Timeline

Timeline

Program Development Timeline

  • Passage of authorizing resolution

    The municipal aggregation statute requires that the Town obtain approval from the local governing authorities before initiating the development of the Plan. The Town satisfied the local approval requirement when the Town Council voted to initiate the process of municipal aggregation in January 30, 2023.

  • Signed agreement with Town’s aggregation consultant

    Southbridge selected Good Energy, L.P. as its aggregation consultant to assist in developing this Plan, managing the supply procurement, developing and implementing the public education plan, interacting with the Local Distribution Company, National Grid, and monitoring the supply contract.

  • Creation of a Draft Plan & Public Review

    Southbridge prepared a Draft Plan and made it available for citizen review beginning on January 9, 2024. Copies of the Plan are available on the Program website here.

  • Public hearing on Draft Plan

    Southbridge will hold a public hearing on February 12, 2024, to receive comments from citizens on the Plan.

  • Consultation with Department of Energy Resources & Other Parties:

    The aggregation statute also requires that the Town consult with the Department of Energy Resources (“DOER”) in developing the Plan. The Town submitted a draft of the Plan to DOER, and Southbridge municipal officials and their Aggregation Consultant met with the DOER on February 22, 2024, to discuss that draft.

  • Local approval of Plan:

    The Town Council reviewed and approved the Plan on February 26, 2024.

  • Submission of Final Plan to Department of Public Utilities:

    Before being implemented, the Plan must be reviewed and approved by the Department. The Department will ensure that the Program satisfies all of the statutory requirements, including that the Plan provides universal access, a reliable power supply and equitable treatment for all customer classes. The Plan was submitted to the Department on March 20, 2024, for approval.

  • DPU Public Hearing

    The DPU held a public hearing for the Town of Southbridge on May 8, 2024, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Further details can be found in the NOTICE OF FILING, PUBLIC HEARING AND REQUEST FOR COMMENTS.

  • Approval an Launch

    The DPU approved Southbridge’s Plan on September 23, 2024. With this approval, the Town is able to procure electricity supply and launch its program.