocationoftherenewablegenerators

thatarethesourcesoftheRECs.TheTownwillrequirethattheRECseitherbecreatedandrecordedin

theNewEnglandPowerPoolGenerationInformationSystemorbecertifiedbyathirdpartysuchas

Green-e.

b. Implementpublicinformationprogram,includingnoticeofthepre-launchopt-outperiod

Onceawinningsupplierisselected,theTownwillimplementapubliceducationprogram.

Thedeliveryofapubliceducationplanandassociatedmaterialsarepivotaltoensuringclarity,

participation,andenthusiasmfortheaggregation.TheTownwilluseavarietyofcommunicationvehicles

tocommunicatetheplan’sobjectives,theprimarytermsandconditionsofthecontract,andtherightto

optoutoftheprogram.

Thepubliceducationplanwillincludebothbroad-basedeffortsanda30-dayopt-outnoticetobemailed

toeveryeligiblecustomeronbasicservice.

i. Broad-basededucationefforts

Thebroad-basedeffortswilltakeadvantageoftraditionalmedia,theWeb,andsocialmediatoensureas

manypeopleaspossiblelearnabouttheaggregation.Plannedelementsinclude:

- Anannouncementintroducingtheprogramandthecompetitivesupplier,whichwillbesentto

mediacontactsatlocalnewspapersandotheroutletsidentifiedasvaluablebytheTown.

- DedicatedinformationalWebpagesthatexplaintheAggregationPlan,communitybenefits,the

opt-outprocess,theenvironmentalcontentofthepowersupply,andotherhelpfulinformation.

Thissitewillbeavailableduringtheinitialeducationaloutreachandalsoonanongoingbasisso

thatcustomerscanfindinformationabouttheprogramforitsduration.

- Atoll-freecustomerinformationandsupporthotline.

- Interviewswiththelocalcableaccesschannel.

- Aninformationalslidebroadcastonthelocalcableaccesstelevisionchannel.

- AnnouncementsontheTown’ssocialmediaaccounts.

- Informationaldocumentsthatmirrortheaggregationwebsitecontentandcanbeusedas

handoutsduringthecommunitypresentation.Thesematerialswillalsobemadeavailable

throughthewebsiteasdownloadablefilesandintheTownHallandotherpublicbuildings.

- Acommunity-widepresentation,opentoallcommunitymembers.

- Apresentationtargetedspecificallyforseniors.

TheTownwillensurethatresidentswithlimitedEnglishproficiencyhaveaccesstoprograminformation

bycraftingasimplified-Englishflyerabouttheprogram.Thatflyerwillbetranslatedintokeylanguages,

suchasBrazilianPortugueseandMandarin.ItwillbemadeavailableonlineandinTownofficeswhere

someresidentswithlimitedEnglishproficiencycomeforhelp.Theflyerwillalsobedistributedto


communityresources,suchaslocalESOLteachingorganizations,communityleaders,andvolunteersthat

workwithActonresidentswhoneedhelpwiththeirEnglish.

Adetailedtimelinefortheseeffortswillbedevelopedasthelaunchgetscloser.

ii. Noticeofthe30-day,pre-launchopt-outperiod

Inadditiontothebroad-basededucationinitiatives,a30-dayopt-outnoticewillbemailedtoevery

eligiblecustomeronbasicservice.ThenoticewillbeanofficialTowncommunication,anditwillbesentin

anenvelopeclearlymarkedascontainingtime-sensitiveinformationrelatedtotheprogram.Thenotice

will:(1)introduceanddescribetheprogram;(2)informcustomersoftheirrighttoopt-outandthatthey

willbeautomaticallyenrollediftheydonotexercisethatright;(3)explainhowto-optout;and(4)

prominentlystateallprogramchargesandcomparethepriceandprimarytermsoftheTown’s

competitivesupplytothepriceandtermsofutilitybasicservice.Theopt-outnoticeisattachedtothis

PlanasExhibitB.Theopt-outenvelopeisattachedasExhibitC.

Thedirectmailingwillincludeanopt-outreplycard.Customerswillhave30daysfromthedateofthe

mailingtoreturnthereplycardiftheywishtooptoutoftheprogrambythismethod.Thenoticewillbe

designedbytheTownandprintedandmailedbythecompetitivesupplier,whowillprocesstheopt-out

replies.Theopt-outreplycardisattachedtothisPlanasExhibitD.Apostage-paidreturnenvelopewillbe

includedforusewiththereplycard.

c. Enrollcustomersandprovideservice,includinginformationdisclosure

Afterthecompletionofthe30-dayopt-outperiod,thecompetitivesupplierwillenrollintotheprogram

allbasicservicecustomersthatdidnotoptout.Allenrollmentsandothertransactionsbetweenthe

competitivesupplierandthelocaldistributioncompany,Eversource,willbeconductedincompliance

withtherelevantprovisionsofDPUregulations,Eversource’sTermsandConditionsforCompetitiveSuppliers(asamendedorsupersededfromtimetotime),andtheprotocolsoftheMassachusetts

ElectronicBusinessTransactionsWorkingGroup.

Oncecustomersareenrolled,theelectricitysupplierwillprovideall-requirementspowersupplyservice.

Thesupplierwillalsoprovideongoingcustomerservice,maintainaprogramwebsite,andprocessnew

customerenrollments,ongoingopt-outs,opt-back-ins,andcustomerselectionsofoptionalproducts.

Priortotheexpirationoftheinitialpowersupplyagreement,theTownintendstoenteranewsupply

agreement.

Aspartofitsongoingservice,theTownwillprovidethedisclosureinformationrequiredbyG.L.c.164,§

1(F)(6)and220C.M.R.§11.06.LiketheotherMassachusettsaggregations,theTownrequestsawaiver

fromtherequirementthatthedisclosurelabelbemailedtoeverycustomerandseekspermissioninstead

toprovidetheinformationthroughalternativemeans,includingpressreleases,announcementsoncable

television,postingsatTownHall,andpostingsontheprogramwebsite.AstheDPUhasfoundwithother

aggregations,thisalternateinformationdisclosurestrategywillallowtheTowntoprovidetherequired

informationtoitscustomersaseffectivelyasthroughmailings.

d. AnnualreporttoDOER

Onanannualbasis,theTownwillreporttoDOERonthestatusoftheprogram,includingnumberof

customersenrolledandopting-out,kilowatt-hoursales,customersavings,andparticipationingreen


products(allasprovidedtotheTownbythesupplier),aswellassuchotherinformationasDOERmay

request.

3. Funding

Allofthecostsoftheprogramwillbefundedthroughthesupplycontract.

Theprimarycostwillbethecompetitivesupplier’schargesforthepowersupply.Thesechargeswill

includethecostsofRECsandwillbeestablishedthroughthecompetitivesolicitationforasupplier.

Theadministrativecostsoftheprogramwillbefundedthroughaperkilowatt-houradderthatwillbe

includedinthesupplypriceandpaidbythecompetitivesuppliertotheConsultant,asspecifiedinthe

CompetitiveElectricServiceAgreement.ThisfeewillcovertheservicesoftheConsultant,including

developingtheAggregationPlan,managingtheDPUapprovalprocess,managingthesupplyprocurement,

developingandimplementingthepubliceducationplan,providingcustomersupport,interactingwiththe

localdistributioncompany,monitoringthesupplycontract,andprovidingongoingreports.Thischarge

hasbeensetinitiallyat$0.001perkilowatt-hour.

