The city of Medford recently announced the launch of the Medford Community Electricity Aggregation program for residents and businesses beginning in December 2019 and going through December 2022.

Community aggregation is a bulk energy purchase program that can save residents money while increasing the amount of renewable energy used.

The primary goals of the program are to provide a cost-effective, stable and responsible alternative to utility electricity rates for participating consumers. The program will also offer participants renewable energy options from which to choose. Various public meetings are scheduled where the program will be discussed. Residents can visit http://medfordCEA.com to learn more about the program and to answer any questions they might have.

Following authorization from Medford City Council on Feb. 6, 2018, the city began to research, develop and implement a Community Choice Electricity Aggregation program. The residential rate received through a competitive bid is $0.115075 per kWh over the 36-month term from December 2019 to December 2022. The announced National Grid rate for the six months beginning Nov. 1, is $0.13982 per kWh.

The aggregation plan was developed by Good Energy, L.P., the aggregation consultant, with the assistance of Medford municipal officials with the goal of providing residents and businesses with more stable electricity rates, additional options for renewable energy and the potential for lower electricity prices, although savings cannot be guaranteed.

“We are excited to be moving towards a more renewable and clean energy source for Medford and it’s residents,” said Mayor Stephanie M. Burke. “The Municipal Energy Aggregation program is just one of many steps in reducing Medford’s greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint. By negotiating the electric supply cost as a city, I am optimistic that Medford residents will also receive an overall cost-saving benefit on their electric bill.”

All Medford residential and small business accounts on National Grid Basic Service are eligible to participate in the aggregation and will be automatically enrolled in the program as of their December 2019 meter read.

There will be an information session held from 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 28 in City Hall Chambers, 85 George P. Hassett Drive, Medford.