Timeline for the program development and approval process will follow all steps required by the State statute including local authorization, public review, and approval by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities. Follow the program’s progress with the table below.
May 3, 2021: Town Meeting voted to authorize the Town Administrator to investigate and develop a Community Power program. The Town of Hanson selected Good Energy as a consultant to assist in developing and managing the program.
November to December 2021: The Town developed a draft Aggregation Plan including the program’s goals, organization and operation.
December 2021 to January 2022: The Town originally made the aggregation documents available for public review and comment between December 14, 2021 and January 25, 2022. Hanson held a public hearing to receive comments from citizens on the Plan on January 25, 2022.
June 2022: The Town consulted with DOER in developing its Plan, pursuant to G.L. c. 164, § 134(a), in a meeting on June 6, 2022, which included its Consultant, Good Energy.
September 2022: To comply with new Department orders, Hanson revised their plan and held a second public review period from August 10, 2022 to September 25, 2022. A second public hearing was held on September 27, 2022.
November 2022 to February 2023: The Town submitted its Aggregation Plan to the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) as docket #22-139. The DPU’s first phase of review is to schedule a public hearing. The hearing was held via Zoom on February 7, 2023 at 2 pm. The DPU invited public comment at the hearing, or in advance in writing.
January 29, 2024: Hanson’s compliance filing received a stamp of approval from the Department of Public Utilities signaling full approval of the program.
March 2024: Hanson chose Direct Energy as the supplier for the program and will implement an extensive education and outreach campaign to make residents and businesses aware of the upcoming program launch and their choice to participate in the program or leave before it starts (opt out). Participants can also opt out any time after the program has begun without penalty or fee of any kind. The program launches in June 2024
April/May 2024: The Town of Hanson held two public informational meetings on Hanson’s new Community Power Program.