Saturday, December 16, 2017

From the City of Cambridge, Dec. 5, 2017: The Cambridge Community Electricity program remains open for residents and businesses who want to save money on electricity and boost renewable sources of power.

The program launched in July, using bulk buying power to negotiate lower prices and increase the amount of renewable energy in the city’s electricity supply. The city’s contract with Agera Energy runs until January 2019.

More than 32,800 residential electricity customers and more than 4,800 commercial electricity customers participate. Those enrolled in the Standard Green option, which provides more solar energy from local resources than required by the state, save money by being billed at 10.486 cents per kilowatt-hour instead of at Eversource’s basic service rate, released in November and in effect through June, of 13.157 cents per kilowatt-hour.

“We are proud to offer a program that has allowed people to support the city’s climate goals without negative impacts on their personal finances,” City Manager Louis A. DePasquale said. “Standard Green participants have seen savings since July, and now residents and businesses have the opportunity to upgrade to get 100 percent renewable energy and still save money through next June.”

The 100% Green Option brings 100 percent renewable electricity and is billed at 12.180 cents per kilowatt-hour – still cheaper than Eversource’s basic service. Participants can switch from Standard Green to 100% Green or opt out of the program at any time with no penalties. More than 500 Cambridge residents and businesses now get 100 percent renewable electricity powered by carbon-free renewable energy, including solar and wind, generated in New England.

“The 100% Green option offers a unique opportunity for Cambridge residents and business owners to use renewable energy and support the local economy,” Assistant City Manager for Community Development Iram Farooq said. “The Cambridge Community Electricity program is a crucial step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions by midcentury and ensuring a net-zero-energy future for Cambridge.”

Opt in through January 2019 by calling Agera Energy at 1 (888) 589-7790.

Updated energy mix information is available for the program showing how electricity is generated and details on how much comes from renewable vs. non-renewable sources. Additional information is available at masspowerchoice.com/cambridge. Residents and business owners can contact program consultants at 1 (844) 379-9934 or cambridge@masspowerchoice.com.