Frequently Asked Questions
1. WHY HAVE I RECEIVED THIS MAILING?
Your city/town has signed a contract with a Competitive Power Supplier on behalf of your community as part of their Community Choice Power Supply Program.
2. WHAT IS THE “COMMUNITY CHOICE POWER SUPPLY PROGRAM”?
The Community Choice Power Supply Program allows local government to combine the purchasing power of its residents to achieve savings on electricity costs. In doing so, it creates competition among electricity suppliers which helps ensure competitive rates. Consumers are no longer “stuck” with the cost and fluctuation of Basic Service Rates because the Program offers them another option.
3. HOW WILL THIS AFFECT ME?
You will receive the benefit of a lower rate on your electricity and therefore a lower electric bill. Otherwise, YOU WILL NOT NOTICE ANY CHANGE. The only difference you will see is that the name of the chosen supplier will be printed under the “Supply Services” section of your monthly bill. You will continue to receive one bill from your Local Utility. You will continue to send your payments to your Local Utility for processing. Your Local Utility will continue to read meters and maintain the distribution and transmission lines. Reliability and quality of service will remain the same. Furthermore, you will continue to have all existing consumer rights and protections.
4. WHAT IS A "COMPETITIVE POWER SUPPLIER”?
A Competitive Power Supplier is a power supplier other than your Local Utility. Your electricity is currently being supplied by your Local Utility unless you have switched to a Competitive Supplier on your own. Your electric bill is divided into two parts: delivery and supply. The supply is no longer regulated and therefore can be provided by a Competitive Power Supplier. Delivery is still regulated and can only be provided by your Local Utility. Your Local Utility will continue to deliver your power supply over the wires. However, the power running through those wires can be provided by a Competitive Supplier
5. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM?
You do not need to take any action to participate in your Community Choice Power Supply Program. All basic service consumers will automatically be enrolled in the Program.
6. WHAT IF I DO NOT WANT POWER FROM THIS SUPPLIER?
Each consumer has the right to choose his/her supplier. Enclosed in the consumer notification mailing is an Opt-Out Return Card. If you do not want to participate in the Community Choice Power Supply Program, you can sign and date the card and drop it in the mail or you can click the opt-out button on this website, fill out and submit the opt-out form. You will be removed from the list of participating customers. The initial opt-out period is (30) days of the mailing date of the notification letter.
7. WHAT IF I DECIDE I WANT TO OPT-OUT AFTER THE 30 DAY INITIAL OPT-OUT PERIOD?
Participation is designed to be as open as possible. You may leave the Community Choice Power Supply Program at no charge and be placed on their Local Utility's Basic Service or choose another competitive supplier on their own. Should you wish to later opt-out of the Community Choice Power Supply Program, you must provide thirty (30) days prior notice by notifying the Competitive Supplier or the Local Utility. In addition, if you participate initially and then choose to leave the Community Choice Power Supply Program, you may return only if accepted by the Competitive Supplier and at prevailing market rates.
8. WHAT IF I HAVE ALREADY CHOSEN A COMPETITIVE SUPPLIER?
The Local Utility records would indicate that you already have a competitive supplier. You WILL NOT be enrolled in the Community Choice Power Supply Program.
9. WHAT IF I AM ON A BUDGET PLAN OR ELIGIBLE LOW-INCOME DELIVERY RATE?
You will continue to receive those benefits from your Local Utility.
10. WHAT IF I OPERATE A BUSINESS AND HAVE A "TAX EXEMPT" STATUS, WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO MAINTAIN MY STATUS UNDER THIS PROGRAM?
According to Massachusetts law, in order to maintain your tax exempt status for your electric bill, you must send a copy of your tax exempt certificate directly to the Competitive Supplier.