Print
Share page with AddThis

Melrose Residents, Businesses Have Saved with Melrose Community Power

Still time to enroll in the City's electricity program!
Posted on: September 11, 2023 - 2:18pm
MCP and City of Melrose seals

The City’s electricity aggregation program, called Melrose Community Power (MCP), is halfway through the current supply contract with Next Era which expires in November 2024. Since the current contract went into effect in November 2021, Melrose residents and businesses have saved $7,322,367 (on average $830 per account) compared to the default option called Basic Service.

The current contact rates were procured in May 2021 before the Ukraine War started in early 2022 which led to very volatile energy markets around the globe. When National Grid’s Basic Service supply rates jumped to over 34 cents per kWh last winter, the MCP program saved participants over $6 million dollars in total over six months. As a result, by March 2023 enrollment in MCP increased by 20% with about 1400 new enrollments. The current 9,300 participants means that over 90% of Melrose accounts are enjoying the benefits of the program.

Even better news is that Melrose is achieving these savings while also including 10% additional local renewable energy in the supply mix. Note that future savings are not guaranteed because National Grid Basic Service rates change every six months.

Residents and businesses can confirm participation in Melrose Community Power by looking at a recent National Grid electric bill. Under the Supply Services section on page two or three, if it says “Next Era Energy Srvcs – Melrose MA AGG” then the account is all set.

It’s not too late to enroll in Melrose Community Power online or by calling Next Era at (855) 639-8058. The current Melrose Local Green rate is 11.537 cents per kWh which compares to the current Basic Service rate of 14.115 cents per kWh. National Grid’s Basic Service rates will change again in November.

The City is actively monitoring energy markets and will likely go out to bid to secure a new supply contract for the program next spring. The transition to the new contract will be seamless for current participants. The new rates will be communicated by mail and in other ways to all Melrose residents and businesses when they are known.

Contact Melrose Sustainability Manager Martha Grover at (781) 979-4195 with any questions about Melrose Community Power.