Power up: New electrical program expected to launch next month

Advocate Staff Report

Revere Power Choice, a municipal electricity aggregation program, launches next month, but it’s not clear if the community is ready. The program is free and simple and offers benefits, such as stable electricity bills, potential savings and the option to choose electricity generated from renewable sources, such as wind and solar power.

The City of Revere’s Planning and Community Development Department arranged a presentation on Revere Power Choice for the City Council at their last meeting. Melana Paton, a consultant helping the city set up Revere Power Choice, explained the basics of electricity service to the council and viewers. Paton explained that National Grid customers pay for two services each month. They pay for the electricity National Grid supplies and for it being delivered over National Grid wires and poles.

However, other companies, called electricity suppliers, also supply power and give consumers choices. Revere has opted to buy electricity from Direct Energy, who will put electricity on the grid for the city. Although there is no guarantee, the group purchasing power for the city could lead to lower prices – giving households stable bills. The Direct Energy rate will hold steady for 30 months, or until December 2027. In contrast, National Grid sets their prices every six months. At the start of the Ukrainian war, National Grid prices spiked by 14 percent.

Paton said consumers will still have a relationship with National Grid, which will send out monthly bills. The difference will be bills will show electricity is provided by Direct Energy at their rate.

Households with a National Grid account will automatically be enrolled in Revere Power Choice, and that has been a sticking point for some residents. “I have to state the auto enrollment is a huge problem for a lot of people,” said Ward 3 Councillor Anthony Cogliandro. “They feel they are being forced to do this.”

But Paton repeated several times that people can opt out of the program at any time with no fee or penalty. “Residents don’t like the fact they have to opt out,” said Cogliandro.

Ward 1 Councillor Joanne McKenna said she had received a zillion calls from residents asking if Revere Power Choice is a scam. “I felt I didn’t have enough information to give my constituents. I just want to educate people and let them know what’s going on,” said McKenna.

To learn more about the program, go to reverepowerchoice.com.