Are you staring at a Natick electricity aggregation letter and wondering what to do next? You are not alone. Choosing a supply option can feel technical, especially when you want price stability and clear, sustainable choices. In this guide, you’ll learn how aggregation works in Massachusetts, how to compare Natick’s program to Eversource Basic Service, and exactly how to opt in, opt up, or opt out. Let’s dive in.
Municipal aggregation explained
Municipal aggregation is a town-run program that negotiates the electricity supply for residents and small businesses. The town selects a competitive supplier and sets a default option. Your utility, Eversource in Natick, still delivers power, maintains lines, reads meters, and sends your bill.
Most Massachusetts programs use an opt-out model. That means you are automatically enrolled in the town’s selected default supply unless you opt out by a deadline listed in your enrollment notice. The program operates under state law with oversight by state authorities. The town issues a plan, selects a supplier through a bid process, and the contract price and term appear on your Eversource bill under the Supply section.
How Natick’s program works
Natick’s aggregation typically includes a default option with a fixed price per kilowatt-hour, a contract term, and a stated percentage of renewable energy. Many programs also offer an optional “opt-up” tier with higher renewable content at a slightly higher price.
Public materials usually list the supplier name, the exact price in cents per kWh, the term dates, renewable content, and how to join a greener option or opt out. You should also see enrollment notices with the opt-out window and details on how to act.
Where to confirm your details
- Town of Natick’s official aggregation page and announcements. Look for program summaries, FAQs, and supplier details.
- Your mailed enrollment notice. It includes the current rate, the default option, the opt-out deadline, and how to respond.
- Your Eversource bill. The Supply section shows your current supplier and confirms the rate structure you are paying.
- State consumer resources. These explain rules, protections, and the basics of how aggregation operates statewide.
Compare to Eversource Basic Service
Eversource Basic Service is the utility’s default supply if you are not in aggregation or with another supplier. Its rates change periodically through the utility’s procurement process. Natick’s aggregation, by contrast, is a separate contract chosen by the town and can provide a fixed rate for the contract term.
When comparing options, focus on the essentials below.
Key items to check
- Rate in cents per kWh. Confirm if it is fixed for the entire term or variable.
- Term length. Note when the price starts and ends.
- Renewable content. See what percentage is matched with renewable energy and how RECs are used.
- Price structure. Is it flat for the full term or does it change at set points?
- Fees and cancellation. Check the town documents. Most residential switches do not include early termination fees, but verify.
- Billing and support. Eversource remains your delivery provider and handles outages, while the supplier handles supply questions.
Do the simple math
Use your actual Eversource bill to estimate costs:
- Find your monthly kWh usage on your bill.
- Multiply your kWh by the aggregation rate (in dollars per kWh) to estimate the monthly supply cost under the town program.
- Multiply your kWh by the current Eversource Basic Service rate to estimate the monthly supply cost on Basic Service.
- Compare the two results to see the estimated difference for the month and then annualize it by multiplying by 12.
If the aggregation rate is fixed, it provides price certainty through the term. Basic Service rates reset periodically and can go up or down. A fixed price can cost more when market prices fall, but it can also protect you when prices rise.
Renewable claims, simply stated
A “100% renewable” option generally means the supplier matches your electricity use with renewable energy certificates, or RECs. This supports renewable generation on paper, but the electrons delivered to your home still come from the regional grid mix. Review whether the renewable option uses bundled RECs or unbundled RECs, and check the town’s materials for clarity and transparency.
Choose your supply: opt in, opt up, or opt out
Your enrollment notice or the town’s aggregation page will have exact instructions. Expect to see options to remain in the default, opt up to a greener choice, or opt out to stay or return to Eversource Basic Service.
- To opt out: Follow the listed method. You may be asked to complete an online form, mail a pre-paid card, or call a number with your account details. If you miss the opt-out window, you can usually switch at any time, with changes effective on the next meter read or billing cycle.
- To opt up to a greener tier: Use the town’s opt-up form or phone number. Have your Eversource account number handy and confirm the price and renewable percentage before submitting.
Confirm and document your switch
Always verify your decision on your next bill. Check the Supply section for the supplier name and rate. Keep a copy of your enrollment notice and any confirmation email or letter. If anything looks off, contact the listed program customer service.
Consumer checklist for Natick homeowners
- Find the latest Natick aggregation information and your mailed enrollment notice.
- Check your Eversource bill for current supplier, rate, and monthly kWh usage.
- Compare the town’s rate to the current Eversource Basic Service rate using the multiply method.
- Decide whether to stay in the default, opt up to higher renewable content, or opt out to Basic Service.
- Complete the required form or call, then verify on your next bill that the change took effect.
Risks, trade-offs, and timing
A fixed aggregation price provides predictability. If market prices fall below the fixed price, you might pay more than Basic Service. If prices rise, you benefit from the fixed rate. Think about your tolerance for price swings and whether budget certainty matters to you.
Renewable offerings add value for sustainability goals, but how renewable content is sourced varies. Look for transparency around RECs and whether they are bundled with energy or purchased separately.
Supplier service quality and financial strength can vary. Towns select suppliers through bids, but customer experience still depends on the supplier’s systems and support. Keep their contact details handy and reach out if you have questions.
What to look for on your bill
- Supplier name under Supply. This shows whether you are in Natick’s aggregation or on Eversource Basic Service.
- Supply rate and structure. Confirm the rate matches your chosen option.
- Monthly usage in kWh. Use this number for your cost comparisons.
- Effective dates. Note when your current rate started and when the term ends.
New to Natick? Start here
If you just moved in or are about to close on a home, put aggregation on your move-in checklist. Find the latest town materials, review your first bill to see your supplier, and make an early decision about your preferred option. If you aim for higher renewable content, opt up as soon as you are set up with Eversource to align your billing from the start.
Practical tips for confident decisions
- Read the fine print. Check rate, term, renewable percentage, cancellation terms, and customer service contacts.
- Track timing. Switches usually occur on the next meter read, so plan around your billing cycle.
- Keep records. Save enrollment notices and confirmations in a folder for quick reference.
- Revisit annually. When your term ends or Basic Service rates change, redo the comparison and choose again.
Final thoughts
Natick’s electricity aggregation gives you a straightforward way to choose price stability and renewable options that fit your goals. With a few minutes and your latest bill, you can compare rates, pick the right tier, and confirm the change on your next statement. If a move is on your horizon and you want guidance that covers utilities, timing, prep, and value, reach out for local, concierge-level support.
Ready to navigate your next move with a trusted local advisor? Contact Unknown Company to request your complimentary consultation and market valuation.
FAQs
What is municipal aggregation in Natick?
- It is a town-run program that selects a competitive supplier for your electricity supply while Eversource continues to deliver power, maintain the grid, and send your bill.
How do I compare aggregation to Eversource Basic Service?
- Use your monthly kWh from your bill and multiply by each option’s rate to estimate costs, then compare the totals and consider term length and renewable content.
What does 100% renewable mean on a plan?
- It typically means the supplier matches your usage with renewable energy certificates, which support renewable generation on paper while you still receive power from the regional grid mix.
How do I opt out of Natick’s default option?
- Follow the instructions in your enrollment notice, which may include an online form, a mail-in card, or a phone call with your account details. Verify the change on your next bill.
Can I switch after the opt-out window?
- Yes, residential customers can usually switch at any time, often effective on the next meter read or billing cycle. Check the town’s materials for details.
Who do I call for outages if I change suppliers?
- You always contact Eversource for outages and delivery issues, regardless of who supplies your electricity.
