MEDFORD — No one opposes lower utility bills.
That’s why Medford Mayor Stephanie M. Burke says the City Council approval to formulate a plan to buy electricity in bulk from a competitive supplier on behalf of the residents and businesses is a win for everyone.
It was a matter of “third time’s a charm” for this move, as the Council previously in 2016 overwhelming rejected the proposal. It was brought up before the Council again last April and the proposal was sent to committee and never made it back to the floor for a vote.
Dubbed “municipal aggregation,” Burke said the practice is encouraged by advisory groups to cities such as the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) and others. In addition to the prospect of lower electricity bills, the negotiation process could also lead to the city’s ability to purchase a large amount of green renewable energy.
In addition to lowering ratepayers’ electricity costs, aggregation will offer ratepayers price stability and reduce the community’s carbon footprint by adding more renewable energy into the electricity supply.
The city, through its Office of Energy and Environment, will work with the consulting firm Good Energy to find an electricity plan that is less costly, using the aggregated buying power of households and businesses across the city. The City Council must vote into effect any plan that is formulated and presented by city officials.
“I’m thrilled that the Medford City Council is showing their support for the City’s Energy Plan with its vote to move forward with municipal aggregation last night,” Burke said in a statement. “This program is considered a municipal ‘best practice’ and will allow the City to provide more support for residents and businesses with their utility bills.”
Burke said the city will next develop an aggregation plan over the next few months. Once completed, it will be voted on by the city council before it is sent to the Department of Public Utilities for approval.
