Concord board reviews ETS rate changes amid user concerns over fairness

The Municipal Light Board of Concord held a meeting on December 4, 2024, focusing on the proposed rate changes for electric customers, particularly those using Electric Thermal Storage (ETS) systems. A significant point of discussion was the potential increase in bills for ETS customers compared to other residential customers.

During the meeting, board members reviewed the proposed rate sheets, which indicated an increase in the meter fee for residential customers from $54.60 to $59. The discussion highlighted that while all customer classes would see an 8.5% increase, the impact on ETS customers could be more pronounced due to the absence of a customer charge associated with their rate class. This means that while their rates would rise, the proportional increase might not align with the increases seen by other residential customers.

Hal Iverson, representing the ETS user group, raised concerns about the fairness of the proposed changes. He argued that the distribution subsidy for ETS customers had not been adequately considered, emphasizing that many ETS users had invested significantly in their heating systems based on previous agreements. Iverson pointed out that the proposed changes could lead to an average increase of $1,000 per household, while the benefit to other ratepayers would be minimal, estimated at around $15 annually.

The board acknowledged the need for a comprehensive discussion regarding ETS rates, with members agreeing to schedule a full hearing to address these concerns. They recognized that the current interim solutions might not be sustainable and that a more equitable approach was necessary.

In addition to the ETS discussion, board members expressed the importance of transparency and clarity in future rate structures, suggesting that contracts with fixed rates for a specified duration could help alleviate uncertainty for customers investing in renewable energy technologies.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit the ETS rate structure in light of the upcoming time-of-use rate system, ensuring that all stakeholders would have a chance to voice their opinions and concerns in a fair and open forum.