FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12/16/2024
For further information, contact:
Susan Scully Petroni
City of Framingham Public Information Officer
spetroni@framinghamma.gov
508-782-8629
City of Framingham Signs 2-Year Contract for New Framingham Community Electricity Program
FRAMINGHAM, MA – The City of Framingham is excited to announce the launch of its Framingham Community Electricity, a new group electricity buying program from The City.
The City has signed an electricity supply contract with First Point Power that will provide two years of stable electricity supply prices and cleaner electricity to program participants beginning in March 2025.
“This initiative marks a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency,” said Framingham Mayor Charlie Sisitsky. “Through the contract with First Point Power, we are ensuring that our residents have access to affordable and greener energy options. This program not only stabilizes electricity costs for our community but also supports our broader environmental goals by reducing our carbon footprint. We are proud to lead the way in creating a more sustainable future for Framingham."
Framingham Community Electricity received state regulatory approval in September 2024, and with the program’s launch, Framingham joins more than 200 other Massachusetts cities and towns with similar programs, including the nearby communities of Newton, Natick, and Sherborn.
“We are excited to launch Framingham Community Electricity and provide participants with multiple options to help them control the cost and renewable energy content of their electricity supply,” said City of Framingham Director of Capital Projects and Facilities Management James Paolini.
Participants in Framingham Community Electricity will automatically receive 35% of their electricity from new renewable sources in the New England region for a price of 12.818 ¢/kWh, which is lower than the Eversource residential price of 13.347 ¢/kWh that goes into effect on February 1. However, because Eversource’s prices change seasonally and future prices are unknown, future savings compared with Eversource cannot be guaranteed.
Two additional program options will be available by request. Participants can choose to receive electricity that is 100% from new renewable sources in the New England region (Framingham Green Plus) for 15.418 ¢/kWh or to receive just the minimum amount from renewable sources required by law (Framingham Basic) for 12.588 ¢/kWh.
All Framingham Community Electricity prices are fixed and will not change from March 2025 through March 2027. Eversource remains responsible for delivering electricity to Framingham, addressing power outages, and handling all electricity billing.
Like all similar programs across the state and in accordance with state law, Framingham Community Electricity will use an automatic enrollment model, though participation will not be required.
Electricity accounts with Eversource’s Basic Service – meaning accounts that do not have a private electricity supply contract - will be eligible for automatic enrollment in Framingham Community Electricity in March and will see the new price on their April electric bill.
“In addition to securing competitive and stable pricing for participants, Framingham Community Electricity – through its Framingham Standard Green and Framingham Green Plus options – provides a critical pathway for residents and businesses to improve the sustainability of their electricity supply while actively advancing local climate goals and supporting our journey toward net zero emissions,” said City of Framingham Sustainability Coordinator Shawn Luz. “We encourage residents to check the program website to learn more about their choices and about other ways they can manage their energy sustainability and utility costs.”
Eligible account holders will receive a notification by mail in January from the City but can choose to opt out if they do not wish to participate.
Electricity accounts with a private electricity supply contract will not be eligible for automatic enrollment, but they can be enrolled in Framingham Community Electricity by request.
The City will be holding informational sessions in English, Spanish, & Portuguese in 2025.
More information about the program is available at www.FraminghamCommunityElectricity.com or by calling the City’s program consultants at 1-844-202-6226.
The City encourages residents who are interested in better understanding their utility bills and exploring eligibility for programs such as heating and fuel assistance to sign-up for a no-cost Utility Bill Checkup at FraminghamCommunityElectricity.com.
Residents and businesses can identify additional ways to improve their energy efficiency through the Mass Save Program: MassSave.com/MetroWest.