4. RateSettingandOtherCoststoParticipants

Asdescribedabove,theprogram’selectricitysupplychargeswillbesetthroughacompetitivebidding

processandwillincludetheadministrativeadder.Prices,terms,andconditionswillvarybyproductand

maydifferamongcustomerclasses.Foreachcustomerclass,priceswillbefixedforperiodsatleastas

longasthebasicservicepriceperiodfortheclass.1Whenpriceschange,theTownwillnotifyconsumers

byissuingamediareleaseandpostinganoticeontheTownwebsite.

Theprogramaffectsonlycustomers’electricitysupplycharges.Deliverychargeswillbeunchangedand

willcontinuetobechargedbythelocaldistributioncompanyinaccordancewithtariffsapprovedbythe

DPU.

Participantswillreceiveonebillfromtheirlocaldistributioncompanythatincludesboththeelectricity

supplychargeandtheirlocaldistributioncompany’sdeliverycharges.

5. MethodofEnteringandTerminatingAgreementswithOtherEntities

TheTown’sprocessforentering,modifying,enforcing,andterminatingallagreementsassociatedwith

theAggregationPlanwillcomplywiththeTown’scharter,federalandstatelawandregulations,andthe

provisionsoftherelevantagreement.

WhentheTownhasdecidedthatitistimelytosolicitbidsforanewelectricserviceagreement,the

procurementstepswillbeasfollows:

- TheTown’sconsultantswillprepareandissueanRFQonbehalfoftheTown

- TheTownwillreceiveandevaluatequalifications

- TheTown’sconsultantswillissueanRFPforprices

1Basicservicepricingperiodsvarybycustomerclass.Forresidentialandsmallbusinesscustomers,the

priceschangeeverysixmonths.Formediumandlargebusinesscustomers,priceschangemonthly.


- TheTownwillreceiveandevaluatebidsand,ifacceptable,executeacontractwiththewinning

bidder.TheBoardofSelectmenwillberesponsibleforexecutingthesupplycontract.

Ifthepricesbidonanygivenbiddatearenotsatisfactory,theTownwillwaittoseeifmarketconditions

improveandthenrepeattheprocess.

6. RightsandResponsibilitiesofProgramParticipants

Allparticipantswillhavetherighttooptoutofthestandardproductatanytimewithoutcharge.They

mayexercisethatrightbyanyofthefollowing:1)callingthecompetitivesupplier’stoll-freenumber;2)

contactingEversourceandaskingtobereturnedtobasicservice;or3)enrollingwithanothercompetitive

supplier.

AllparticipantswillhavetheconsumerprotectionprovisionsofMassachusettslawandregulations,

includingtherighttoquestionbillingandservicequalitypractices.Customerswillbeabletoaskquestions

ofandregistercomplaintswiththeTown,Consultant,thecompetitivesupplier,Eversource,andtheDPU.

Asappropriate,theTownandConsultantwilldirectcustomercomplaintstothecompetitivesupplier,

Eversource,ortheDPU.

Participantswillberesponsibleforpayingtheirbillsandforprovidingaccesstometeringandother

equipmentnecessarytocarryoututilityoperations.

7. ExtensionorTerminationofProgram

PriortotheendofthetermoftheinitialCompetitiveElectricServiceAgreement,TheTownwillsolicit

bidsforanewsupplyagreementandplanstocontinuetheprogramwiththesameoranewcompetitive

supplier.

AlthoughtheTownisnotcontemplatingaterminationdate,theprogramcouldbeterminateduponthe

terminationorexpirationoftheCompetitiveElectricServiceAgreementwithoutanyextension,renewal,

ornegotiationofasubsequentsupplycontract,oruponthedecisionoftheBoardofSelectmento

dissolvetheprogrameffectiveontheenddateofanyoutstandingsupplyagreement.Intheeventof

termination,customerswouldbereturnedtothelocaldistributioncompany’sbasicserviceviaElectronic

DataInterchange(EDI)bythecompetitivesupplierinaccordancewiththerulessetforthintheElectronic

BusinessTransactions(EBT)WorkingGroupReportunlessthecustomerschooseanalternative

competitivesupplier.

TheTownwillnotifythelocaldistributioncompanyoftheplannedterminationorextensionofthe

program.Inparticular,theTownwillprovidenotice:(1)90dayspriortoaplannedterminationofthe

program;(2)90dayspriortotheendoftheanticipatedtermoftheprogram’sESA;and(3)fourbusiness-

daysafterthesuccessfulnegotiationofanewelectricityserviceagreement.

TheTownwillnotifyconsumersofprogramterminationbyissuingamediareleaseandpostinganotice

ontheTownwebsite.Inaddition,consumerswillreceivenoticeofasupplierchangeontheirbillfromthe

localdistributioncompany.

V. SubstantiveRequirements

TheMunicipalAggregationStatutealsorequiresthattheaggregationplansatisfythreesubstantive

requirements:

- Universalaccess


- Reliability

- Equitabletreatmentofallcustomerclasses

TheTown’sprogramwillsatisfyallthreerequirements,asdiscussedbelow.

1. UniversalAccess

TheAggregationPlanprovidesforuniversalaccessbyguaranteeingthatallcustomerclasseswillbe

includedintheprogramunderequitableterms.

Mostimportantly,allcustomerswillhaveaccesstotheprogram.Alleligiblebasicservicecustomerswill

beautomaticallyenrolledintheprogramunlesstheychoosetooptout.

AsnewcustomersmoveintotheTown,theywillhaveanopportunitytojointheprogram.Newcustomers

willinitiallybeplacedonbasicservice.Theywillthenreceiveanopt-outnoticeandwillbeenrolledinthe

aggregationunlesstheychoosetooptoutwithinthe30-dayopt-outperiod.Newcustomerswillbe

offeredthesamepriceastheexistingcustomers,withtheexceptionofnewVeryLargeCommercialand

IndustrialCustomers(“VLC&ICustomers”).NewVLC&ICustomersaredefinedasanycustomerthatison

theutility’slargestrateclassandhashistoricalorprojectedconsumptioninexcessof1,000,000kWhper

year.Thesecustomers,ifany,willbeofferedapricethatreflectsmarketpricesatthetimeofenrollment.

Allcustomerswillhavetherighttooptoutoftheprogramatanytime.Customersthatoptoutwillhave

therighttoreturntotheprogramatapricethatreflectsmarketpricesatthetimeoftheirreturn.

