Amid increasing energy prices, the City of Cambridge is continuing its strides in empowering residents with greener and more budget-friendly power alternatives through its Cambridge Community Electricity Program. As utility giant Eversource announces a hike in rates, the program shines as a beacon for those looking for stable and sustainable energy solutions.
The Community Electricity Program, which started in 2017, has been offering electricity sourced from regional renewable projects at a price that often undercuts Eversource's Basic Service. Cambridge reports that 73% of all electric accounts in the city are partaking in the plan, which features a default option – Standard Green – that exceeds the renewable content provided by Eversource, as highlighted by a recent publication on the city’s official website.
Residents and businesses in Cambridge have the autonomy to customize their electric plan choices, ranging from the Standard Green, which utilizes more regional renewable energy, to 100% Green Plus, which guarantees all electricity is from New England's renewable sources. There's also an Economy Green option for cost-conscious individuals that still offers some level of green energy. Despite the uncertainty of future pricing post the current 2-year contract which expires in January, the program maintains its aim to ensure cost-competitiveness.
The efficacy of this program is underscored by the $98 million in savings reported against Eversource basic service rates. Beyond financial benefits, the Community Electricity Program takes a firm stand on environmental impact – supporting renewable energy projects like the solar installation at Graham & Parks School and offsetting the equivalent of taking 13,800 gas-powered vehicles off the roads for a year, according to an announcement by the city.
For those Cambridge denizens interested in this greener energy initiative, automatic enrollment has been set to the Standard Green option. Changing your plan is hassle-free, with no contracts or exit penalties lurking. The first page of your Eversource electric bill will indicate if you're already part of the program. Otherwise, assistance on enrollment and more information can be gleaned from the MassPowerChoice website or by contacting the City’s program administrators. More details on Cambridge's community energy solutions can also be found on the city’s sustainability webpage.
