Bedford Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) Aggregation Plan explains how the program will operate.
Customer Notification Letter – sent to new electricity supply customers who are eligible for automatic enrollment in the program. Explains program options, product rates, renewable energy content and for those who choose to opt out, ways to leave the program before enrollment.
Press Release: Bedford CCA program renewal (October, 2021) – the press release from the Town of Bedford details the continuation of the Bedford CCA program through November 2024.
Bedford CCA program renewal letter to participants (December, 2021) – the letter from the Town of Bedford details the continuation of the Bedford CCA program through November 2024.
Electricity Disclosure labels
Electricity Disclosure Labels are prepared and periodically updated by Bedford CCA program’s electricity supplier. They provide details on the energy mix for all program options. These documents are updated only periodically, therefore, the labels available at this time may be for electricity supply from an earlier period.
Aggregation Background
Municipal electricity aggregation is a mechanism by which a city or town can bundle the electricity supply needs of residents and businesses in their community and procure the electricity in bulk, typically for a multi-year term.
Municipal aggregation is allowed under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 164 Section 134. More than 140 cities and towns in Massachusetts already have active electricity aggregation programs, and other nearby communities are pursuing similar programs.
By default, customers receive “Basic Service” electricity supply from Eversource. Under a municipal aggregation program, like Bedford CCA, all customers receiving Basic Service are automatically transitioned to the aggregation’s standard option. However, before the aggregation begins, all customers must be given the chance to stay with Basic Service, known as opting-out. After customers are enrolled, they can still opt out of the program at any time without penalty.
Bedford CCA Implementation
In 1998, the Town Meeting authorized the creation of a community choice electricity aggregation program in Bedford. In 2017, Town then selected consultant Good Energy, L.P. to assist with all aspects of program implementation. The Town developed a draft aggregation plan and subsequently solicited public input. As required by law, the plan was reviewed with the MA Department of Energy Resources and the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) for review.
Bedford conducted a competitive bid for electricity supply and secured a supply contract to start in August 2019. Prior to the start of the program, Bedford conducted an education and outreach program to notify eligible residents and businesses about the program and their right to opt out of the program before it started.
This postcard was sent to all eligible customers in Bedford in July of 2019, notifying them that the program will start in August.
The Customer Notification letter was also sent to all customers who were eligible for automatic enrollment, notifying them of program options, goals and benefits, product rates and how to opt out of the program before it began.