Hanover’s Energy Choice Program Moves Forward After State Approval

Hanover’s new municipal aggregation program, Hanover Energy Choice, has received approval from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and is set to launch soon. Town officials say the program is designed to provide residents with more stable electricity rates and potential cost savings through collective purchasing power.

Hanover Town Manager Joe Colangelo announced the program’s approval, noting that it has been in the works since 2023.

"This program should lower energy costs to everyone in Hanover through collective buying power and hedge against price spikes by locking in predictable rates," Colangelo said. "This was something that Annual Town Meeting approved in 2023."

Municipal aggregation allows a town to negotiate electricity rates on behalf of residents, often securing lower and more predictable pricing compared to default utility rates. The program is expected to help residents manage energy costs, though prices may still fluctuate.

A Program Years in the Making

The approval follows an extensive regulatory process. Colangelo credited the efforts of town staff and summer interns, who played a role in helping the town navigate state approvals and develop the program.

"We have successfully navigated through the intensive regulatory review process and are ready to officially launch this program," Colangelo said.

According to town officials, the next steps will include finalizing contracts with an electricity supplier and notifying residents of their enrollment options.

What Residents Need to Know

Under municipal aggregation, residents will be automatically enrolled in the program unless they choose to opt out. Those who participate will see the new rates reflected in their electricity bills once the program goes live.

While the program is expected to provide savings over time, officials caution that month-to-month rates may still vary due to fluctuations in the energy market.

Hanover joins several other Massachusetts communities that have adopted municipal aggregation as a way to stabilize energy costs and promote renewable energy options. More details on Hanover Energy Choice and its launch timeline will be shared with residents in the coming months.