Cheaper Electricity Coming To Wayland As Aggregation Begins

WAYLAND, MA — Cheaper electricity is coming to Wayland through a program that leverages the town's population to buy cheaper electricity.

The town's electricity aggregation program will begin in May, and residents will be switched to a new electric supply rate — the portion that comes from the power plant — from what Eversource charges. The delivery rate will remain the same because that's set by Eversource, the operator of transmission lines.

Residents will be automatically enrolled in the "Wayland Standard Green" supply plan that charges 13.22 cents per kilowatt-hour, about 4 cents cheaper than the Eversource supply rate. But residents have the option of choose a cheaper "economy" option with a 12.42-cent rate, or a plan with a higher mix of renewable energy that's 15.38 cents per kilowatt-hour (still cheaper than Eversource).

Close to 200 cities and towns across Massachusetts offer aggregation plans. The rates are almost always cheaper than the big utility companies like Eversource and National Grid. Wayland's rates are locked in for the next two years. It's possible that Eversource could lower its supply rate below the Wayland aggregation rates, but the utility typically seeks rate hikes each winter.

If the town's rate ever does rise above Eversource, residents can opt out at any time. For more details on the program, visit the town's aggregation website. The town will also hold a series of information sessions this spring at the Wayland Town Building, 41 Cochituate Road:

• April 2, 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
• April 3, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The meetings will also be available virtually and on WayCam.