Energy Aggregation Committee — October 8, 2025

**Sunapee Community Power Coalition: What Residents Should Know Before the October 20 Select Board Vote**

On October 8, 2025, the Sunapee Energy Aggregation Committee met to continue planning for the town's Community Power Coalition program — the municipal electricity aggregation program approved by voters at town meeting. With member Dave absent, only two voting members were present, so the committee lacked quorum. They acknowledged this and continued as an informal 'non-meeting' — an informational discussion with no formal decisions made.

The session covered implementation details including launch timelines, contract terms, public notification and opt-out procedures, the authorized officer designation, and additional coalition services. The committee also planned for a 20-minute presentation to the Select Board on October 20, where contracts and agreements will be presented for approval.

Here are the key facts every Sunapee ratepayer should understand before October 20:

(1) The earliest launch date is March 2025 due to state statutory requirements, but the actual launch could be delayed if Community Power rates are not competitive with Eversource. There is no firm commitment to a specific launch date.

(2) All Sunapee electric customers will be automatically enrolled in the program unless they proactively opt out. Mandatory direct mail notification and public meetings are required by law before any launch. Tim Williams described it as a 'voluntary process program' where everyone is 'given the opportunity to step out of the program ahead of time and never be enrolled in the first place.'

(3) The contract Sunapee is being asked to sign is identical for all coalition members — no modifications are permitted. This is a structural requirement of the joint powers agreement model. However, towns can delay or opt out of launches even after signing, until actual power procurement occurs.

(4) Catherine Bersheo would serve as the town's authorized officer for Community Power decisions, with authority to delay procurement if conditions aren't favorable.

The Select Board presentation is scheduled for October 20. If you have questions about the contract terms, the launch timeline, or how the opt-out process will work, that meeting is your opportunity to ask them.