Timeline for the program development and approval process will follow all steps required by the statute including local authorization, public review, and approval by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities. Follow the program’s progress with the table below.
Completed
Step one: On May 6, 2019, Town Meeting authorized the Select Board to investigate and develop a community electricity program.
Completed
Step two: The Town retained consultant, Good Energy, L.P., to assist in developing and managing the program.
Completed
Step three: Town worked with the consultant to develop a draft Aggregation Plan. The draft plan describes program organization, operation, electricity products and management.
Completed
Step four: Submit Aggregation Plan to the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) for consultation.
Completed
Step five: Provide opportunity for public review of Aggregation Plan: Read the draft aggregation plan.
The public hearing was held on November 18, 2019 at the Select Board meeting.
In progress
Step six: Submit Aggregation Plan to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) for approval.
Not started
Step seven: Procure bids for electricity supply; notify community and launch program.
Upon approval by the DPU, Westwood will monitor the market and identify the appropriate time to run a competitive bid for electricity supply. Upon selection of an electricity supplier, Westwood will implement an extensive education and outreach campaign to make residents and businesses aware of the upcoming program launch and their choice to participate in the program or leave before it starts (opt out). Participants can also opt out any time after the program has begun without penalty or fee of any kind.