Launch of Malden Community Electricity Program

The City of Malden is beginning the launch of its new Community Electricity Program with Mayor Gary Christenson’s recent signing of a contract with Dynegy, the City’s new energy contractor. Last fall, the City announced approval of its Community Electricity Program by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU). Approval from DPU came after nearly a year of advocacy from the Mayor, Councillor-at-Large Carey McDonald and Malden’s state delegation. The initiative will provide new electricity supply options for all Malden residents.

Although it officially kicks off this June, the City will begin publicizing the program through newspaper, social media, flyers and postcards and will also announce community meetings for the public to learn more. The City has hired a consultant, Good Energy, to handle customer support. The program is being overseen by Malden’s Director of Public Facilities, Eric Rubin.

The goal is to provide cleaner electricity with more renewable energy while also providing stable and competitive prices compared to National Grid. Malden Community Electricity will also offer two other options: one with 100% renewable energy, for those seeking the maximum climate impact, and one with just the minimum renewable energy required by the Commonwealth, for those seeking to minimize cost. Municipal aggregation programs like Malden Community Electricity almost always result in lower electrical rates compared to National Grid’s default rates, in part because they use the collective purchasing power of the whole community instead of one household. However, because utility supply prices change seasonally and future prices are unknown, the City cannot guarantee savings through the program.

When the program launches, electricity customers who have not already selected their own electricity supplier will be eligible for automatic enrollment in Malden Community Electricity’s default offering. These customers will receive a notice in the mail explaining the options 30 days before the program launches. Electricity customers who have selected their own electricity supplier will not be eligible for automatic enrollment but will be able to join the program at any time if they wish.

More information about the program can be found on the program website: https://maldencommunityelectricity.com/