Program Documents
Gloucester Community Electricity 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.
Program renewal letter – sent in November 2021, the letter explains the continuation of the Gloucester Community Electricity Aggregation program through December 2024.
Disclosure Labels
The Disclosure Label is prepared and periodically updated by Gloucester CEA program’s electricity supplier. It provides detail on the energy mix for all program options. These documents are updated only periodically, therefore, the label 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 National Grid. Under a municipal aggregation program, like Gloucester CEA, 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.
Gloucester CEA Implementation
On April 26, 2016, the City Council authorized the Mayor to explore the creation of a community electricity aggregation program in Gloucester. The City then selected consultant Good Energy, L.P. to assist with all aspects of program implementation. The City 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.
Gloucester conducted a competitive bid for electricity supply and secured a supply contract to start in December 2018. Prior to the start of the program, Gloucester 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 Gloucester in November of 2018, notifying them that the program will start in December 2018.
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.