[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6051260,"mediaKeyId","3455838-0d37e09248c2babf41bac77425279014","parentId",3455838,"title","Concord staff flags several costly power-purchase options; board tentative on new-build commitments","audioSeconds",480,"startMs",6090000,"endMs",6570000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3455838-0d37e09248c2babf41bac77425279014&start=6090&end=6570","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3455838-0d37e09248c2babf41bac77425279014/thumbnail_6090000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6051260/Massachusetts/Concord-staff-flags-several-costly-power-purchase-options-board-tentative-on-new-build-commitments","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6051260-103c08c03e349ab18246a8d8f1923058/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149458&Signature=i~MD1zIoA9WiHapA7qGLE-ZBIHS7sB3B~A6niwDm8t-O4cLTLnoM5vRV9zRly-nIS~V61x5EYoEo6ktjU7ZZJf5JISbazfSqbkomF4e4mz8VWDgdq4BK4QuOpPh1~32965RF~alkYIuC~3hX54tmGJdmJdfVfFam25IaqUIwhFEhOPFlJrDRBy-39IhRfVz3D-R~OlEduUwbi4O9YdetKWlXMbbaok1pFF5ppRjtbjLl48WVnSaFob3kJlV-20vIvdk2EqomsdCutsM55UEcsjgsulbPNGydLvuJsVpOani9XTyp7aMuSC63fD5TMsu7POuUsmomTK8LcgDZsq4p-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Concord, MA","date","2025-05-14T00:00:00Z","article","Board members heard an update May 14 from staff and the ENE group on several power purchase opportunities, including an existing hydro project (5–10 year term), an existing northern Maine wind project, and two new-build projects (a new wind and a new solar), both proposed as 25‑year contracts.

The short-term question is whether Concord should indicate interest to the developer and other MLP purchasers so the developer can size projects and offer final pricing. Staff emphasized that prices for new-build projects are currently high across the market and that developers are pricing in elevated risk and scarce near-term build capacity.

Laura summarized the four offerings and said the two new-build projects carry significantly higher prices than Concord’s current portfolio. She said the existing hydro project (New York-sourced hydro) is in very early negotiation and could be cost effective if terms are favorable, but no price was yet available. \"One of the existing ones, the hydro, would be coming in from New York ... it could be cost effective,\" she said. The cheapest option on paper was the existing northern Maine wind project, but Laura warned of basis risk: output from that region can trade at a discount to Massachusetts hub pricing and, in some periods, be disconnected from the prices Massachusetts customers pay.

Of the new-build options, staff said the new wind project offers a more valuable winter and capacity-aligned load shape than the new solar project, which would increase local solar saturation. Those projects were described as expensive relative to Concord’s current portfolio and would raise supply costs if purchased. Staff asked whether the board wanted to express interest to help the developer size the project and continue negotiations.

Board reaction was cautious. Bianca said she favored considering the hydro project but was skeptical of the existing northern Maine wind’s pricing and the new-build offers. One board member argued Concord can meet climate goals through market purchases without locking into expensive long-term contracts that provide large near-term profits to developers. No procurement decision or commitment was made at the May 14 meeting; staff said they would collect additional pricing detail and inform the board if an attractive, lower-risk opportunity emerged.

