In defense of Boston-area municipal clean energy programs
These programs support renewable energy investments and jobs, let renters choose clean energy, and maintain competitive prices. Since its start, Somerville's basic rate has been below Eversource's basic rate for 16 out of 17 rate cycles, and Somerville's default rate has been below Eversource's basic rate for 15 out of 17 rate cycles. A true accounting of Somerville's program shows we have saved 29,000 annual participants a total of $26 million since July 2017 compared with Eversource.
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That's why
Katjana Ballantyne
Mayor of Somerville
Consider the full impact of Boston Community Choice program
Your recent article on the Boston Community Choice Electricity program presents a misleading picture of the program's costs and uses inflated assumptions about the electricity usage of Boston residents to estimate savings.
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The article's first chart implies that BCCE charges residents more than Eversource for electricity. This is deeply misleading. Data filed with the Department of Public Utilities indicate that since the launch of BCCE in 2021, the average customer on the standard, or default, plan has saved approximately $800 compared with Eversource basic service.
Further, the article inflates how much residents can save by switching from the standard to the basic plan. It assumes a monthly usage of 900 kilowatt-hours, while the city's data show the average BCCE customer uses less than 420 kWh per month — more than doubling the estimated bills and savings of the average resident.
Within Greater Boston, aggregation programs have been a resounding success. Of the 81 municipalities served by Eversource and National Grid, 61 have aggregation programs, with eight more launching this year or awaiting approval. While there are opportunities to improve communications about program options and to see that low-income customers are automatically enrolled into the most affordable tier, aggregation programs are a proven way for municipalities to both save residents money and promote greater usage of renewable electricity.
Jeremy Koo
Assistant director of clean energy
Metropolitan Area Planning Council
Boston
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