A
Aggregation (Community)
A town or city buying electricity supply on behalf of residents/businesses to get stable, competitive rates and options (CCA).
Annual System Peak
The single highest hour of grid demand in a year; used to help determine capacity costs borne by all customers.
B
Budget Billing
A utility program that evens out monthly bills over the year; delivery stays with the utility, supply can be CCA.
Billing (Single Bill)
With CCA you still receive one bill from your utility. Only the “Supply Services” line shows the CCA supplier/rate.
C
CCA (Community Choice Aggregation)
Also called Community Power (NH). Municipality selects an electricity supplier; enrollment is automatic with the option to opt out.
Capacity
The amount of power available to meet peak demand. Capacity costs are a component of supply rates.
Certificate of Authority / PUC License
State authorization a supplier must hold to sell retail electricity (e.g., NH PUC license # for the awarded supplier).
Comparative Rate
A side-by-side of utility Default Service vs. the CCA rate for the same period (supply only).
D
Default Service (Utility)
The utility’s standard supply rate for customers who don’t choose a third-party supplier or CCA.
Delivery (Utility)
Wires, poles, outage response and meter reading—always handled by your utility regardless of your supply choice.
E
Enrollment (Automatic)
Eligible customers are automatically enrolled in CCA after a mailed notice, with the right to opt out at any time.
Energy Assistance (EAP)
Utility bill assistance programs continue unchanged when you are in CCA.
F
Fixed Rate (Supply)
A per-kWh price that stays the same for the term of the CCA contract.
First Point Power (Supplier)
The awarded supplier for Salem’s CCA program; appears on the Supply Services line of your bill.
G
Green / Renewable Option
An optional product some CCAs offer with higher renewable content than the default product.
H
Heat Wave / Summer Peak
High-usage periods in summer often drive the annual system peak and influence capacity charges.
I
Information Session
Public meeting hosted by the town/CCA to explain rates, terms, and resident choices before launch.
L
Liberty (Utility)
Salem’s electric utility for delivery/billing. Liberty continues service regardless of your supply choice.
Launch Date
The date when CCA supply begins appearing on enrolled customers’ bills.
M
Meter Read Cycle
Most changes (opt-in/out, supplier switch) take effect on your next meter read, so timing varies by account.
N
Net Metering (Behind-the-Meter Solar)
Credit for exported solar generation. In NH, exports are typically not credited while enrolled in CCA—solar net producers are advised to opt out.
Notice (Opt-Out Letter)
Mailed in advance with rate, product, and how to opt out or get help.
O
Opt In
Join the CCA if you previously opted out or currently have a third-party supplier (check any early-termination fees).
Opt Out
Decline CCA before or after launch—no fee—returning to utility Default Service on your next meter read.
P
PUC (Public Utilities Commission)
State regulator that approves CCA plans and licenses suppliers (NH: RSA 53-E for Community Power).
Price Term
The length a CCA rate is in effect (e.g., 24 months).
R
REC (Renewable Energy Certificate)
A tradable credit proving 1 MWh of renewable generation; used to meet NH Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requirements.
RPS (Renewable Portfolio Standard)
State-set minimum percentage of renewable energy that must be included in electricity supply (NH: includes 25.2% in 2025).
S
Supply (Electricity)
The energy itself, provided by the CCA’s chosen supplier and priced per kWh on your bill.
Supplier
The company that sells electricity supply to the town’s CCA (separate from the utility that delivers it).
T
Timeline (Program)
Key milestones like plan approval, notice mailing, opt-out deadline, and start of service.
U
Utility
Your local company (e.g., Liberty) that handles delivery, outages, and billing regardless of your supply choice.
V
Voluntary Participation
Participation in CCA is optional; you can leave or rejoin at any time without a fee.
W
Wholesale Market
Where suppliers purchase electricity; CCA contracts are designed to provide stable retail rates from wholesale purchasing.
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