2. Reliability

Reliabilityhasbothphysicalandfinancialcomponents.TheprogramwilladdressboththroughtheESA

withthecompetitivesupplier.Fromaphysicalperspective,theESAcommitsthecompetitivesupplierto

provideall-requirementspowersupplyandtouseproperstandardsofmanagementandoperations(ESA,

Article2.)Thelocaldistributioncompanywillremainresponsiblefordeliveryservice,includingthe

physicaldeliveryofpowertotheconsumer,maintenanceofthedeliverysystem,andrestorationof

powerintheeventofanoutage.Fromafinancialperspective,theESArequiresthesuppliertopayactual

damagesforanyfailuretoprovidesupplyatthecontractedrate(i.e.,topaythedifferencebetweenthe

contractrateandtheutilitysupplyrate).TheESAalsorequiresthecompetitivesuppliertomaintain

insurance(ESA,Article16).Accordingly,theprogramsatisfiesthereliabilityrequirementofthestatute.

3. EquitableTreatmentofallCustomerClasses

TheAggregationStatuterequires“equitable”treatmentofallcustomerclasses.TheDPUhasdetermined

thatthisdoesnotmeanthatallcustomersmustbetreated“equally,”butratherthatsimilarly-situated

classesbetreated“equitably.”Inparticular,theDPUhasallowedvariationsinpricingandtermsand

conditionsbetweencustomerclassestoaccountforthedisparatecharacteristicsofthoseclasses.

Theprogrammakesfourdistinctionsbetweengroupingsofcustomers.First,theprogramwilldistinguish

amongcustomerclasses(residential,smallbusiness,largebusiness)bysolicitingseparatepricingforeach

ofthoseclasses.Theprogramwillusethesamecustomerclassesthatthelocaldistributioncompanies

usefortheirbasicservicepricing.

Second,theprogramwilldistinguishbetweencustomersreceivingthestandardproductandcustomers

thataffirmativelychooseanoptionalproduct,suchasagreenproduct.Customersselectingtheoptional

productwillbechargedthepriceandtermsofserviceassociatedwiththatproduct.


Third,asdescribedaboveunder“UniversalAccess,”amongNewCustomers,theprogrammaydistinguish

betweena)NewVLC&ICustomers,andb)allotherNewCustomers.TheprogramwillofferNew

CustomersotherthanNewVLC&ICustomersthestandardcontractpricing.However,theprogramwill

offernewVLC&ICustomerspricingbasedonmarketpricesatthetimethecustomerseekstojointhe

aggregation.

Finally,consistentwithDPUrulings,amongcustomersthatareservedbyacompetitivesupplieratthe

timeofprogramlaunchandlaterseektojointheaggregation,theprogramwilldistinguishbetweena)

residentialandsmallcommercialandindustrial(C&I)customers,andb)medium,large,andverylargeC&I

customers.ResidentialandsmallC&Icustomerswillbeofferedstandardcontractpricing.Medium,large,

andverylargeC&Icustomerswillbeofferedmarketbasedrateswhichwillreflectmarketconditionsat

thetimethecustomerseekstojointheaggregation.

VI. PLANNEDSCHEDULE

Milestone DayEstimate

RFQforcompetitivesupplierissued Day1

RFPforfinalsupplypricesissued Day35

ElectricitySupplyAgreementexecuted Day49

Broad-basededucationalcampaignbegins,includingthe

announcementofsupplycontractandpricingandthelaunch

ofprogramwebsite.

Day50

Opt-outnoticemailedtocustomers Day56

Opt-outdeadline Day86

Servicebeginsasofeachcustomer’snextmeterreaddate Day90

Theplannedscheduleispresentedforillustrativepurposes.Thefinalschedulewillbeestablishedwhen

theTownreceivesregulatoryapproval.2

VII.CONCLUSION

TheActonPowerChoiceprogrammeetsalloftherequirementsofthemunicipalaggregationstatute,

includingprovidinguniversalaccessandareliablepowersupplyandtreatingallcustomerclasses

equitably.TheTownlooksforwardtotheapprovalofthisplanbytheDPUsothattheTowncanlaunch

theprogramandbringthebenefitsofratestability,renewableenergy,andincreasedelectricitychoiceto

itsresidentsandbusinesses.

2TheplannedscheduleisdesignedtogivethecompetitivesuppliersufficienttimetosatisfyEDItestingrequirements.However,theschedulewillbeadjustedifadditionaltimeisneededtomeetthoserequirements.


EXHIBITA

TownMeetingResolutionAuthorizingAggregation

<MONTH> <DAY>, 2017

Dear Acton Electricity Service Customer,

I am writing with information about the supply charges on your Eversource electric bill.

Currently, you are an Eversource Basic Service customer. This means Eversource delivers your electricity, and Eversource is also your electricity supplier (they buy electricity for you).

In July 2017, you will be automatically enrolled in the new Town electricity aggregation program, Acton Power Choice. With this program, Eversource will continue delivering your electricity, but the Town will select its own electricity supplier. Acton has signed a XX-month contract with <SUPPLIER NAME> to launch the program. This change will allow Acton to increase the amount of renewable energy in your electricity and give you a price that is lower than Eversource Basic Service at program launch, however savings cannot be guaranteed.

If you received this letter, you will be AUTOMATICALLY enrolled in Acton Power Choice, unless you choose not to participate.

▪ If you participate: Eversource will deliver your electricity, fix power outages, and bill you, but <SUPPLIER NAME> will be your electricity supplier. You will see <SUPPLIER NAME> and the program price on the supply portion of your Eversource electric bill. Delivery charges will be unaffected.

▪ If you do not participate: Eversource will continue to be your electricity supplier, and the supply portion of your electric bill will remain on the Eversource Basic Service rate.

Program Benefits

Local, renewable electricity - Your electricity will now include more renewable energy than the minimum required by the state, and the extra will come from projects in New England.

Choice - The program gives you two options: 1) Power Choice Standard, which includes 5% from renewable energy projects in New England, in addition to the minimum required by the state, and 2) Power Choice Green, which provides 100% renewable energy, all from renewable energy projects located in New England. You will be automatically enrolled in Power Choice Standard, but you may choose Power Choice Green. (Details on back.)

Predictability - While Eversource prices fluctuate, your electricity supply price will not change before your <MONTH> <YEAR> meter read. There are no hidden costs.

Your Relationship with Eversource

Your primary relationship for electricity will remain with Eversource.

▪ Your bill will continue to come from Eversource

▪ You will continue to send bill payments to Eversource

▪ You will continue to call Eversource if your power goes out

If you are eligible for a low-income delivery rate or fuel assistance, you will continue to receive those benefits.

Your New Electricity Supply Price

<X.XX> ¢/kWh

This price will begin with your <MONTH> 20XX meter read. It will first appear on your <MONTH> 20XX Eversource electric bill. It will end with your <MONTH> 20XX meter read. Compare to Eversource rates on the back.

Don’t Want to Participate?

You don’t have to. There is no penalty or fee to opt out of the program, and you may opt out at any time.

If you choose not to participate, you will remain an Eversource Basic Service customer.

To opt out before the program begins, do one of the following before <MONTH> <DAY>, 2017:

Sign & return the enclosed reply card, call <SUPPLIER NAME> at 1-8XX-XXX-XXXX, or opt out online at www.masspowerchoice.com/acton.

To opt out in the future, do one of the following at any time:

Call <SUPPLIER NAME> at 1-8XX-XXX-XXXX or opt out online at www.masspowerchoice.com/acton.

