Burlington Announces Launch of its Community Choice Power Supply Program

The Town of Burlington is pleased to announce that it’s launching its Community Choice Power Supply Program this fall to provide an energy program that is stable, affordable and incorporates additional renewable energy. Burlington signed a twenty-four month contract with Constellation NewEnergy.

Beginning with the October 2024 meter reads, Burlington’s Program will offer three products with varying amounts of renewable energy content. “This contract represents Burlington’s commitment to help stabilize electricity costs for residents and small businesses,” said Paul Sagarino, Burlington Town Administrator.

The Burlington Community Choice Power Supply Program is a municipal aggregation program which, according to Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 164, § 134), enables local government to combine the purchasing power of its residents and businesses so that it can provide them with an alternative electricity supply. Approximately 190 Massachusetts communities, to date, have chosen to develop community choice electricity programs to benefit their residents and small business owners.

Residents will not notice any change in their electricity service. The only discernible difference will be that Constellation NewEnergy of Houston, Texas, will be printed under “Supplier Services” on Eversource’s monthly bills. Residents and small business owners will continue to receive one bill from Eversource and to send payments to Eversource for processing. There will be no interruption in billing, power, or customer service.

No action is required by ratepayers to participate in this cost-saving program. The Program will be operated on an opt-out basis, meaning that all Burlington residential and business customers currently on Eversource’s Basic Service will be automatically enrolled into the Program unless they choose to opt-out. Residents who wish to opt-down to the optional basic product or opt-up to the optional renewable product can make that selection accordingly.

There are no enrollment, early termination, or cancellation fees attached to the Burlington electricity program. Residents who choose to opt-out can also opt-in at a later date if they so choose at no cost. 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.

Eversource 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’s Basic Service. However, such savings and future savings cannot be guaranteed.

Residents or business owners with a supplier block on their account must contact Eversource to request that the block be removed if they want to participate in Burlington’s electricity program.

Eversource has several programs to help income-eligible families and customers needing special assistance to meet their energy needs. To learn more visit eversource.com/content/residential/
account-billing/payment-assistance/discount-rate.

Information sessions to answer any questions regarding Burlington’s Community Choice Power Supply Program will be held by the Town and representatives of Colonial Power Group as follows:

• September 3, 2024 at 7 pm, Town Hall Main Hearing Room, 29 Center St
  • A remote option is available at: https://townofburlington.webex.com/townofburlington/j.php?MTID=m65048b09d45b8a009ef90770d713731f
• September 10, 2024 at 2:30 pm at Burlington Council on Aging, Human Services Building, 61 Center Street