PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield has signed a twenty-four month contract with its current supplier, Dynegy Energy Services.
The Pittsfield Community Choice Power Supply Program will have a new standard product that meets Massachusetts Renewable Energy Requirement (MA Req) of 62.3 percent at a rate of $0.13849 per kWh. It will also continue to offer an optional product that uses 100 percent Massachusetts Class I Renewable Energy Certificates at a rate of $0.16729 per kWh.
For Pittsfield residents and businesses who are enrolled in the City’s standard product, the current rate of $0.09603 per kWh will expire and the new rate of $0.13849 per kWh will take effect with the January 2024 meter reads. This represents an increase of $25 per month on the supply side of the bill given average usage of 600 kWh. However, this new rate is 13 percent lower than Eversource’s recently announced Residential Basic Service rate of $0.15845 per kWh. Residents can expect to see an average savings of $12 per month for the months of January 2024 through July 2024.
Normally, the term would be through June 2024 but this is a transition term. The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities issued an Order on September 1, 2023 that requires Eversource 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.]
“Although the Program rate is increasing due to market conditions, we are pleased that it will still offer savings over the Basic Service price offered. In addition, the new rate will be locked in for the term of the contract and will provide stability thereby insulating ratepayers from market fluctuations,” said Mayor Linda Tyer.
Pittsfield launched its electricity program in January 2018 in an effort to develop an energy program that would be stable, affordable and incorporate renewable energy. From inception through June 2023, the Program has saved residents and small businesses over $16.6 million in electricity costs as compared to Basic Service.
It is important to note that no action will be required by individual consumers. All accounts currently enrolled in the Program will remain with their current product selection and see the new rate under the “Supplier Services” section of their monthly bill. This change will be seen on the February 2024 bills.
The Pittsfield 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 Eversource Basic Service. However, such savings and future savings cannot be guaranteed.
Eversource customers who meet certain means criteria can qualify to receive a discount on their electric bills. To learn more, please visit eversource.com/content/residential/account-billing/payment-assistance/discount-rate.
Residents may also visit http://colonialpowergroup.com/pittsfield/ or call (866) 485-5858 ext. 1 to learn more about Pittsfield’s Community Choice Power Supply Program, to opt-in or opt-out, or to change your current product selection.