TOWN OF ACTONMUNICIPAL ELECTRICITY AGGREGATION PROGRAM

NOTIFICATION LETTER

Acton

Power Choice

Customer Support

1-844-379-9933

[email protected]

www.masspowerchoice.com/acton

EXHIBIT B - Opt-Out Notice

* The Power Choice Standard price and the Power Choice Green price both include a $0.001 / kWh administration fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are savings guaranteed? No. The program price is guaranteed to be below Eversource only until the end of the current Eversource rate term. The Eversource rate will next change on <MONTH> <DAY>, 20XX, for residential and small business accounts and on <MONTH> <DAY>, 20XX, for medium and large business accounts.

I have signed my own contract with an electricity supplier. Will I be automatically enrolled? If you have already established a contract with a different electricity supplier, you should not be automatically enrolled. However, if you received this letter but you have an existing electricity supply contract, you should opt out of the program.

I have solar panels on my property. If I join, will I continue to receive net metering credits? Yes. Net metering will work the same way if you participate in the program. Your net metering credits from your solar panels will continue to appear on your Eversource bill and will continue to be calculated based on Eversource’s Basic Service price, not on the program price.

If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact customer support at [email protected] or 1-844-379-9933. Our Town consultants will be happy to help you.

Steven Ledoux Town Manager

Program Options & Pricing

1. If you do nothing, you will be automatically enrolled in POWER CHOICE STANDARD: <X.XXX>* ¢/kWh for residential, small business, and medium & large business accounts

Renewable energy content

Rate term

Exit terms

5% from renewable energy projects in New England, in addition to the minimum required by the state.

<MONTH> 20XX meter read - <MONTH> 20XX meter read.

Leave any time. No exit charge.

2. If you want 100% green energy, you may choose POWER CHOICE GREEN: *** To choose POWER CHOICE GREEN, call <SUPPLIER NAME> at 1-8XX-XXX-XXXX ***

<X.XXX>* ¢/kWh for residential, small business, and medium & large business accounts


Rate term

Exit terms

100% renewable energy, all from renewable energy projects in New England.



3. If you choose to opt out, you will remain on EVERSOURCE BASIC SERVICE: <X.XXX> ¢/kWh residential <X.XXX> ¢/kWh small business <X.XXX> ¢/kWh medium & large business


Rate term

Exit terms

Meets Massachusetts minimum renewable energy requirements.

<MONTH> <DAY>, 20XX - <MONTH><DAY>, 20XX, for residential and small business accounts. <MONTH> <DAY>, 20XX - <MONTH> <DAY>, 20XX, for medium & large business accounts. Eversource’s fixed Basic Service rates change every 6 months for residential and small business accounts and every 3 months for medium and large business accounts.



EXHIBITC

Opt-OutEnvelope


EXHIBITD

Opt-OutReplyCard


TownofActonMunicipalAggregationPlan

June14,2017

TheTownofActon(the“Town”)hasdevelopedtheActonPowerChoiceprogramtobringthebenefitsof

renewableenergyandelectricitychoicetoitsresidentsandbusinesses.Acenterpieceoftheprogramwill

betheintegrationofrenewableenergyintothepowersupply.Theprogramwillalsobedesignedtogive

programparticipantsthegreatestamountofcontrolovertheirelectricitysupplybyofferingtwodifferent

variationsontheelectricitymixaswellastheabilitytoleavetheprogramandreturntoEversourceBasic

Serviceatanytimewithnopenaltyorfee.TheprogramispartoftheTown’seffortstomoveassertively

andcollectivelytowarditssustainabilitygoals.

I. KeyFeatures

ThekeyfeaturesoftheTown’smunicipalaggregationprogramwillinclude:

Renewablepower:TheTownwillincludemorerenewableenergyinthepowersupplythanisincludedin

UtilityBasicService,whichmeanspursuingtheuseofpowerfromresourcessuchaswindandsolar.

Choice:TheTownwillofferatleasttwovariationsinelectricitymixtogiveprogramparticipantsachoice

intheenvironmentalcharacteristicsandpriceoftheirelectricitysupply.

Consumerprotection:TheTown’sprogramwillincludestrongconsumerprotections,includingtheability

foranycustomertoleavethestandardproductatanytimewithnopenaltyorfee.Therewillbeno

hiddenchargesofanykind.

II. SupportforRenewableEnergy

The integration of renewable energy into the Town’s power supply is a driving motivation for Acton’s program. Acton anticipates achieving that integration in three key ways:

1. AGreenerStandardOffering

Theprogramwillseektoprovideastandard,ordefault,electricityofferingthatincludesahigher

renewableenergycontentthanisincludedinEversourceBasicService.TheTownwillconsideravarietyof

renewableenergyresourcesandwillchoosetheoptionthatoffersthebestcombinationofrenewable

contentandprice.

2. AnEvenGreenerOption

Theprogramwillofferatleastoneoptionthatisevengreenerthanthestandardoffering.Forexample,

thisoptionmayincludeahigherpercentageofrenewablecontentfromnew,renewableresourceswithin

NewEngland.Oritmayincludeahigherpercentageofsolar.Thisoptionwouldbeavailableatan

additionalcosttoprogramparticipants.Byofferingthisoptioninadditiontothestandardoffering,the

Townwillgiveitsresidentsandbusinessesthefreedomtomakeindividualchoicesaboutthe

environmentalcontentoftheirpowersupply.

Deleted: August21,2016


3. IncorporatingLocalRenewableResources

Asispossibleandcosteffective,theTownmayalsochoosetointegrateelectricityproducedbylocal

renewableenergyprojects,suchasprojectslocatedwithintheTownorotherMassachusetts

communities,intotheTown’spowersupply.TheTownenvisionsachievingthisintegrationthroughthe

purchaseofRenewableEnergyCertificates(RECs)associatedwiththoseprojects.

III. ProceduralRequirements

TheMunicipalAggregationStatute,G.L.c.164,§134,setsoutthelegalrequirementsforamunicipal

aggregationplan.Thoserequirementsincludeproceduralrequirements,specifiedplanelements,and

substantiverequirements.Theproceduralrequirementsarediscussedbelow,andtheotherrequirements

inthesectionsthatfollow.

1. LocalApproval

TheMunicipalAggregationStatuteprovidesthatatownmayinitiatetheprocesstoaggregateelectrical

loaduponauthorizationbyamajorityvoteoftownmeeting.TheTownobtainedsuchauthorizationby

voteatitsAnnualTownMeetingheldonApril4,2016.AcopyoftheTownMeetingvoteisattachedas

ExhibitA.

2. ConsultationwiththeDepartmentofEnergyResources

TheaggregationstatutealsorequirestheTowntoconsultwiththeDepartmentofEnergyResources

(DOER)indevelopingitsaggregationplan.TheTownsubmittedadraftofitsAggregationPlantoDOER

andTownofficialsmetwithDOERtodiscussthatdraftonAugust16,2016.

3. CitizenReview

TheTownhasmadetheAggregationPlanavailableforreviewbyitscitizensatapublicmeetingofthe

BoardofSelectmenonJuly11,2016.ThedraftAggregationPlanwaspostedontheTownwebsitewitha

commentperiodfortheTown’selectricityconsumerstosubmitfeedback.

