Plaistow officials were briefed Aug. 25 on next steps for a proposed community power program and the timing residents will have to opt out once enrollment letters are mailed. The Board of Selectmen heard from town staff, the energy committee and ECM Power, the consultant, that a launch decision could come soon if favorable bids are secured.

Dee Boss, special projects coordinator for the town, told the board the town is “getting very, very close” to a pricing decision but cannot disclose bid numbers because the process is confidential. Boss said the town wanted the board prepared to answer resident questions and avoid a public‑relations scramble if people are surprised by how opt‑out mechanics work.

Emily Manns, of ECM Power, said the current bids show “great savings for residential customers in Unitil service territory” and that the town could go under contract shortly. Manns said the town would be offered contract terms of varying lengths — commonly 12, 24 or 36 months — and that the program operator typically recommends selecting the lowest rate within the chosen rate set unless the town wants a longer guaranteed term.

The board was told several practical details residents will need to know. Under state community power rules discussed in the meeting, customers eligible for automatic enrollment will be notified by mail and have a minimum 30‑day opt‑out window before the program begins. Customers who opt out before the program start remain on Unitil’s fixed default rate and are never enrolled; customers who opt out after the program has begun may be placed temporarily on a variable utility rate until the next utility rate reset. Manns said Unitil changes default pricing on Feb. 1 and Aug. 1, so the variable‑rate interval could be as short as a day or as long as the period until the next rate set — potentially several months.

Boss and Manns outlined planned outreach: mailed letters to every eligible customer, a required public information meeting within 14 days of the mailing, and a broader “blitz” of information nights, social media, postcards and signage to make residents aware of enrollment mechanics and timing. Manns said the program typically labels the supply charge on the Unitil bill as “Plaistow Community Power,” and that outage reports and maintenance remain Unitil responsibilities.

The board discussed logistics. Selectman Gifford asked when rates would be set; Manns said the bidding process is confidential but that the town could see a launch if the current bidding window is favorable. Selectwoman Costa and others urged clear education work so residents understand when to opt out — and the potential for a short variable‑rate period for customers who leave mid‑cycle.

Tim Moore, chairman of the Plaistow Energy Committee, and committee members indicated support for moving forward once rates deliver savings. Boss said the town will not start a mailed rollout unless contracted rates are lower than Unitil’s default.

No formal vote or contract approval occurred at the meeting. Board members and staff agreed to proceed with outreach planning and to set required public meeting dates once the town sets a contract date and prints notice letters.

A follow‑up public meeting and the mailing of opt‑out notices were presented as the next procedural steps.