Staff also noted forward hedging positions: assuming a named project is built, Concord has roughly 75–80% of its needs hedged through 2030; the percentage drops afterward and new purchases would shape the post‑2030 portfolio. The board asked staff to flag specific bids that are cost‑effective and to provide comparisons to current portfolio costs before any contract commitments.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town of Concord: Municipal Light Board Meeting - May 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","EN E/consultants presented four potential power-purchase volumes to the Municipal Light Board; staff recommended interest in a new-build wind project and board members expressed limited appetite for high-priced long-term contracts aside from a hydro option.","taxTitle","Town of Concord, Middlesex County, Massachusetts","taxId",68746,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6051265,"Concord board weighs state energy rules and growing requests for municipal carve-outs",1730,3736000,5466000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3455838-0d37e09248c2babf41bac77425279014&start=3736&end=5466","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3455838-0d37e09248c2babf41bac77425279014/thumbnail_3736000.jpg","/articles/6051265/Massachusetts/Concord-board-weighs-state-energy-rules-and-growing-requests-for-municipal-carve-outs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6051265-3a72b793d899189c8489edf9fc392cd1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149458&Signature=f2Q3DHkBqVj-j9KskL5klIbYad~-HOMFdfSUtuO6WK30Ln69d7Em0-pf8mFKGXjuaLaFm8FUl5wzQ6LI5ugToRVQwGEnrOyJPSolodLD6ydy3jwRE5b~DNPVG4rdYXdeKTcr8WFOdGd3Zirb4DGJVF3ov9DQfpHM0hvPD6zZdpoXM9oTCCdlfH61t5R4sGZ1-93dMt6oxad-rIRLv47eKRWfI2cqRLsDkeiUCzAe29i-6HHY1fUfjUp7N7BFzelzwNRaemtXfP9Bn4oWs5nhdDB2SY4GrytOTTwBSA31Kr7n-pEoeY7blLgkpKBppzGeIq6788mlRY6sQfk9TGgS4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Concord Municipal Light Plant staff briefed the board on May 14 about a series of state-level initiatives — including building energy reporting, the clean heat standard and other proposals — that could extend requirements historically limited to investor-owned utilities into municipal light plant (MLP) territory.

The board discussed whether to mount a general defense of local control or to react only when a specific proposal imposes a clear operational or financial burden on Concord. Staff said 14 of Massachusetts’ roughly 40 MLPs have already submitted letters to state agencies noting concerns and asking for differentiated treatment.

Jason told the board recent initiatives have sometimes lacked a carve-out for MLPs and that departments such as DOER and MassDEP are raising new reporting and programmatic expectations. \"Previously, when things like this came out, there were carve outs for MLPs,\" he said. \"...Some felt there was kind of an overreach of some of the departments ... into MLP territory.\" Jason said the concern stems from the fact that MLPs have different rate structures, governance and historical performance on emissions, and that imposing the same requirements as investor-owned utilities could force an operational pivot for some municipal utilities.

Board members responded with mixed views. Brian said he was wary of a broad defensive statement and preferred case-by-case responses: \"I have a hard time ... signing a letter saying stay off our turf,\" he said, adding that some state programs align with Concord’s climate goals. Bianca said she favors stronger protections for MLPs and supported the idea of seeking differentiated treatment because Concord and other MLPs have been leaders in emissions reductions. Warren said staff should flag specific rules that would cause operational harms so the board can weigh a targeted response.

Staff noted the legal backdrop: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 164, sets out the authority and responsibilities of municipal light plants. The board asked staff to track proposed rules closely and to bring forward any specific agency actions that would materially affect Concord operations so the board could consider comment or objection. No formal statement or letter was approved at the May 14 meeting.

Board members asked staff to maintain dialogue with other MLPs and to bring back any proposals that would impose compliance costs or governance conflicts needing a board response.","Board members discussed a trend in Massachusetts policy proposals that would extend investor-owned utility programs or reporting requirements into municipal light plant (MLP) territory; staff reported 14 MLP boards have written to state agencies and the board agreed to monitor and react to specific proposals rather than issue a blanket statement.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6051270,"Concord to consider next-generation fiber gear, tier simplification and targeted charges for higher-cost in-home services",1268,4065000,5333000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3455838-0d37e09248c2babf41bac77425279014&start=4065&end=5333","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3455838-0d37e09248c2babf41bac77425279014/thumbnail_4065000.jpg","/articles/6051270/Massachusetts/Concord-to-consider-next-generation-fiber-gear-tier-simplification-and-targeted-charges-for-higher-cost-in-home-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6051270-a067a4c57ad6984d6f3bb8f1ae25d055/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149458&Signature=bYR3lQMuMZnfEDTE-HLTiUF8AzR7Vb56fxlG~fFuRfw0hGFTRO0U3VMwj~u-hT~GuNlb0d2AMXjziLpnFo~WMag49gF-JmirWv6tcdIbnxAgLHGlfOLGOr8rbJJN5dByM9oBn7TGoY9qQnjK4AtyoHsIkfJzsHaKw1~w-onn-KGnqUZv5VYsxu2dG2FDQYw0yZ4wdOnL6~EEYDt6cOFrSRXWgNYA4R7MnZailOL4z5Pj9Td24REsmHBWpLRUW~wDsGAJILuzOdBx~PEMt0Ri2Ht~5cwDYHkB1iEJyELckAvdO1vr8uI932olaEJnznN-vl08YzQ~iLdLQ4KTFqQkEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Concord Municipal Light Plant staff briefed the board on May 14 about a planned upgrade to next-generation fiber equipment (XGS-PON), the implications for residential and business pricing, and options for handling the higher per-customer cost of in-home devices.

