News  DPU Approves 13 Municipal Aggregations Plans

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) issued a total of eight orders approving 13 municipal aggregation applications in 2023, greenlighting these plans across the state. 

The approval of the 13 plans shows DPU’s commitment to setting a new pathway for municipal aggregation that is both efficient and implements the agency’s high standards for customer protection. 

In the summer, DPU opened an investigation (DPU #23-67) to establish municipal aggregation guidelines and a proposed template to streamline the approval process. That proceeding resulted in a comment period and a technical session held in December with stakeholders to address procedural requirements and plan elements going forward. Following the technical session, DPU concentrated on reviewing the pending applications to issue decisions in a timely manner. 

“Municipal aggregation is an important tool for communities to utilize clean energy, provide ratepayers with more flexibility, and help cities and towns pursue our collective clean energy and climate goals,” said Chair Van Nostrand. “Our action in issuing approvals for these 13 municipal aggregation plans demonstrates the progress the Department continues to make to provide additional options for ratepayers within these cities and towns.” 

The Department approved plans for the cities and towns: 

• Andover 

• Belchertown 

• Beverly 

• Boxford 

• Canton 

• Chelsea 

• Hanson 

• Malden 

• Medfield 

• Quincy 

• Sherborn 

• Wayland 

• Weston 

The DPU continues to simultaneously work through additional pending applications and its investigation to ensure provision of electric service for aggregated customers is compliant and consistent with the DPU’s focus to protect all ratepayers.  

Background on Municipal Aggregation  

Municipal aggregation, first established in 1997, allows a municipality to solicit bids for and purchase electricity supply on behalf of its residents and businesses. State law requires municipalities to submit municipal aggregation plans to the DPU for review and approval. There are over 188 approved municipal aggregation plans since approval of the first plan in August 2000. Currently, there are over 1.2 million customers enrolled in a municipal aggregation program in Massachusetts.