text: Big jump in electricity rates possible in Concord. - News - The Concord Journal - Concord, MA
  Big jump in electricity rates possible in Concord.
  Dec 1, 2017 at 3:26 PM Dec 5, 2017 at 6:15 PM
  Concord residents could see their electricity bill go up 22 percent in four years, according to David Wood, director of the Concord Municipal Light Plant.
  Wood described the possible increase Dec. 1 at the Fowler Library as guest speaker of the monthly series hosted by the League of Woman Voters of Concord-Carlisle.
  The increase includes 17 percent to give CMLP the money it needs to buy Renewable Energy Credits, and 5 percent for CMLP energy-saving initiatives such as heat pumps.
  Wood said the 22 percent increase is equal to the current Eversource electricity rate, highlighting cheaper rates CMLP customers enjoy.
  Several residents told Wood CMLP needs to do more to educate the public about the reasons for the expected increase, and Wood said more public hearings are planned before any increase goes into effect.
  The Municipal Light Board has the authority to approve a CMLP rate increase, and MLB Chairwoman Lynn Salinger said the increase could happen in early 2018. Wood said the earliest it could happen is February or March 2018.
  A rate increase would give CMLP the money it needs to buy RECs in order to increase the percentage of its power drawn from renewable sources, such as solar and wind.
  CMLPs purchase of RECs was included in Article 51, which passed at April Town Meeting. The article aligns with the Massachusetts Global Warming Solutions Act, which cuts greenhouse gas emissions townwide 25 percent by 2020, and 80 percent by 2050.
  Salinger said CMLP is a major contributor to the carbon footprint in Concord, and discussions have taken place for months on how the purchase of RECs would impact electricity rates.
  The MLB has concerns about rising rates, Salinger said, but in order to meet the directives of Article 51, which requires more renewable sources that provide the town's power, homeowners and businesses are going to pay more for electricity.
  "This summer (the MLB) endorsed the principle of purchasing RECs in order to increase the renewable division of the town's (energy) portfolio, and respond to Article 51," Salinger said, adding no final decision has been made on electricity rates and buying RECs.
  In a letter to the editor published in the Nov. 30 Concord Journal, Jill Appel stated the MLB approved REC purchases by CMLP in a month's time, with little public input.
  Salinger disputed that claim. She said the MLB has held many community-based meetings on the topic.
  Wood said his appearance at Fowler Dec. 1 was another step taken to get community input before public hearings on possible rate increases.
  In her letter, Appel also questioned the rate increase when CMLP has net assets of $49 million, with $12.5 million unrestricted.
  Wood said CMLP's net assets are $46.7 million, with $8 million in unrestricted cash and short-term investments.
  Resident Anne Hayden told Wood there needs to be more community dialogue, and Nancy Cronin used the word "shock" to express the feelings some residents have about a possible 22 percent rate increase.
  Cronin also expressed concern about the desire to cut 100 percent of CMLP greenhouse gas emissions in four years, which was not part of Article 51.
  Wood said the MLB approved the light plant's goal of phasing out 100 percent of its greenhouse gas emissions in four years, and nothing happens until public hearings are held on rates and a vote is taken by the MLB.
  "We're certainly not set that we have to do it in four years," Wood said. "The plan will evolve, and we expect it to evolve more."
  Some residents expressed concern about the impact on low-income residents. Wood said CMLP currently has a residential assistance rate that provides relief for some homeowners. He acknowledged more discussions are needed to figure out how to mitigate the financial impact of a rate increase on low-income families.
  Another area that requires more discussion, according to Wood, is the impact of an increase on CMLP's commercial customers. According to Wood, 52 percent of CMLP's customers are commercial, compared to eight to 11 percent municipal, and the rest residential.