IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS
Implementation Process
Implementation of the Providence Community Electricity program followed all steps required by State statute to develop a plan, hold public review, and secure local and State approval for the program. All steps and current status are listed below.
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Step One: On September 5, 2019, City Council voted to create the Providence Community Electricity program (called Community Choice Aggregation at the time). It was later signed by the Mayor on September 9, 2019.
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Step Two: In March 2020, the City selected a consultant to assist in developing and managing the program. Good Energy, L.P was selected by the City.
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Step Three: From April through June 2020, the City worked to develop a draft Aggregation Plan which included the program’s goals, operation and organization. The City and the consultant worked with a group of community advisors to design and implement a survey to solicit input on the Aggregation Plan. The outreach efforts for the survey focused on getting diverse representation from across the City, especially from those in low income communities. View the survey results here.
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Step Four: The City made the draft Aggregation Plan available for public review starting on July 8, 2020, and subsequently held a public hearing on July 15. The City amended the draft Aggregation Plan based on public input and comments received during this time.
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Step Five: The City Council voted to approve the Aggregation Plan on July 16, 2020. Read the final Electricity Aggregation Plan as approved by the council.
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Step Six: In August 2020, the City submitted its Aggregation Plan to the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for review and approval, which was granted in May 2021. Please see docket No. 5061 for details.
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Step Seven: Subsequent to approval by the PUC, Providence ran a competitive bid for electricity supply and selected NextEra Energy Services Rhode Island, LLC (NextEra) as its electricity supplier. Prior to program launch, the City implemented an extensive education and outreach program to make residents and businesses aware of the program and their ability to participate in the program or leave before it started (opt out). Participants can also opt out any time after the program has begun with no associated penalties or fees.