• By Teddy Tauscher | ttauscher@eagletribune.com

METHUEN — Residents will pay significantly less for their energy needs starting in December.

The city is launching a program which will pool the community’s energy use together, allowing officials to negotiate better rates. The plan will result in 20% cheaper power than current rates, according to a press release from the city. Acting Mayor D.J. Beauregard signed a three-year contract with First Point Power, an energy supplier out of Rhode Island, for the program. A new contract will be negotiated in 2027.

National Grid customers will be automatically enrolled, while residents using third-party suppliers will need to opt in themselves. The Methuen Community Choice Power Supply Program is launching with the help of the Colonial Power Group, a firm that specializes in “municipal aggregation,” according to its website.

So far, around 190 communities in the state have launched similar programs, including Haverhill and Andover.

The new rate is locked in for three years at $0.12830 per kWh. National Grid’s current Residential Basic Service rate is $0.16055 per kWh.

While the aggregation rate may not always be lower than the basic rate offered by National Grid, which fluctuates, the program offers customers sustainability and savings over time, according to the city.

Residents will see no impact on services, except that “First Point Power of Cranston, Rhode Island,” will be printed on their monthly energy bills as the supplier.

There are no enrollment, early termination, or cancellation fees with the program. Residents who choose to opt out can also opt in at a later date at no cost.

However, anyone switching from a third-party supplier may be subject to penalties or early termination fees charged by that supplier. Ratepayers should verify terms before switching, according to the city.

Despite the change in supplier, National Grid will continue to deliver electricity to residents.

The energy will meet the state’s mandated minimum for renewable energy of 62% in 2024, 63% in 2025, 69% in 2026 and 76% in 2027.

“At a time when the cost of living for our residents is out of control, especially for individuals and families living on fixed incomes, I’m glad to share the news that this program will provide meaningful cost savings to our residents on their electric bills this winter,” Beauregard said. “The goal of the program is to lock in a competitive price that provides our residents with savings now and stability over the next three years.”

The city has scheduled four information sessions on the program over the months of October and November.

From 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at Methuen Senior Center Auditorium, 77 Lowell St.
• From 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at Methuen Senior Center Auditorium, 77 Lowell St.
• From 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at Great Hall, Searles Building, 41 Pleasant St.
• From 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at Methuen Arlington Neighborhood Offices, 141 Tenney St.

For more information on the program visit colonialpowergroup.com/methuen or call 866-485-5858, Ext. 1.

National Grid also has programs to help families and customers needing special assistance. For more information visit: nationalgridus.com/MA-Home/Bill-Help/Payment-Assistance-Programs.

“I am very excited that Methuen’s community choice power supply program has been approved by DPU,” state Sen. Pavel Payano, D-Lawrence said. “I have been working since 2023 with the city to urge DPU to accept their proposal. This coalescence of the buying power of the residents of Methuen should lead to savings opportunities for my constituents, many of whom are struggling to afford the rising cost of utility bills. I look forward to working with Mayor Beauregard and the city to build community awareness around the rollout of this incredibly impactful program.”

 

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