Community Power Aggregation Committee

New Community Power Aggregation Committee Being Formed
Posted on 12/14/2021

On November 1st, 2021, Wilton’s Select Board voted unanimously to establish an official “Community Power Aggregation Committee.” The purpose of this effort is to consider new municipal power aggregation opportunities provided for New Hampshire communities by recently passed state legislation. This committee will consist of no more than 7 members, and will be meeting with vetted subject matter experts to discuss possibilities.  

If you’re interested in becoming a member of this committee, please fill out THIS FORM or you can print it out and either drop it off at the Administration Office at the Wilton Town Hall (42 Main Street) or e-mail it to Wilton’s Town Administrator ([email protected]). If you have any questions, feel free to call and ask the Town Administrator (603-654-9451).

All forms must be submitted by DECEMBER 7th!

 

Q:  What is Community Power Aggregation?

Community Power Aggregation is a way for rate payers in a given community – the local government buyers, businesses, non-profits, and residents alike – to optionally combine their electricity usage together and negotiate how they receive power. As a collective group, participants are then able to leverage their aggregated buying power for desirable rates and greater control over the ultimate source of their electricity supply. This is an option to potentially save money and/or to advance sustainability goals.  

Q: As a resident, business, or property owner… would I be FORCED to participate?

NO! Should a community power aggregation group be established in Wilton, there would be clear opt-in or opt-out policies. But this is why participation in this committee is important: The Committee could very well have a huge role to play in crafting the rules for a potential aggregation group participation.

Q: Why is a committee needed to look into these topics?

Because there are many options and subjects to consider. Potentially the entire process could be tailored to fit Wilton’s local needs.

Q: If this went forward, would only one option be available?

NO. One of the key benefits of an aggregation group is that it is very customizable:  The group could choose say, three rates of power: One that maximizes renewable energy, one that emphasizes a mix, and one that maximizes savings for rate payers.   

Q: Wait, how is it possible for this to save money?

Due to the intricacies of electricity markets in the United States, chances are high you or your neighbor are currently buying electricity through the default standard rate set by your utility company. This standard rate fluctuates periodically based on larger market demands and is generally favorable to the local utility provider. Likewise, if you participate individually in a competitive provider option, oftentimes you’re not accessing the best rate or options possible: The bulk participation of an aggregation -group as a collective buyer can represent considerable leverage.

Q: I don’t see any massive solar or hydropower dams nearby… how could such a group support renewable sources here?

Although the electrons powering your property may in literal terms come from regional utility scale electricity producers, power in the country is ultimately carefully tracked and sold on abstract marketplaces. This means an aggregation group could choose options that support renewable energy sources of their choice over less green ones as an option.

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