The discussion matters because the new equipment would allow much higher downstream and upstream speeds (vendor materials describe up to roughly 8–10 gigabit capability), would enable modern in-home device features and parental/security controls, and could affect eligibility for state broadband grants that require minimum symmetric service levels.

Jason said the utility is procuring next-generation equipment that will allow higher speeds and a higher density of customers per fiber strand. \"One of the things ... is that they could get benefits like parental controls or management of their device and maybe security benefits,\" he said, explaining that current in-home devices are about a decade old and the new devices would give a more integrated mesh and support experience.

Dale, the broadband manager, explained the policy context and grant implications. He said the Massachusetts Residential Retrofit program and federal guidance increasingly treat 100 megabits per second down/up (100/100) as the basic target for funded broadband equity work. \"The federal government is saying 100 megabits down 100 megabits up is what they would expect to be the minimum for a high speed internet service,\" Dale said; Concord currently offers lower-speed tiers that would not meet that minimum and may need to be adjusted to participate in some grants.

Staff identified three broad options to cover equipment and recurring costs: (1) modestly increase all broadband rates; (2) add a specific monthly equipment charge; or (3) absorb costs and rely on higher take rates or new revenue. Staff also floated simplifying the many existing tiers to make choice easier for customers and to consider raising some business-tier prices while preserving at least one low-cost residential option for basic needs.

Board members emphasized clarity and comparability with competitors. Brian asked for clearer usage visibility on bills (for example, a short monthly note indicating whether a customer reached peak demand thresholds) so customers can decide whether to change tiers. John and others said customers who request in-home managed Wi‑Fi or mesh solutions should likely pay a direct fee because the hardware and support are not needed by all customers. \"If a customer requires unique solutions and there's a higher cost associated with that, let's make sure that their charges reflect that,\" John said.

Staff said the procurement and budget work for the new gear is already included in internal planning; they will return to the board later in the year with concrete pricing options, proposals for tier consolidation, and grant-targeted offerings. No formal rate or equipment surcharge decision was taken on May 14.

Next steps identified by staff and the board include: returning with recommended simplified tier structures and financial scenarios showing the revenue impacts of tier consolidation; defining a threshold for when a customer is charged for special in‑home equipment or managed services; and preparing a plan to align at least one offering with grant program minima (100/100) so Concord remains eligible for state broadband funds.","Staff presented plans to upgrade Concord’s broadband network to XGS-PON hardware to support higher symmetric speeds, discussed simplifying customer tiers and asked the board for guidance on whether customers requiring special in-home equipment should pay a surcharge.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6051274,"Concord light plant outlines time-of-use rollout, bill redesign and marketing plan",1923,939000,2862000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3455838-0d37e09248c2babf41bac77425279014&start=939&end=2862","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3455838-0d37e09248c2babf41bac77425279014/thumbnail_939000.jpg","/articles/6051274/Massachusetts/Concord-light-plant-outlines-time-of-use-rollout-bill-redesign-and-marketing-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6051274-bf3ae2a73b05a999064a9d9be684a86e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149458&Signature=L1vKUe1rs74PGullMwANuoHQZm0ojDB3cI2lrmYqH0mYbvbjPtKyUMWAtlVt4XXEkIA7qpBsVqayN38B2BAFOhIpECZlpSkreM5DwiDC7zD-2rkQBqzyBg7U960tkU7YhC2KBXflbtAes6T18Oi85V4PmS5tp9TEu444EuT84w1FK9c84BcvIv9TQyMRxFaOZX-0Z3IoC0bOTxOoNOKu1~e2IUK19VxlNrbyAns6Qe4YP6arBohSSYe8KIoUp1fssS5h8aFQry6kLurvCX6LyRIodS~4ECZhx1KWAmG7U-ooJQMNPq5HymKKWYgD1h16RWNkyUWKDYS30zVBOqLABg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Concord Municipal Light Plant staff told the Municipal Light Board on May 14 that the utility is preparing to roll out time-of-use rates and a redesigned customer bill, and that a consultant will present a draft cost-of-service study to the board on June 9 with a final report expected by July 23.

