Electricity Rates Drop 11/1 for GB Community Choice Power Supply Participants - Have you signed up yet??
Great Barrington customers of National Grid who participate in the Community Choice Power Supply program will see a drop in their electricity supply rates starting Nov. 1.
Residents may visit colonialpowergroup.com/great-barrington or call (866) 485-5858 ext. 1 to learn more about Great Barrington’s Community Choice Power Supply Program or to opt-in or opt-out.
The town has signed a new, 24-month contract with its current aggregate power supplier, Dynegy Energy Services, which sets a new rate of 0.15051 per kWh, down from $0.22203 per kWh. This represents a decrease of $43 per month on the supply side of the bill, based on average usage of 600 kWh.
The new rate is also 17 percent lower than National Grid’s recently announced Residential Basic Service rate of $0.18213 per kWh.*
“After markedly high electricity prices, we are pleased to announce a drop in the program’s rate,” said Great Barrington Town Manager, Mark Pruhenski. “The rate is locked in for the term of the contract and will insulate ratepayers from market fluctuations.”
No action is required by individual consumers already enrolled in the program. Customers not yet enrolled in the program may do so by visiting: colonialpowergroup.com/great-barrington. Customers should also have received a postcard explaining the new program and how to op-in.
The reduced rate will be reflected in December 2023 bills. Customers will see the new rate under the “Supply Services” section of their monthly bill.
Great Barrington launched its aggregate electricity program in November 2017 to develop an energy program that would be stable and affordable for local electric customers. From inception through May 2023, the program has saved residents and small businesses over $2.6 million in electricity costs, compared with National Grid Basic Service.
The Great Barrington Community Choice Power Supply Program has no fees or charges. 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 Basic Service. However, such savings and future savings cannot be guaranteed.
National Grid also 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.
Residents may visit colonialpowergroup.com/great-barrington or call (866) 485-5858 ext. 1 to learn more about Great Barrington’s Community Choice Power Supply Program or to opt-in or opt-out.
*Normally, the term would be through April 2024 but this is a transition term. The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities issued an Order on September 1, 2023 that requires National Grid change its residential and small business Basic Service periods to February through July and August through January. This is expected to mitigate large seasonal changes in Basic Service electricity supply prices and differences across electric distribution companies. [See mass.gov/news/dpu-orders-schedule-changes-to-basic-service-rates.]
ABOUT COLONIAL POWER GROUP: Based in Marlborough, Mass., Colonial Power Group is the leading aggregation-consulting firm in Massachusetts. Colonial Power has been working with local governments since 2002 in the design, implementation and management of municipal aggregation programs.
