Holliston Chooses new Supplier for Electricity Program

The Town of Holliston has signed a twenty-four month contract with a new electricity supplier, First Point Power. Beginning with the December 2023 meter reads, the Holliston Community Choice Power Supply Program will have a new rate of $0.14771 per kWh and will continue to be a 100 percent green product derived from National Wind Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).

For Holliston residents and businesses who are enrolled in the Town’s Program, the current rate of $0.10331 per kWh will expire with the December 2023 meter reads and the new rate of $0.14771 per kWh will take effect. This represents an increase of $27 per month on the supply side of the bill given average usage of 600 kWh. However, participants are expected to see continued savings compared to Eversource for the months of January 2024 through July 2024*. Eversource’s summer Residential Basic Service rate of $0.16078 per kWh will change on January 1, 2024 and should be known in late-November. Historically, Eversource’s winter rates have been higher than their summer rates.

“This new contract represents Holliston’s continuous commitment to help stabilize electricity costs for residents and small businesses,” said Travis Ahern, Holliston Town Administrator. “It is especially beneficial during this period of high inflation.”

Holliston launched its electricity program in January 2016 in an effort to develop an energy program that would be stable, affordable and incorporate renewable energy. From inception through June 2023, the Program has saved residents and small businesses over $8.8 million in electricity costs as compared to Eversource Basic Service.

It is important to note that no action will be required by individual consumers. This change will be seen on the January 2024 bills. All accounts currently enrolled in the Program will see the new rate and First Point Power printed under the “Supplier Services” section of their monthly bill.

The Holliston Community Choice Power Supply Program has no fees or charges. 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.

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

Eversource customers who meet certain means criteria can qualify to receive a discount on their electric bills. To learn more, please visit eversource.com/content/residential/account-billing/payment-assistance/discount-rate.

Residents may also visit colonialpowergroup.com/holliston or call (866) 485-5858 ext. 1 to learn more about Holliston’s Community Choice Power Supply Program or to opt-in or opt-out.

*Normally, the term would be through June 2024 but this is a transition term. The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities issued an Order on September 1, 2023 that requires Eversource change its residential and small business Basic Service periods to February through July and August through January. This is expected to mitigate large seasonal changes in Basic Service electricity supply prices and differences across electric distribution companies. [See mass.gov/news/dpu-orders-schedule-changes-to-basic-service-rates.]