Valley Green Energy Coming to Amherst November 1

One Public Information Session Remains on September 26

Amherst’s electricity supplier will change from Eversource to Valley Green Energy on November 1. This means that Amherst, Northampton, and Pelham will be able to contract for an energy supplier that gives the best combination of clean energy at the best price through a community choice aggregation, instead of accepting what Eversource offers. Eversource customers will be automatically enrolled in Valley Green Energy (VGE) unless they opt out by October 2.

Stephanie Ciccarelli, Amherst’s Sustainability Director, gave a presentation to the Town Council on September 9. There were also presentations at the Amherst Senior Center on September 10 and the Energy and Climate Action Committee on September 11. The final information session for all three towns is from 7 to 8 p.m. on Zoom on September 26. There is also information on the town website. All Amherst Eversource customers received a two-page letter describing the program. 

VGE has chosen First Point Power as its energy supplier. Prices are locked in until 2026, as opposed to Eversource prices that fluctuate every six months. At the outset, VGE costs will be lower than those from Eversource, but that cannot be guaranteed for the future. It is hoped that, by joining with Northampton and Pelham, Amherst will have more bargaining power to negotiate rates. Bills will still come from Eversource, and outages will still be handled by Eversource. Customers will first notice the change in supplier on their December bill.

There are three options open to residents. The standard option, which is the one that all Eversource basic customers will be automatically enrolled in, will cost 13.994 cents per kilowatt hour, as opposed to 14.023 cents currently charged by Eversource. Residents can also choose VGE Basic at 13.594 cents (with less clean energy) or VGE 100% Green at 16.474 (with all clean energy). To opt up or opt down, residents should contact VGE at ValleyGreenEnergy.org or at 1-844-202-6033. Questions can also be directed to support@ValleyGreenEnergy.org

Residents who have rooftop or community solar will not have any change to their energy credits or SMART program payments. Those with a low-income discount from Eversource will also not be impacted by the change. However, those who have budget billing through Eversource will need to contact VGE to shift the supply charge to VGE.

Although the deadline for initially opting out of the program is October 2, residents can opt in or opt out or change their VGE program at any time.