Article 33 – Hampton Electric Aggregation Plan

Click here to see the wording of this Article as it appears on your ballot.

What it means: An electric aggregation program works by having a large group of customers come together to buy their electricity from the producer instead of having the utility purchase it. Currently, Hampton’s primary utility provider (Unitil) purchases electric power for most Hampton residences and businesses. If approved, the Board of Selectmen will be authorized to investigate and develop an aggregation program which would allow the Town to use the collective bargaining power of its residents to negotiate for lower power prices from alternative energy suppliers. Participation in the program is completely voluntary. Unitil would continue to deliver the electricity, maintain the equipment and lines and handle billing.

Those in favor say: Hampton is in a unique position where summer usage is higher than other times of the year which is opposite of most towns. This would benefit Hampton to be able to negotiate a lower rate. This would provide local control and customer choice. Residents would not see any change in billing as the electricity would be billed by Unitil, as it is currently.

Those against say: No one spoke against this Article at Deliberative Session.  However, it was questioned what additional options were investigated. The answer was given that this came to Hampton’s attention fairly close to the Warrants being prepared, and it was determined that it would be better to get something forward that could be evaluated by the voters.  Changes could always be made in the future.

Fiscal impact: There is no fiscal impact.