Regulator Opens New Docket on Municipal Aggregation Issues (Eligible Customers, Transfer Timing)

The Massachusetts DPU has opened a new docket (16-10) to address several outstanding issues related to municipal opt-out electric aggregations, and several new issues.

Several issues have been raised by utilities in the individual municipal aggregation reviews of certain cities and towns, and in such cases, the DPU deferred ruling on such issues, stating that it would rule on them later. The new docket will incorporate such issues.

First, National Grid had previously asked the DPU for guidance on what customers to include in the lists provided to municipal aggregations, and, consequently, what customers are eligible to be enrolled via opt-out. Currently, National Grid is not providing to municipal aggregations customer account numbers for non-shopping customers who had previously indicated they did not want their information shared with competitive suppliers, and also for basic service customers on a REC add-on product (GreenUp).

The new docket will determine whether the customer lists provided to municipal aggregations should include all basic service customers, except customers enrolled in an optional basic service enhancement program (e.g., National Grid GreenUp).

Second, Eversource has requested that the Department ensure that the transfer of any eligible customers from basic service to a municipal aggregation’s competitive supply is synchronized with the utility's basic service procurement process to avoid unnecessary costs and price increases to remaining basic service customers. Specifically, Eversource requested that municipal aggregation programs complete their customer transfer process at least thirty days before Eversource issues its next request for proposals for basic service energy supply.

The new docket will address such timing of a municipal aggregation program’s customer transfer process

Additional issues to be included in Docket 16-10 and discussed at a to-be-scheduled technical session are (i) the treatment of border customers; (ii) the timing of provision of customer lists prior to the initiation of a municipal aggregation program; and (iii) the enrollment of new customers moving into a municipal aggregation program’s service area.