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Residents press council over electricity aggregation opt-outs as town offers help
Summary
Multiple residents said they were automatically converted into a town electricity aggregation contract and reported difficulty opting out; town staff said the vendor (Good Energy) will not mail an informational packet, opt-out is effective on the next bill, and the town will provide contact information and assistance.
Public commenters raised repeated concerns about the town’s third‑party electricity aggregation and what residents described as automatic enrollment that left some, especially older neighbors, facing higher bills. Guy Natelli (135 Greenwood Road) told the council he and multiple neighbors were surprised to learn they had been converted and would have to opt out, calling the situation "disgusting" and asking, "Is anything being done about this?"
Town Manager Ralph Malas and staff said the aggregation program is not a town utility and that Good Energy has declined to mail an informational flyer; staff advised the council the vendor told them opt‑out is effective immediately (the next bill). Malas urged residents to contact town staff and said, "We're here to help as much as we can," adding the town will provide contact details for residents who need assistance. A councilor asked staff to research whether the council should take additional responsibility for outreach and communication; staff agreed to increase informational outreach and to provide options at the next meeting.
Several residents urged the council to ‘fix the mistake’ through more proactive outreach — not limited to website postings — and to consider town action if large numbers of residents lack notice or face financial hardship. The town manager and other staff committed to follow up with residents and to share contact information for assistance to opt out or resolve billing issues.
