Program Development Timeline
Passage of authorizing resolution
The municipal aggregation statute requires that the City obtain approval from the local governing authorities before initiating the development of the Plan. The City satisfied the local approval requirement when the City Council voted to initiate the process of municipal aggregation in April 2022.
Signed agreement with Town’s aggregation consultant
Easthampton selected Good Energy, L.P. as its aggregation consultant to assist in developing this Plan, managing the supply procurement, developing and implementing the public education plan, interacting with the Local Distribution Company, Eversource, and monitoring the supply contract. Good Energy, L.P. manages the programs in nearby Belchertown (BelchertownEnergyChoice.com)
and Hadley (HadleyCEA.com), as well as larger municipalities such as Fall River, New Bedford, Malden
and Quincy.Creation of a Draft Plan & Public Review
Easthampton prepared a Draft Plan made available for citizen review. Hard copies of the plan shall also be available at the City Clerk’s office. The public review started from Monday, June 3rd, 2024, and will remain open until Saturday, July 6, 2024.
Public hearing on Draft Plan
Easthampton held a public hearing to receive comments from citizens held on June 24, 2024, at 6 PM in the City Council Chambers at Easthampton City Hall.
Consultation with Department of Energy Resources & Other Parties:
The aggregation statute also requires that the City consult with the Department of Energy Resources (“DOER”) in developing the Plan. The City submitted a draft of the Plan to DOER, and Easthampton municipal officials and their Aggregation Consultant met with DOER to discuss that draft. The DOER consultation was held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.
Submission of Final Plan to Department of Public Utilities:
Before being implemented, the Plan must be reviewed and approved by the Department. The Department will ensure that the Program satisfies all of the statutory requirements, including that the Plan provides universal access, a reliable power supply and equitable treatment for all customer classes. Easthampton, docket number 24-153, submitted their aggregation plan to the DPU on October 4, 2024. The DPU scheduled a public hearing for the City of Easthampton on November 20, 2024, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Further details can be found in the NOTICE OF FILING, PUBLIC HEARING AND REQUEST FOR COMMENTS.
DPU Public Hearing
The DPU held a public hearing for the City of Easthampton on November 20, 2024, beginning at 2:00 p.m. You can read the notice and access the zoom link here.
Approval & launch
The DPU approved Easthampton’s Plan on January 29, 2025. With this approval, the City is able to procure electricity supply and launch its program.