In 2019 the Light Plant increased the number of purchases that came with RECs from 15% to 21%. However, the price to purchase non-associated, unbundled RECs increased. CMLP was able to acquire only 33% of its purchases from non-associated, unbundled RECs in 2019, down from 42% in 2018. The Light Plant retired a number of RECs equal to 53% of the electricity purchased in that year (56% of sales.) The 53% was made up of 10% from Massachusetts Class 1 RECs associated with energy, 6% from Maine Class 2 RECs associated with energy, 5% from Vermont Tier 1 RECs associated with the NYPA hydro generation and 33% from the purchase of non-associated, unbundled Massachusetts Class 1 RECs. In addition to the 53% of energy for which RECs were retired, CMLP purchased electricity from the following resources that do not come with RECs: 6% from predominantly in-Town solar resources.

In 2020 the Light Plant increased the number of purchases that came with RECs from 21% to 24%. However, the price to purchase non-associated, unbundled RECs increased yet again compared to 2019 prices. CMLP was able to acquire only 25% of its purchases from non-associated, unbundled RECs in 2020, down from 33% in 2019. The Light Plant retired a number of RECs equal to 49% of the electricity purchased in that year (51% of sales.) The 49% was made up of 10% from Massachusetts Class 1 RECs associated with energy, 6% from Maine Class 2 RECs associated with energy, 5% from Vermont Tier 1 RECs associated with the NYPA hydro generation, 3% from Emissions-free Energy Certificates (“EFECs”) associated with nuclear-cased energy and 25% from the purchase of non-associated, unbundled Massachusetts Class 1 RECs. In addition to the 49% of energy for which RECs were retired, CMLP purchased electricity from the following resources that do not come with RECs: 7% from predominantly in-Town solar resources.

In 2021, the Light Plant will increase purchases of electricity that come bundled with RECs. It is estimated that 32% of the electricity purchased will have associated RECs, up from 24% in 2020. The 32% would be made up of 10% from Massachusetts Class 1 RECs, 8% from Maine Class 2 RECs, 10% from Emissions-free Energy Certificates (“EFECs”) associated with nuclear-cased energy, and 4% from Vermont Tier 1 RECs associated with the NYPA hydro generation and. At the same time, a January 1, 2021 rate change allocated more dollars to non-carbon emitting acquisitions. The increased funds will allow CMLP to purchase a larger volume of  non-associated, unbundled Massachusetts Class 1 RECs. It is estimated the combined effect of the two variables will mean the Light Plant will be able to retire a number of RECs greater than 75% of the electricity purchased in 2021; 90% in 2022 and 98% in 2023. The estimates embed assumptions about market prices, load, and generations forecasts – all of which could mean the actual figures vary, perhaps even widely, from the estimates.

CMLP also helps customers install their own solar generation through generous grants and a favorable net metering policy. Key to achieving Concord’s climate goals and reducing community-wide emissions will be transitioning our buildings and vehicles to run off clean electricity. CMLP has programs and rebates for both. Learn more about our rebates for heat pumps and electric vehicles.

To learn more about Concord’s commitment to sustainability and climate please visit concordma.gov/sustainability.

Independent System Operators

In addition to our power purchases, we are charged for transmission of power to our Forest Ridge substation by the Independent System Operators-New England (ISO-NE). The ISO is responsible for creating and managing the wholesale market for electricity, operation of the power grid and ensuring adequate capacity in New England. While we are an independent municipal utility, we are part of the larger ISO-NE power grid.