Cheshire Takes Next Steps in Electrical Aggregation
CHESHIRE, Mass. — The town will begin the process of choosing a preferably green electricity supplier through Colonial Power Group.
Mark Cappadona, a Colonial Power Group representative, told the Selectmen on Tuesday that the state Department of Public Utilities has approved the town's ability to join an electrical aggregation other than what National Grid provides. This will allow Cheshire to choose an electrical power supplier from the marketplace.
"You can take a look at energy, how long you wanted to go, and the color of the energy," Cappadona said. "You can tie in with the other Berkshire communities if you want ... all those choices can now be made or at least talked about."
Last year town meeting passed a warrant article that started this process. Because of the increase in electricity rates, many towns and cities have joined municipal electrical aggregation plans, including some communities in Berkshire County that joined together for group purchasing power.
Cappadona said he can begin the process by bringing different rates and providers to Town Administrator Mark Webber, who can relay these options to the Selectmen.
Selectman Robert Ciskowski said all of the residents he has talked to showed an interest in green power. The other selectmen echoed this statement and asked that Cappadona limit the options to green energy sources.
"The people I have talked to indicated that they really like the green power aspect," Ciskowski said. "We haven't taken a formal poll, but no one has said they do not want green power."
Cappadona said green power would most likely come from local hydro and it would be both economically and environmentally responsible.
He added that Cheshire can perhaps lock in a cost less than what the Berkshire County group is receiving though Hampshire Power because rates at the moment are historically low. He said Cheshire could see a rate that's a cent less than the other communities.
He added although Cheshire could purchase power on its own to save money, it could sync its contract with the Berkshire County group.
"You can say your rate will be lower for the 18 months until December of 2017, and because of the timing of your purchase you can save more but still be lined up with them," he said. "You can go back out to the marketplace with them so you get the benefit of program. Procrastination is a wonderful thing this time around."
Webber agreed it would be best for Cheshire to go out on its own for now and meet up with the other communities at the end of the contract. He said, "we got lucky."
Residents may opt out of any provider the town chooses; National Grid would continue to be the power distributor.
Selectwoman Carol Francesconi said McAndrews-King Buick GMC dealer in Adams may be able to provide the Water Department with a three-quarter ton truck for a cheaper rate than the state bid.
Although the water users approved the idea of purchasing of a $35,000 truck with a plow, some felt there may be a cheaper option.
Francesconi said McAndrews-King's price is $33,863.05, however she did not know if this included strobe lights.
Department of Public Works Director Peter LeFebvre said he would rather purchase from a local business but the truck needs strobe lights.
"That's a must," LeFebvre said. "He is out in the travel lanes and parked,"
He said it would cost nearly $900 to install lights, this still would cost less than the state bid.
Francesconi said she would provide McAndrews-King's with the needed truck specs and see if they can beat the price.
Webber said the Sand Mill Road Bridge preliminary plans were approved by the state Department of Transportation District 1's bridge office and have been sent to the state.
Last year, the bridge received a failing grade and was shut down. The town decided to repair the bridge on its own instead of waiting for the state.
Tags: alternative energy, electrical aggregation,