IV. ElementsofthePlan

TheMunicipalAggregationStatuterequiresthattheAggregationPlancontainthefollowingelements:

- Organizationalstructure

- Operations

- Funding

- Detailsonratesettingandothercoststoparticipants

- Themethodofenteringandterminatingagreementswithotherentities

- Therightsandresponsibilitiesofprogramparticipants

- Theprocedureforterminationoftheprogram

Eachofthoseelementsisdiscussedinturnbelow.

1. OrganizationalStructure

Theorganizationalstructureoftheaggregationprogramwillbeasfollows:


BoardofSelectmenandTownManager:TheaggregationwillbeoverseenbytheBoardofSelectmen

andtheTownManager.TheBoardofSelectmenwillreviewtheplanandsetthepolicydirection.The

TownManagerwillapprovetheplan,managetheconsultingteam,andsigntheelectricsupply

agreement.

Consultants:TheTown’saggregationconsultingteam(hereinafterjointlyreferredtoas“Consultant”)will

managetheaggregationundertheTownManager’sdirection.Theirresponsibilitieswillincludemanaging

thesupplyprocurement,developingandimplementingthepubliceducationplan,interactingwiththe

localdistributioncompany,andmonitoringthesupplycontract.TheTownhasselectedtheteamofBay

StateConsultantsandPeregrineEnergyGrouptoprovidetheseservicesforaninitialterm.

CompetitiveSupplier:Thecompetitivesupplierwillprovidepowerfortheaggregation,providecustomer

supportincludingstaffingatoll-freenumberforcustomerquestions,andfulfillotherresponsibilitiesas

detailedintheCompetitiveElectricServiceAgreement.

2. Operations

FollowingapprovalofthePlanbytheDepartmentofPublicUtilities(DPU),thekeyoperationalstepswill

be:

a. IssueaRequestforProposals(RFP)andselectwinningcompetitivesupplier

b. Implementthepublicinformationprogram,includingnoticeofthe30-dayopt-outperiod

c. Enrollcustomersandprovideservice,includingrequiredinformationdisclosures

a. IssueaRequestforProposalsandselectwinningcompetitivesupplier

AftertheDPUapprovestheAggregationPlan,thenextstepistoprocuretheelectricitysupply.

TheTownwillsolicitbidsfromleadingcompetitivesuppliers,includingthosecurrentlysupplying

aggregationsinMassachusettsandotherstates.TheRFPwillrequirethatthesuppliersatisfykey

thresholdcriteria,including:

- LicensedbytheDPU

- Strongfinancialbackground

- ExperienceservingtheMassachusettscompetitivemarketormunicipalaggregationsinother

states

- Demonstratedability,supportedbyreferences,toprovidestrongcustomerservice

Inaddition,supplierswillberequiredtoagreetothetermsandconditionsofaCompetitiveElectric

ServiceAgreement(ESA),substantiallyintheformoftheTown’smodelCompetitiveElectricService

Agreement.Theagreementrequiresthesupplierto:

- Provideall-requirementsservice

- Allowcustomerstoexitthestandardproductatanytimewithnopenaltyorfee

- Agreetospecifiedcustomerservicestandards

- ComplywithallrequirementsoftheDPUandthelocaldistributioncompany

TheTownwillsolicitpricebidsfromsuppliersthatmeetthethresholdcriteriaandagreetothetermsand

conditionsprescribedintheESA.Ifnoneofthebidsaresatisfactory,theTownwillrejectallbidsand

repeatthesolicitationasoftenasneededuntilmarketconditionsyieldapricethatisacceptabletothe

Town.


TheTownwillsolicitbidsbothforpowersupplythatmeetstheMassachusettsRenewablePortfolio

Standard(RPS)requirementsandforagreenersupplycontainingadditionalrenewableenergyoverand

abovetheRPSrequirements.Therenewableenergyinthepowersupplywillbedocumentedusing

RenewableEnergyCertificates(RECs).TheTownwillseekbidsthatincludeRECsfromavarietyof

renewablesources,andwillchoosetheproposalthatoffersthebestcombinationofenvironmental

benefitandprice.

TheTownwillaskbidderstoidentifythetechnology,vintage,andlocationoftherenewablegenerators

thatarethesourcesoftheRECs.TheTownwillrequirethattheRECseitherbecreatedandrecordedin

theNewEnglandPowerPoolGenerationInformationSystemorbecertifiedbyathirdpartysuchas

Green-e.

b. Implementpublicinformationprogram,includingnoticeofthepre-launchopt-outperiod

Onceawinningsupplierisselected,theTownwillimplementapubliceducationprogram.

Thedeliveryofapubliceducationplanandassociatedmaterialsarepivotaltoensuringclarity,

participation,andenthusiasmfortheaggregation.TheTownwilluseavarietyofcommunicationvehicles

tocommunicatetheplan’sobjectives,theprimarytermsandconditionsofthecontract,andtherightto

optoutoftheprogram.

Thepubliceducationplanwillincludebothbroad-basedeffortsanda30-dayopt-outnoticetobemailed

toeveryeligiblecustomeronbasicservice.

i. Broad-basededucationefforts

Thebroad-basedeffortswilltakeadvantageoftraditionalmedia,theWeb,andsocialmediatoensureas

manypeopleaspossiblelearnabouttheaggregation.Plannedelementsinclude:

- Anannouncementintroducingtheprogramandthecompetitivesupplier,whichwillbesentto

mediacontactsatlocalnewspapersandotheroutletsidentifiedasvaluablebytheTown.

- DedicatedinformationalWebpagesthatexplaintheAggregationPlan,communitybenefits,the

opt-outprocess,theenvironmentalcontentofthepowersupply,andotherhelpfulinformation.

Thissitewillbeavailableduringtheinitialeducationaloutreachandalsoonanongoingbasisso

thatcustomerscanfindinformationabouttheprogramforitsduration.

- Atoll-freecustomerinformationandsupporthotline.

- Interviewswiththelocalcableaccesschannel.

- Aninformationalslidebroadcastonthelocalcableaccesstelevisionchannel.

- AnnouncementsontheTown’ssocialmediaaccounts.

- Informationaldocumentsthatmirrortheaggregationwebsitecontentandcanbeusedas

handoutsduringthecommunitypresentation.Thesematerialswillalsobemadeavailable

throughthewebsiteasdownloadablefilesandintheTownHallandotherpublicbuildings.

- Acommunity-widepresentation,opentoallcommunitymembers.

- Apresentationtargetedspecificallyforseniors.

TheTownwillensurethatresidentswithlimitedEnglishproficiencyhaveaccesstoprograminformation

bycraftingasimplified-Englishflyerabouttheprogram.Thatflyerwillbetranslatedintokeylanguages,

suchasBrazilianPortugueseandMandarin.ItwillbemadeavailableonlineandinTownofficeswhere

someresidentswithlimitedEnglishproficiencycomeforhelp.Theflyerwillalsobedistributedto


communityresources,suchaslocalESOLteachingorganizations,communityleaders,andvolunteersthat

workwithActonresidentswhoneedhelpwiththeirEnglish.

