Pittsfield Announces New Energy Program Rates

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield has signed a thirty-four month contract with a new supplier, First Point Power. 
 
Beginning with the January 2026 meter reads, the Pittsfield Community Choice Power Supply Program's standard product, which meets Massachusetts Renewable Energy Requirement (MA Req) of 69.1 percent, will have a new rate of $0.13042 per kWh. 
 
It will also continue to offer an optional product that uses 100 percent Massachusetts Class I Renewable Energy Certificates at a rate of $0.15740 per kWh.
 
For Pittsfield residents and businesses who are enrolled in the City's standard product, the current rate of $0.13849 per kWh will expire and the new rate of $0.13042 per kWh will take effect with the January 2026 meter reads. This represents a decrease of $5 per month on the supply side of the bill given average usage of 600 kWh. In addition, this new rate is 3 percent lower than Eversource's Residential Basic Service rate of $0.13493 per kWh. Residents can expect to see an average savings of $3 for the month of January 2026. Eversource's Basic Service rates will change on Feb. 1, 2026.
 
Pittsfield launched its electricity program in January 2018 in an effort to develop an energy program that would be stable, affordable and incorporate renewable energy. From inception through June 2025, the Program has saved residents and small businesses over $20.1 million in electricity costs as compared to Eversource Basic Service. It is important to note that no action is required by current participants. 
 
All accounts currently enrolled in the Program will remain with their current product selection and see the new rate and First Point Power printed under the "Supplier Services" section of their monthly bill. This change will be seen on the February 2026 bills.
 
The Pittsfield 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, 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, visit eversource.com/content/residential/account- billing/payment-assistance/discount-rate.
 
Residents may also visit colonialpowergroup.com/pittsfield or call (866) 485-5858 ext. 1 to learn more about Pittsfield's Community Choice Power Supply Program, to opt-in or opt-out, or to change product selection.
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Lee: 3 Miles of Route 20 Being Repaved Next Year

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

LEE, Mass. — Beginning next year, the state will repave three miles of Route 20 and reinforce two bridges, one over the Massachusetts Turnpike. 

Last week, the state Department of Transportation held a virtual design public hearing for the project. In addition to milling and resurfacing of the route, bridge structures L-05-024 (over Greenwater Brook) and L-05-052 (over I-90) will see maintenance repairs. 

"We just wanted to thank MassDOT for doing this project. We're very supportive of having the road redone and appreciate the work on it," Town Administrator Christopher Brittain said. 

"The town of Lee is looking forward to having the road repaved." 

Construction will begin in the spring of 2027.  

Traffic will be maintained with short-term flagging operations, and steel plates will conceal deck patching over Greenwater Brook. There will be staged construction on the bridge over the highway, with a single alternating travel lane controlled by a temporary signal. 

The project is estimated to cost $6.8 million, 90 percent from the federal government and 10 percent from the state; it is in the FY26 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. 

The hearing included public information on activities and rights-of-way needs for tree trimming, new utility poles, grading, drainage swales, and a driveway apron along the project corridor, items identified during the late design phases. 

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