New Video Provides “101” on CLC Local Green℠ Program
Since Cape Light Compact was formed in 1997, the energy sector in Massachusetts has undergone a significant transition. Let’s explore some of the changes that have brought us to the state’s current energy landscape, and the role the Compact has played to expand access to cleaner, competitively-priced electricity among its customers. This includes one of the Compact’s latest initiatives, CLC Local Green, which is specifically designed to advance locally-generated renewable energy.
An Evolving Industry:
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, just ten years ago, coal met approximately 25% of Massachusetts’ electricity needs. Since then, the state’s energy generation profile has changed drastically. As of 2018, 66% of electricity generation came from natural gas, nearly 17% from nuclear power, and around 14% from renewables – predominantly solar.1
Several policies have helped drive the transition to cleaner energy across the state. For example, since 2003, the state’s Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard has required retail electricity suppliers to have a certain percentage of the electricity they sell to customers come from renewable energy sources, with the required percentage increasing each year. This percentage is met through the purchase of renewable energy certificates or RECs. (Check out this video for a helpful explanation on how RECs work). Today, the state continues to explore opportunities to create an even more resilient energy future by advancing energy storage.
The Compact’s Role:
Since it was formed, the Compact has been committed to providing its customers with stable, competitive electricity prices. To support this mission, the Compact launched its power supply program in 2002. How does this program work? By aggregating the electricity load of participating customers, the Compact can then solicit bids from suppliers to secure stable six-month pricing. The Compact just set fixed rates for the upcoming pricing term, ensuring that customers remain protected against the volatility of winter electricity prices.
In addition, since 2017, the Compact has specifically been committed to green aggregation. The Compact works with its power supplier, NextEra Energy Services, to match 100% of power supply program participants’ electricity use with RECs. Even more exciting is the fact that the Compact now offers two power supply program options that enable customers to support locally-generated renewable energy. By participating in CLC Local Green, customers can voluntarily choose to have an additional 50% or 100% of their electricity use matched with Massachusetts RPS Class 1 Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), which are sourced exclusively from qualifying renewable energy producers in New England.
Want to learn more about CLC Local Green? In our latest video, our Senior Power Supply Planner, Austin Brandt, provides an in-depth explanation of how the program works and its benefits. Plus, the video provides a chance to explore some nearby solar installations across the Cape. Check it out to learn more and to see whether you want to sign up!
1 U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2019, July 18). Massachusetts State Profile and Energy Estimates. Retrieved from https://www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=MA.