Plymouth County Commissioners Discuss Energy Aggregation Program, ARPA Funds Distribution
County explores potential energy cost savings for residents while finalizing allocation of remaining federal relief funds
March 27, 2025
Plymouth County officials are exploring the creation of a county-wide energy aggregation program that could potentially lower electricity costs for residents across the region's 27 communities.
County Treasurer Thomas O'Brien presented findings from initial research into the feasibility of such a program during the Plymouth County Commissioners meeting.
"Currently, 21 of the 27 communities have an aggregation program and three of the municipalities have their own power company within their municipality," O'Brien said. "The price that the plans offer vary significantly."
According to O'Brien, electricity rates within the county range from 12.195 cents to 17.723 cents per kilowatt hour, highlighting the potential for savings through collective bargaining power.
The proposed program would serve approximately 250,000 to 270,000 electric customers, making it larger than the Cape Cod Light Compact, which serves about 205,000 customers across Cape Cod and the Islands.
However, O'Brien noted several challenges to implementing such a program, including the need for all 27 communities to "give up autonomy and act as one unit" and the difficulty of synchronizing contract timelines that currently range from six months to over three years.
The county is working with Colonial Power Group, a consultant recommended by the Department of Public Utilities, to evaluate the program's potential. Officials are also monitoring Boston's unique approach of bypassing retailers to work directly with wholesale energy suppliers.
"More customers does not always translate into low rates," O'Brien cautioned, explaining that with fewer large retailers able to bid on such a large contract, "they don't tend to sharpen their pencils and the biggest of the towns don't end up getting the best of the pricing."
The commissioners also addressed the distribution of remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds. The county has approximately $4.37 million in remaining ARPA funds to allocate, with $2.41 million designated for county use and the remainder to be distributed to municipalities with pre-approved applications.
O'Brien requested authorization to distribute approximately 50% of requested funds to the 10 communities with eligible applications: Abington, Bridgewater, Brockton, Hingham, Mattapoisett, Norwell, Rochester, Rockland, Scituate, and Wareham.
"The fairest equitable way seems to say, listen, the total submitted by these 10 communities is too much," O'Brien said. "They can get some portion of that. It comes to roughly 50%."
Commissioner Gregory Hanley made a motion to authorize the treasurer to implement the 50% distribution plan, which was seconded by Commissioner Jared Valanzola and approved unanimously.
O'Brien emphasized that these funds represent additional support beyond what communities had already received and planned for. "All 27 communities were expected. They're not expecting a single dollar. This is all what we would call gravy," he said.
The commissioners also discussed the potential use of the county's $2.41 million allocation for the Mobile Integrated Health program, though no final decision was made.
In other business, the commissioners:
* Approved pricing for 2026 vehicle additions from Colonial Motor Group Ford
* Authorized the treasurer to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Register of Deeds regarding the FY2026 budget
* Directed all department heads to submit budget requests by the following Wednesday
* Received an update on the county's Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) investment performance, which showed a 0.48% gain in February despite market downturns
* Heard that three communities have joined the county's MAKE program
* Reviewed progress on the renovation of 32 Belmont Street, which is expected to be completed by May 31 and listed for sale in June
* Finalized plans for upcoming meetings with legislative and municipal leaders, including a legislative dinner on April 8 at Fireside Grille in Middleborough
* Received information about an upcoming visit from an Irish delegation on May 21-22, which will include a conference at Bridgewater State University focused on energy innovation and economic development
The commissioners also noted that House Bill 62, extending remote meeting capabilities through June 30, 2027, has passed both branches of the legislature and awaits the governor's signature.
The meeting concluded with Commissioner Hanley providing details about the upcoming Climate Alliance Conference, which will feature presentations on anaerobic digesters, thermodynamic uses, and innovation centers, with representatives from Donegal, Ireland, and Portugal participating.
Watch the complete meeting courtesy of Plymouth County’s YouTube channel.