Millis Energy Committee initiates community electric aggregation program Empower Millis

The Millis Select Board meeting on April 15, 2025, highlighted significant developments in the town's energy initiatives, particularly the community electrical aggregation program known as Empower Millis. This program aims to provide residents and businesses with better electricity rates through collective purchasing, leveraging the town's buying power to secure lower prices.

Craig Gibbons, chair of the Energy Committee, explained that Empower Millis allows participants to benefit from bulk buying, which typically results in more favorable pricing compared to individual contracts. Currently, the program is in its second two-year cycle, with the next bidding process set to begin at the end of this year. Gibbons emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that it not only aims to reduce costs but also to increase the percentage of renewable energy in the electricity supply.

Residents are automatically enrolled in the program unless they choose to opt out. However, some attendees raised concerns about the difficulty of navigating the program's website, particularly when trying to find the opt-out option. The board acknowledged these issues and committed to making the process clearer and more user-friendly.

In addition to the electrical aggregation discussion, the Energy Committee proposed a new policy aimed at promoting zero-emission vehicles for town procurement. This initiative seeks to encourage the consideration of energy-efficient options when purchasing or leasing vehicles, aligning with the town's goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. The committee highlighted the potential for economic benefits through grants and funding for greener vehicle options.

Overall, the meeting underscored Millis's commitment to sustainable energy practices and the importance of community engagement in these initiatives. As the town prepares for future energy contracts and vehicle purchases, residents can expect ongoing efforts to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.