PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: May 5, 2015
For More Information Contact:
Maggie Downey
(508) 375-6636 or (508) 737-3774
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES AFFIRMS
CAPE LIGHT COMPACT AGGREGATION PLAN
Barnstable, MA – The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has issued a long-awaited decision on approving the updates the Cape Light Compact (Compact) had proposed to its Aggregation Plan (operational plan), and rejecting multiple challenges to the Compact’s funding and operations. Compact Administrator Maggie Downey said, “This is a great decision for the people of Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. It affirms the procedures the Compact has used for the past decade to advance energy efficiency, consumer protection, renewable energy and consumer savings.”
The Compact’s original Aggregation Plan was first approved by the DPU in August 2000 and again in 2004. The Plan contains operational procedures and other information required by the State. In August 2013, the DPU requested that the Compact consider updating the Plan to reflect the current operations of the Compact. On April 3, 2014, following public meetings, municipal government review and a public comment period, the Cape Light Compact submitted the updated Aggregation Plan to the DPU.
The DPU final order on the Compact’s updated Aggregation Plan (Order) confirms the Compact’s position that its updates to the Aggregation Plan satisfied the requirements under Massachusetts law as well as the DPU’s rules and regulations governing municipal aggregators. The Order also confirmed that the Compact’s use of funding to support renewable energy development and consumer advocacy is consistent with the Compact’s original approved Aggregation Plan. In the Order, the DPU requested minor changes to the Plan to be filed within ten days. The Order is available for review on the Compact’s web site at: https://www.capelightcompact.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/DPU-14-69-Order-5-1-15.pdf.
“We were optimistic about the outcome. We are dedicated to serving the people of Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard,” Downey said. “The Compact’s energy efficiency program alone has helped people insulate their homes and businesses, changed out lights, and undertaken other measures that will provide consumers in the region more than $485 million in benefits. As the energy industry and technology continue to change there is even more we can do. We look forward to it. Having the DPU’s affirmation on our updated Aggregation Plan makes it that much better.”
ABOUT CAPE LIGHT COMPACT
Cape Light Compact is an award-winning energy services organization operated by the 21 towns and two counties on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. The Compact’s mission is to serve its 200,000 customers through the delivery of proven energy efficiency programs, effective consumer advocacy, competitive electricity supply and green power options. For more information, visit www.capelightcompact.org.
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