CMLP does not generate electricity; we purchase power from third party suppliers with whom we have "power purchase agreements" which specify the pricing per Kilowatt Hour (kWh) for the power we use. One of CMLP’s objectives in the area of power supply is to purchase as much energy from renewable sources as possible provided the economics are in line with more conventional power supply options.

Increasing Percentage from Non-Carbon Emitting Sources

How the Town sources electricity significantly impacts Concord’s ability to achieve its climate goals. CMLP is committed to providing 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030. Each year, CMLP is working to keep us on track. Achieving that goal will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 23% community wide.

During the last several years, CMLP has been de-carbonizing its power supply by purchasing renewable power from developers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Maine and purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).For information about what RECs are and how they work, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has prepared a short video called “RECs: Making Green Power Possible” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_12VYXms6-c.

      A – Actual; F – Forecast         Totals may not add due to rounding

In 2023, the Light Plant retired a number of RECs equal to 98% of the total amount of electricity purchased (100% of sales.) The 98% was made up of 11% from Massachusetts Class 1 RECs associated with energy, 17% from Maine Class 2 RECs associated with energy, 21% from Emissions-free Energy Certificates (“EFECs”) associated with nuclear-based energy, 4% from Vermont Tier 1 RECs associated with the NYPA hydro generation and 46% from the purchase of non-associated, unbundled Massachusetts Class 1 RECs (totals may not add due to rounding.) 

In 2022, the Light Plant retired a number of RECs equal to 96% of the total amount of electricity purchased (99% of sales.) The 96% was made up of 12% from Massachusetts Class 1 RECs associated with energy, 7% from Maine Class 2 RECs associated with energy, 20% from Emissions-free Energy Certificates (“EFECs”) associated with nuclear-based energy, 4% from Vermont Tier 1 RECs associated with the NYPA hydro generation and 52% from the purchase of non-associated, unbundled Massachusetts Class 1 RECs. 2022 is the first year CMLP received MA Class I RECs donated by the Willard School and also from private residents.

In 2021, the Light Plant retired a number of RECs equal to 85% of the total amount of electricity purchased (87% of sales.) The 85% was made up of 10% from Massachusetts Class 1 RECs associated with energy, 9% from Maine Class 2 RECs associated with energy, 10% from Emissions-free Energy Certificates (“EFECs”) associated with nuclear-based energy, 4% from Vermont Tier 1 RECs associated with the NYPA hydro generation and 52% from the purchase of non-associated, unbundled Massachusetts Class 1 RECs.

The forward 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. Vigilance needs to be maintained to ensure a carbon-free power supply into the future.

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.