Whately Select Board Backs Cheaper Energy Opt-In for Aggregation Program

WHATELY — May 11, 2026 — Whately Select Board unanimously backed an energy aggregation change and fielded a major school building grant update at its May 11 meeting. The board voted 3-0 to support the Energy Committee's plan to substitute the aggregation program's lowest-tier optional product — previously carrying 10 percent above the state renewable minimum — with a minimum-renewable rate costing roughly $2 per month less than the default for a typical household, following a citizen's petition at the April town meeting. The Energy Committee representative noted that Eversource has filed a new standard rate of 15.934 cents per kilowatt hour for August, meaning all three aggregation tiers are expected to undercut Eversource's price. The board also approved a one-day liquor license for Jessica Landon for a May 23 family party at the town park. Town Administrator Becky reported that the Massachusetts School Building Authority has awarded Franklin County Technical School approximately $110 million toward a project estimated to cost roughly $260 million in total, with Whately's annual capital share projected at approximately $400,000 for 30 years — on top of an existing $430,000 annual operating assessment — and a community vote required by the end of October 2026.