Adetailedtimelinefortheseeffortswillbedevelopedasthelaunchgetscloser.

ii. Noticeofthe30-day,pre-launchopt-outperiod

Inadditiontothebroad-basededucationinitiatives,a30-dayopt-outnoticewillbemailedtoevery

eligiblecustomeronbasicservice.ThenoticewillbeanofficialTowncommunication,anditwillbesentin

anenvelopeclearlymarkedascontainingtime-sensitiveinformationrelatedtotheprogram.Thenotice

will:(1)introduceanddescribetheprogram;(2)informcustomersoftheirrighttoopt-outandthatthey

willbeautomaticallyenrollediftheydonotexercisethatright;(3)explainhowto-optout;and(4)

prominentlystateallprogramchargesandcomparethepriceandprimarytermsoftheTown’s

competitivesupplytothepriceandtermsofutilitybasicservice.Theopt-outnoticeisattachedtothis

PlanasExhibitB.Theopt-outenvelopeisattachedasExhibitC.

Thedirectmailingwillincludeanopt-outreplycard.Customerswillhave30daysfromthedateofthe

mailingtoreturnthereplycardiftheywishtooptoutoftheprogrambythismethod.Thenoticewillbe

designedbytheTownandprintedandmailedbythecompetitivesupplier,whowillprocesstheopt-out

replies.Theopt-outreplycardisattachedtothisPlanasExhibitD.Apostage-paidreturnenvelopewillbe

includedforusewiththereplycard.

c. Enrollcustomersandprovideservice,includinginformationdisclosure

Afterthecompletionofthe30-dayopt-outperiod,thecompetitivesupplierwillenrollintotheprogram

allbasicservicecustomersthatdidnotoptout.Allenrollmentsandothertransactionsbetweenthe

competitivesupplierandthelocaldistributioncompany,Eversource,willbeconductedincompliance

withtherelevantprovisionsofDPUregulations,Eversource’sTermsandConditionsforCompetitiveSuppliers(asamendedorsupersededfromtimetotime),andtheprotocolsoftheMassachusetts

ElectronicBusinessTransactionsWorkingGroup.

Oncecustomersareenrolled,theelectricitysupplierwillprovideall-requirementspowersupplyservice.

Thesupplierwillalsoprovideongoingcustomerservice,maintainaprogramwebsite,andprocessnew

customerenrollments,ongoingopt-outs,opt-back-ins,andcustomerselectionsofoptionalproducts.

Priortotheexpirationoftheinitialpowersupplyagreement,theTownintendstoenteranewsupply

agreement.

Aspartofitsongoingservice,theTownwillprovidethedisclosureinformationrequiredbyG.L.c.164,§

1(F)(6)and220C.M.R.§11.06.LiketheotherMassachusettsaggregations,theTownrequestsawaiver

fromtherequirementthatthedisclosurelabelbemailedtoeverycustomerandseekspermissioninstead

toprovidetheinformationthroughalternativemeans,includingpressreleases,announcementsoncable

television,postingsatTownHall,andpostingsontheprogramwebsite.AstheDPUhasfoundwithother

aggregations,thisalternateinformationdisclosurestrategywillallowtheTowntoprovidetherequired

informationtoitscustomersaseffectivelyasthroughmailings.

d. AnnualreporttoDOER

Onanannualbasis,theTownwillreporttoDOERonthestatusoftheprogram,includingnumberof

customersenrolledandopting-out,kilowatt-hoursales,customersavings,andparticipationingreen


products(allasprovidedtotheTownbythesupplier),aswellassuchotherinformationasDOERmay

request.

3. Funding

Allofthecostsoftheprogramwillbefundedthroughthesupplycontract.

Theprimarycostwillbethecompetitivesupplier’schargesforthepowersupply.Thesechargeswill

includethecostsofRECsandwillbeestablishedthroughthecompetitivesolicitationforasupplier.

Theadministrativecostsoftheprogramwillbefundedthroughaperkilowatt-houradderthatwillbe

includedinthesupplypriceandpaidbythecompetitivesuppliertotheConsultant,asspecifiedinthe

CompetitiveElectricServiceAgreement.ThisfeewillcovertheservicesoftheConsultant,including

developingtheAggregationPlan,managingtheDPUapprovalprocess,managingthesupplyprocurement,

developingandimplementingthepubliceducationplan,providingcustomersupport,interactingwiththe

localdistributioncompany,monitoringthesupplycontract,andprovidingongoingreports.Thischarge

hasbeensetinitiallyat$0.001perkilowatt-hour.

4. RateSettingandOtherCoststoParticipants

Asdescribedabove,theprogram’selectricitysupplychargeswillbesetthroughacompetitivebidding

processandwillincludetheadministrativeadder.Prices,terms,andconditionswillvarybyproductand

maydifferamongcustomerclasses.Foreachcustomerclass,priceswillbefixedforperiodsatleastas

longasthebasicservicepriceperiodfortheclass.1Whenpriceschange,theTownwillnotifyconsumers

byissuingamediareleaseandpostinganoticeontheTownwebsite.

Theprogramaffectsonlycustomers’electricitysupplycharges.Deliverychargeswillbeunchangedand

willcontinuetobechargedbythelocaldistributioncompanyinaccordancewithtariffsapprovedbythe

DPU.

Participantswillreceiveonebillfromtheirlocaldistributioncompanythatincludesboththeelectricity

supplychargeandtheirlocaldistributioncompany’sdeliverycharges.

5. MethodofEnteringandTerminatingAgreementswithOtherEntities

TheTown’sprocessforentering,modifying,enforcing,andterminatingallagreementsassociatedwith

theAggregationPlanwillcomplywiththeTown’scharter,federalandstatelawandregulations,andthe

provisionsoftherelevantagreement.

WhentheTownhasdecidedthatitistimelytosolicitbidsforanewelectricserviceagreement,the

procurementstepswillbeasfollows:

- TheTown’sconsultantswillprepareandissueanRFQonbehalfoftheTown

- TheTownwillreceiveandevaluatequalifications

- TheTown’sconsultantswillissueanRFPforprices

1Basicservicepricingperiodsvarybycustomerclass.Forresidentialandsmallbusinesscustomers,the

priceschangeeverysixmonths.Formediumandlargebusinesscustomers,priceschangemonthly.


- TheTownwillreceiveandevaluatebidsand,ifacceptable,executeacontractwiththewinning

bidder.TheBoardofSelectmenwillberesponsibleforexecutingthesupplycontract.

Ifthepricesbidonanygivenbiddatearenotsatisfactory,theTownwillwaittoseeifmarketconditions

improveandthenrepeattheprocess.

6. RightsandResponsibilitiesofProgramParticipants

Allparticipantswillhavetherighttooptoutofthestandardproductatanytimewithoutcharge.They

mayexercisethatrightbyanyofthefollowing:1)callingthecompetitivesupplier’stoll-freenumber;2)

contactingEversourceandaskingtobereturnedtobasicservice;or3)enrollingwithanothercompetitive

supplier.

