Arlington’s New Community Electricity Contract Increases Renewable Energy Use

ARLINGTON, MA — The Town of Arlington has selected a new electricity supplier for the Arlington Community Electricity (ACE) program, with a 24-month contract that will begin in November and end in November 2024.

The contract will provide a fixed price for two years, while the price for Eversource Basic Service fluctuates every six months. More than 16,000 residents and businesses enrolled in the program will see a change in price and a new supplier, NextEra Energy Services Massachusetts, LLC, on their December electricity bill, which will reflect the November meter read.

Under the new contract, the default percentage of extra renewable energy for the Local Green product will increase from 11 to 30 percent. This increase is estimated to yield an additional 16.6 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of renewable energy usage, enough to power 2,900 Arlington homes.

“ACE continues to provide our residents with stable pricing, which is particularly important in today’s volatile economy, as everyone is facing increased energy costs” Arlington Town Manager, Sandy Pooler said in a statement. “ACE offers residents and businesses the flexibility to choose the renewable energy amount and price option that is best for them.”

The ACE program has offered competitive rates from its inception in August 2017, which has yielded more than $4.6 million in cumulative savings to customers.

All customers enrolled in ACE will see an increase of $25-$30 in their monthly electricity bills compared to the current ACE contract, depending on their chosen ACE product. This increase is occurring across the electricity market, caused by an increase in natural gas prices and the primary driver of electricity prices in New England.

Income qualified customers enrolled in ACE will still receive discounts, and those in need of fuel assistance can contact Community Teamwork, Inc., the designated Community Action Agency serving Arlington, at 978-459-0551.

ACE customers will automatically transition into the new NextEra supply contract. All customers will receive a letter from the town this week, which includes more information about the new contract. Customers may change between the four levels of the program at any time without penalty. Those who have opted out of the program may opt back into the program at any time.

Additional information about ACE may be found online at ace.arlingtonma.gov.