Plaistow officials briefed on community power rollout, opt-out timing and variable-rate risk

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…