AllparticipantswillhavetheconsumerprotectionprovisionsofMassachusettslawandregulations,

includingtherighttoquestionbillingandservicequalitypractices.Customerswillbeabletoaskquestions

ofandregistercomplaintswiththeTown,Consultant,thecompetitivesupplier,Eversource,andtheDPU.

Asappropriate,theTownandConsultantwilldirectcustomercomplaintstothecompetitivesupplier,

Eversource,ortheDPU.

Participantswillberesponsibleforpayingtheirbillsandforprovidingaccesstometeringandother

equipmentnecessarytocarryoututilityoperations.

7. ExtensionorTerminationofProgram

PriortotheendofthetermoftheinitialCompetitiveElectricServiceAgreement,TheTownwillsolicit

bidsforanewsupplyagreementandplanstocontinuetheprogramwiththesameoranewcompetitive

supplier.

AlthoughtheTownisnotcontemplatingaterminationdate,theprogramcouldbeterminateduponthe

terminationorexpirationoftheCompetitiveElectricServiceAgreementwithoutanyextension,renewal,

ornegotiationofasubsequentsupplycontract,oruponthedecisionoftheBoardofSelectmento

dissolvetheprogrameffectiveontheenddateofanyoutstandingsupplyagreement.Intheeventof

termination,customerswouldbereturnedtothelocaldistributioncompany’sbasicserviceviaElectronic

DataInterchange(EDI)bythecompetitivesupplierinaccordancewiththerulessetforthintheElectronic

BusinessTransactions(EBT)WorkingGroupReportunlessthecustomerschooseanalternative

competitivesupplier.

TheTownwillnotifythelocaldistributioncompanyoftheplannedterminationorextensionofthe

program.Inparticular,theTownwillprovidenotice:(1)90dayspriortoaplannedterminationofthe

program;(2)90dayspriortotheendoftheanticipatedtermoftheprogram’sESA;and(3)fourbusiness-

daysafterthesuccessfulnegotiationofanewelectricityserviceagreement.

TheTownwillnotifyconsumersofprogramterminationbyissuingamediareleaseandpostinganotice

ontheTownwebsite.Inaddition,consumerswillreceivenoticeofasupplierchangeontheirbillfromthe

localdistributioncompany.

V. SubstantiveRequirements

TheMunicipalAggregationStatutealsorequiresthattheaggregationplansatisfythreesubstantive

requirements:

- Universalaccess


- Reliability

- Equitabletreatmentofallcustomerclasses

TheTown’sprogramwillsatisfyallthreerequirements,asdiscussedbelow.

1. UniversalAccess

TheAggregationPlanprovidesforuniversalaccessbyguaranteeingthatallcustomerclasseswillbe

includedintheprogramunderequitableterms.

Mostimportantly,allcustomerswillhaveaccesstotheprogram.Alleligiblebasicservicecustomerswill

beautomaticallyenrolledintheprogramunlesstheychoosetooptout.

AsnewcustomersmoveintotheTown,theywillhaveanopportunitytojointheprogram.Newcustomers

willinitiallybeplacedonbasicservice.Theywillthenreceiveanopt-outnoticeandwillbeenrolledinthe

aggregationunlesstheychoosetooptoutwithinthe30-dayopt-outperiod.Newcustomerswillbe

offeredthesamepriceastheexistingcustomers,withtheexceptionofnewVeryLargeCommercialand

IndustrialCustomers(“VLC&ICustomers”).NewVLC&ICustomersaredefinedasanycustomerthatison

theutility’slargestrateclassandhashistoricalorprojectedconsumptioninexcessof1,000,000kWhper

year.Thesecustomers,ifany,willbeofferedapricethatreflectsmarketpricesatthetimeofenrollment.

Allcustomerswillhavetherighttooptoutoftheprogramatanytime.Customersthatoptoutwillhave

therighttoreturntotheprogramatapricethatreflectsmarketpricesatthetimeoftheirreturn.

2. Reliability

Reliabilityhasbothphysicalandfinancialcomponents.TheprogramwilladdressboththroughtheESA

withthecompetitivesupplier.Fromaphysicalperspective,theESAcommitsthecompetitivesupplierto

provideall-requirementspowersupplyandtouseproperstandardsofmanagementandoperations(ESA,

Article2.)Thelocaldistributioncompanywillremainresponsiblefordeliveryservice,includingthe

physicaldeliveryofpowertotheconsumer,maintenanceofthedeliverysystem,andrestorationof

powerintheeventofanoutage.Fromafinancialperspective,theESArequiresthesuppliertopayactual

damagesforanyfailuretoprovidesupplyatthecontractedrate(i.e.,topaythedifferencebetweenthe

contractrateandtheutilitysupplyrate).TheESAalsorequiresthecompetitivesuppliertomaintain

insurance(ESA,Article16).Accordingly,theprogramsatisfiesthereliabilityrequirementofthestatute.

3. EquitableTreatmentofallCustomerClasses

TheAggregationStatuterequires“equitable”treatmentofallcustomerclasses.TheDPUhasdetermined

thatthisdoesnotmeanthatallcustomersmustbetreated“equally,”butratherthatsimilarly-situated

classesbetreated“equitably.”Inparticular,theDPUhasallowedvariationsinpricingandtermsand

conditionsbetweencustomerclassestoaccountforthedisparatecharacteristicsofthoseclasses.

Theprogrammakesfourdistinctionsbetweengroupingsofcustomers.First,theprogramwilldistinguish

amongcustomerclasses(residential,smallbusiness,largebusiness)bysolicitingseparatepricingforeach

ofthoseclasses.Theprogramwillusethesamecustomerclassesthatthelocaldistributioncompanies

usefortheirbasicservicepricing.

Second,theprogramwilldistinguishbetweencustomersreceivingthestandardproductandcustomers

thataffirmativelychooseanoptionalproduct,suchasagreenproduct.Customersselectingtheoptional

productwillbechargedthepriceandtermsofserviceassociatedwiththatproduct.

Deleted: AsnewcustomersmoveintotheTown,theywillreceiveanoticeinformingthemoftheaggregationandoftheirrighttooptout.


Third,asdescribedaboveunder“UniversalAccess,”amongNewCustomers,theprogrammaydistinguish

betweena)NewVLC&ICustomers,andb)allotherNewCustomers.TheprogramwillofferNew

CustomersotherthanNewVLC&ICustomersthestandardcontractpricing.However,theprogramwill

offernewVLC&ICustomerspricingbasedonmarketpricesatthetimethecustomerseekstojointhe

aggregation.

Finally,consistentwithDPUrulings,amongcustomersthatareservedbyacompetitivesupplieratthe

timeofprogramlaunchandlaterseektojointheaggregation,theprogramwilldistinguishbetweena)

residentialandsmallcommercialandindustrial(C&I)customers,andb)medium,large,andverylargeC&I

customers.ResidentialandsmallC&Icustomerswillbeofferedstandardcontractpricing.Medium,large,

andverylargeC&Icustomerswillbeofferedmarketbasedrateswhichwillreflectmarketconditionsat

thetimethecustomerseekstojointheaggregation.