The work matters because the cost-of-service study will recommend season definitions, peak hours and prices that would be used in a time-of-use rate structure; staff and the board said they want clear bill graphics and a sustained customer outreach campaign so residents can plan ahead if rates change.

Jason (staff) described bill-print mockups developed with NISC that show monthly usage by peak, mid-peak and off-peak periods, a colored “stacked” usage graphic and a meter-reading table. He told the board the vendor is still trying to display a second prior-year comparison in the graphic and that staff has asked for clearer grouping and labels for distribution, energy and surcharge line items. \"We wanted this April, last April, and then the April from a year before,\" Jason said during the update. \"If it's not possible, one other solution ... is to put the kilowatt hours used in that period down here from two years ago.\" (evidence: meeting presentation and discussion)

Laura, the board’s project lead for the cost-of-service study, said the consultant (UFS) is close to delivering model results but was awaiting final MDM (meter data management) aggregates. \"We are probably running about a week late,\" she said, and the draft will be shared at the June 9 meeting with a target final report by July 23. She said the consultant favors a gradual approach to any price changes and expects to recommend a multi-year path rather than a single large increase. \"If their time of use suggests that we have to go from our current 22¢ to ... 60¢ for the on-peak period, there's no way that we're gonna go to 60¢ year 1,\" Laura said. \"They will say that ... the 5-year hope for landing point is 60¢, and here's a 5-year schedule on how we would get there.\" (evidence: cost-of-service timeline and consultant approach)

Board members pressed staff on how to present the new rates and said clarity is crucial. Brian asked for degree-days or weather context to help customers understand month-to-month differences; several board members said the bill should clearly list on-peak, mid-peak and off-peak hours and highlight the charges that drive the largest dollars on a bill. Bianca urged an early and visible outreach program so residents have time to prepare: \"We could potentially start a marketing campaign ... way ahead of when the rates change ... Get ready,\" she said, arguing for early signals to customers.

Staff said it has retained Questline, a marketing firm with experience in utility rate rollouts. The planned outreach has three phases: summer awareness, a 90/60/30-day pre-launch cadence ahead of a planned go-live (staff cited January 1 as an illustrative target for the timeline), and a post-launch program with weekly messaging for the first month. Staff said targeted communications would be used—different messages for customers with EVs, customers on other special rates and households with high usage.

The board also discussed policy trade-offs. Laura noted prior cost-of-service studies show cross-subsidies between rate classes and told members the study will quantify how much each class pays relative to its cost of service; the board will then weigh whether to reduce or maintain existing cross-subsidies. Laura also warned that if the board repeatedly revisits core design decisions it could delay the project: the consultant asked for a clear board consensus to avoid multi-month pauses.

Public comment highlighted billing clarity. Resident Jim Terry asked that monthly bill labels reflect the actual usage month (for example, that a December bill reflect December usage), a point staff said it would investigate in a future meeting. Pamela Dred urged presentation clarity rather than simplification: \"I worry that we have the wrong goals. I don't think simplicity should be a goal. Clarity should.\" (evidence: public comment)

No formal rate change was adopted at the May 14 meeting; the items presented were staff updates, consultant timing and design mockups. Staff will return with the consultant's draft report on June 9 and with additional bill-print iterations and a proposed outreach budget in subsequent meetings.

Board members and staff identified follow-up work: staff will (1) confirm whether the two-year comparison can be added to the monthly usage graph or find an alternative placement; (2) simplify and relabel the bill's right-hand cost table into logical groups (distribution/energy/surcharges); (3) finalize procurement and materials with Questline and begin an awareness campaign over the summer; and (4) present the UFS draft cost-of-service modeling and recommended timing/season definitions on June 9.","Concord Municipal Light Plant staff briefed the Municipal Light Board on a cost-of-service study, bill-print mockups and a three-phase marketing campaign tied to a proposed time-of-use rate structure; staff expects a draft study for the board’s June 9 meeting and a final report by July 23.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Concord staff flags several costly power-purchase options; board tentative on new-build commitments

Concord board weighs state energy rules and growing requests for municipal carve-outs

Concord to consider next-generation fiber gear, tier simplification and targeted charges for higher-cost in-home services

Concord light plant outlines time-of-use rollout, bill redesign and marketing plan