The Natick Community Choice Electricity rate of 13.32 cents/kWh is currently higher than Eversource Basic Service and prices available from competitive suppliers. As such, Natick customers are encouraged to explore their options and the Town is reminding residents that they have the option to opt-out of the program at any time, at no penalty.
To assist residents in this process, flyers are available at Town buildings, information is being shared in the Town Administrator’s quarterly newsletter and details are posted on the Town’s website at http://www.natickma.gov/981/Community-Choice-Electricity-Supply-Prog. Customers can also call Jillian Wilson Martin, Natick’s sustainability coordinator, at 508-647-6555, for assistance.
A summary of Natick customers’ options and their implications are provided in the table below:
Opt out and return to Eversource Basic Service – Residents may opt out at any time with no termination fee and return to Eversource Basic Service. Residents who select this option will experience a rate change every six months based on market prices.
Opt out and sign a contract with a competitive supplier – Residents may opt out at any time and sign up with a competitive electricity supplier. Eversource provides a list of approved competitive suppliers on their website ( https://www.eversource.com/Content/ema-c/residential/my-account/choose-competitive-alternate-supplier) and also recommends residents compare rates at www.chooseenergy.com. Remember to do your due diligence on the company and make sure you are comfortable with the terms of their contract. Check to see if it is subject to minimum bill amounts, whether prices are fixed or variable and whether there are any contract length requirements or early termination fees. Additionally customers should understand what will happen at the end of their term. Prices often increase significantly at the end of the initial term.
Opt in to the new ConEdison Solutions rate – Residents who wish to select this option should call ConEdison Solutions at 1-866-469-8361 and ask for the fixed rate option of 11.32 cents per kWh through December 2016. By choosing this option, residents agree to pay a $100 early termination fee if they leave the program before the end of the current contract (the first meter read following December 31, 2016). Aside from this price change and this termination fee, the other terms and conditions in the standard Community Choice program remain unchanged.
Remain with the Community Choice Program (make no change) – Residents who wish to remain with the standard Community Choice program will pay 13.32 cents per kWh through their January 2017 meter read and will retain their ability to opt out at any time with no termination fee. These residents will miss the opportunity to take advantage of current lower market rates, but will maintain a fixed rate throughout 2016.
Residents should also be aware that the Town of Natick is not calling Natick customers about the rate change, nor has the Town hired a third-party to do so. If someone calls and asks for your Eversource electricity account number, you should be cautious. We recommend treating your account number like your credit card information. Do not give it out unless you are ready to sign a contract.