Community Choice Aggregation (CCA), also known as municipal aggregation or community power, is a program that leverages a community’s purchasing power to procure electricity. When participating in a CCA cities, towns, or counties, procure energy on behalf of their residents and businesses. This approach capitalizes on the bulk purchasing power of the community, effectively reducing electricity costs through economies of scale. Energy continues to be distributed by the utility companies through their established transmission and distribution systems, ensuring reliable and uninterrupted service to all customers.
If you’re already a participating municipality, resident, or business in the Community Choice Aggregation program, Colonial Power Group can provide you with detailed, community-specific information.
Bridging the Energy Gap with CCA
Often, there’s a difference in electricity market access: while about 90% of large businesses use third-party suppliers, less than 30% of residential customers do due to the vast energy needs of larger users, creating more leverage in the marketplace. CCA offers a solution to balance this contrast, allowing participating communities to collectively negotiate better rates and terms, similar to larger businesses, and provides additional consumer protection through municipality-authored contracts.
CCA Program Benefits
While each community’s energy needs and goals are unique, Community Choice Aggregations offers many benefits. In Massachusetts, over 150 communities participating in CCA programs have creatively leveraged this model to fund local energy-related improvements, from upgrading street lighting and installing EV chargers to implementing rooftop solar projects or advanced time-of-use metering systems.
Greater Community
Buying Power
Partner with towns and municipalities for lower energy costs and increased supplier management.
Price
Stability
Obtain fixed rates over extended contract terms, shielding your community from market fluctuations.
Self
Funded
CCAs are self-sustaining, relieving local budgets and non-participating consumers from additional costs.
Flexible
Participation
Participation is voluntary and participation can leave the CCA without penalties and switch to another service provider.
Support
Renewable Energy
Community may choose to include renewable energy option supporting local sustainability initiatives.
Consumer
Protection
CCA contracts provide superior protection compared to direct supplier offers.
Public
Oversight
Town officials ensure accountability among suppliers and other stakeholders.
Customized
Energy Solutions
CCAs allow communities to tailor energy solutions to their specific needs and goals, whether it’s prioritizing lower costs, renewable sources, or other unique local preferences.
CCA Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding the details of Community Choice Aggregation is crucial for making informed decisions about your energy needs. You may have questions about the ability to opt-out, the role of your utility company, billing changes, participation after launch, unaffected utility services, and net metering participation. We aim to ensure that you have all the necessary information to take full advantage of what the Community Choice Aggregation program offers.
If you don’t see your question here, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for more information. We’re here to help!
How will billing be handled in the Community Choice Aggregation program?
Customers will continue to receive a single bill from their utility provider. The primary change will be an additional line item on the bill for the program’s supply charge, which replaces standard last resort service charges.
Will my local utility company still be responsible for my electricity service?
Yes. Your local utility company will continue to maintain service reliability. In case of a power outage or any service disruption, you should directly contact your utility provider as usual.
Will any of my current utility services be affected by joining this program?
No, all essential utility services, including budget billing, electronic payments, payment arrangements, energy assistance, and energy efficiency programs, will remain unaffected.
Is it possible to join the program after the initial launch has completed?
Yes, customers are welcome to opt into the program even after the initial launch period, offering ongoing accessibility to the program.
Can I opt out of the Community Choice Aggregation program after it has started?
Yes, consumers have complete freedom to opt out of the program at any time after its launch, without facing any penalties. This ensures flexibility and control over your energy choices.
Can I participate in the program if I am already engaged in net metering?
Yes. Customers who are involved in net metering can seamlessly join the Community Choice Aggregation program without any disruption to their existing setup.
Discover Community Choice Aggregation with Freedom Energy
Freedom Energy currently serves CCA clients in three key Northeastern states: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Our commitment in these states is to empower communities with the ability to make autonomous and beneficial energy decisions.
Community Choice Aggregation programs are a transformative approach to energy procurement, but they’re only available in states with specific legislative approval. To learn more about their legislative frameworks, we recommend visiting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website.
Currently, CCA programs are permitted in the following states:
-
California
-
Illinois
-
Maryland
-
Massachusetts
-
New Hampshire
-
New Jersey
-
New York
-
Ohio
-
Rhode Island
-
Virginia
Participating municipalities, residents, and businesses can access information specific to their community regarding municipal aggregation services on the Colonial Power Group (CPG) website. CPG website will provide detailed and community-specific insights, ensuring you receive the most relevant updates and information tailored to you.
CPG assists communities with municipal aggregations and is currently the largest municipal community choice aggregation provider in Massachusetts. They focus on community-based municipal aggregation, the needs of its client communities, and end users of electricity who live and do business there.
Connect With Us