VI. PLANNEDSCHEDULE

Milestone DayEstimate

RFQforcompetitivesupplierissued Day1

RFPforfinalsupplypricesissued Day35

ElectricitySupplyAgreementexecuted Day49

Broad-basededucationalcampaignbegins,includingthe

announcementofsupplycontractandpricingandthelaunch

ofprogramwebsite.

Day50

Opt-outnoticemailedtocustomers Day56

Opt-outdeadline Day86

Servicebeginsasofeachcustomer’snextmeterreaddate Day90

Theplannedscheduleispresentedforillustrativepurposes.Thefinalschedulewillbeestablishedwhen

theTownreceivesregulatoryapproval.2

VII.CONCLUSION

TheActonPowerChoiceprogrammeetsalloftherequirementsofthemunicipalaggregationstatute,

includingprovidinguniversalaccessandareliablepowersupplyandtreatingallcustomerclasses

equitably.TheTownlooksforwardtotheapprovalofthisplanbytheDPUsothattheTowncanlaunch

theprogramandbringthebenefitsofratestability,renewableenergy,andincreasedelectricitychoiceto

itsresidentsandbusinesses.

2TheplannedscheduleisdesignedtogivethecompetitivesuppliersufficienttimetosatisfyEDItestingrequirements.However,theschedulewillbeadjustedifadditionaltimeisneededtomeetthoserequirements.


EXHIBITA

TownMeetingResolutionAuthorizingAggregation

<MONTH> <DAY>, 2017

Dear Acton Electricity Service Customer,

I am writing with information about the supply charges on your Eversource electric bill.

Currently, you are an Eversource Basic Service customer. This means Eversource delivers your electricity, and Eversource is also your electricity supplier (they buy electricity for you).

In July 2017, you will be automatically enrolled in the new Town electricity aggregation program, Acton Power Choice. With this program, Eversource will continue delivering your electricity, but the Town will select its own electricity supplier. Acton has signed a XX-month contract with <SUPPLIER NAME> to launch the program. This change will allow Acton to increase the amount of renewable energy in your electricity and give you a price that is lower than Eversource Basic Service at program launch, however savings cannot be guaranteed.

If you received this letter, you will be AUTOMATICALLY enrolled in Acton Power Choice, unless you choose not to participate.

▪ If you participate: Eversource will deliver your electricity, fix power outages, and bill you, but <SUPPLIER NAME> will be your electricity supplier. You will see <SUPPLIER NAME> and the program price on the supply portion of your Eversource electric bill. Delivery charges will be unaffected.

▪ If you do not participate: Eversource will continue to be your electricity supplier, and the supply portion of your electric bill will remain on the Eversource Basic Service rate.

Program Benefits

Local, renewable electricity - Your electricity will now include more renewable energy than the minimum required by the state, and the extra will come from projects in New England.

Choice - The program gives you two options: 1) Power Choice Standard, which includes 5% from renewable energy projects in New England, in addition to the minimum required by the state, and 2) Power Choice Green, which provides 100% renewable energy, all from renewable energy projects located in New England. You will be automatically enrolled in Power Choice Standard, but you may choose Power Choice Green. (Details on back.)

Predictability - While Eversource prices fluctuate, your electricity supply price will not change before your <MONTH> <YEAR> meter read. There are no hidden costs.

Your Relationship with Eversource

Your primary relationship for electricity will remain with Eversource.

▪ Your bill will continue to come from Eversource

▪ You will continue to send bill payments to Eversource

▪ You will continue to call Eversource if your power goes out

If you are eligible for a low-income delivery rate or fuel assistance, you will continue to receive those benefits.

Your New Electricity Supply Price

<X.XX> ¢/kWh

This price will begin with your <MONTH> 20XX meter read. It will first appear on your <MONTH> 20XX Eversource electric bill. It will end with your <MONTH> 20XX meter read. Compare to Eversource rates on the back.

Don’t Want to Participate?

You don’t have to. There is no penalty or fee to opt out of the program, and you may opt out at any time.

If you choose not to participate, you will remain an Eversource Basic Service customer.

To opt out before the program begins, do one of the following before <MONTH> <DAY>, 2017:

Sign & return the enclosed reply card, call <SUPPLIER NAME> at 1-8XX-XXX-XXXX, or opt out online at www.masspowerchoice.com/acton.

To opt out in the future, do one of the following at any time:

Call <SUPPLIER NAME> at 1-8XX-XXX-XXXX or opt out online at www.masspowerchoice.com/acton.

TOWN OF ACTONMUNICIPAL ELECTRICITY AGGREGATION PROGRAM

NOTIFICATION LETTER

Acton

Power Choice

Customer Support

1-844-379-9933

[email protected]

www.masspowerchoice.com/acton

EXHIBIT B - Opt-Out Notice

* The Power Choice Standard price and the Power Choice Green price both include a $0.001 / kWh administration fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are savings guaranteed? No. The program price is guaranteed to be below Eversource only until the end of the current Eversource rate term. The Eversource rate will next change on <MONTH> <DAY>, 20XX, for residential and small business accounts and on <MONTH> <DAY>, 20XX, for medium and large business accounts.

I have signed my own contract with an electricity supplier. Will I be automatically enrolled? If you have already established a contract with a different electricity supplier, you should not be automatically enrolled. However, if you received this letter but you have an existing electricity supply contract, you should opt out of the program.

I have solar panels on my property. If I join, will I continue to receive net metering credits? Yes. Net metering will work the same way if you participate in the program. Your net metering credits from your solar panels will continue to appear on your Eversource bill and will continue to be calculated based on Eversource’s Basic Service price, not on the program price.

If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact customer support at [email protected] or 1-844-379-9933. Our Town consultants will be happy to help you.

Steven Ledoux Town Manager

Program Options & Pricing

1. If you do nothing, you will be automatically enrolled in POWER CHOICE STANDARD: <X.XXX>* ¢/kWh for residential, small business, and medium & large business accounts


Rate term

Exit terms

5% from renewable energy projects in New England, in addition to the minimum required by the state.



2. If you want 100% green energy, you may choose POWER CHOICE GREEN: *** To choose POWER CHOICE GREEN, call <SUPPLIER NAME> at 1-8XX-XXX-XXXX ***

<X.XXX>* ¢/kWh for residential, small business, and medium & large business accounts


Rate term

Exit terms

100% renewable energy, all from renewable energy projects in New England.



3. If you choose to opt out, you will remain on EVERSOURCE BASIC SERVICE: <X.XXX> ¢/kWh residential <X.XXX> ¢/kWh small business <X.XXX> ¢/kWh medium & large business


Rate term

Exit terms

Meets Massachusetts minimum renewable energy requirements.

<MONTH> <DAY>, 20XX - <MONTH><DAY>, 20XX, for residential and small business accounts. <MONTH> <DAY>, 20XX - <MONTH> <DAY>, 20XX, for medium & large business accounts. Eversource’s fixed Basic Service rates change every 6 months for residential and small business accounts and every 3 months for medium and large business accounts.



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Documents

Municipal Aggregation Plan - MassPowerChoice.com...Town of Acton Municipal Aggregation Plan 2 3. Incorporating Local Renewable Resources As is possible and cost effective, the Town