Winchendon Electric Bills To Increase Almost 60 Percent This Winter

by Inanna Arthen
Representatives from Colonial Power Group, Inc., the power supply aggregator from which the town of Winchendon purchases electrical power, appeared before the Board of Selectmen at their meeting on Monday, September 12 to explain why rates will be increasing this winter. The main factor is the steep increase in the price of natural gas due to the war in Ukraine and other conditions.

Winchendon's electrical power distribution--the physical infrastructure such as poles, wires and transformers, and transmission of power--is handled by National Grid. That portion of the cost of electrical service is a fixed amount determined by National Grid.

The actual power itself--the little electrons dancing down those wires--is generated by various means, in various places, and supplied to consumers separately from the infrastructure. National Grid can supply and bill for the power itself. However, there are alternative electrical suppliers that consumers can opt in to sign up with. This means that a customer's electric bill will include the infrastructure and distribution fee from National Grid and, on another line, the cost for the electrical power, with a different company name. (This is the part of the bill that says "kilowatts per hour.") Customers pay National Grid and National Grid reimburses that supplier.

In Massachusetts, municipalities can sign up with these alternate suppliers for an aggregated bulk rate, thereby (often) saving money. Winchendon contracts with Colonial Power Group.

Individual customers may choose to opt out of the town's plan and get their power directly from National Grid, or another alternate supplier of their choice. (Besides cost, another common reason customers do this is to buy "greener" power that is generated using less or no fossil fuels.) Either way, the infrastructure charges from National Grid remain the same, because that power still has to get to the customer's residence or building somehow. It's National Grid who shows up to repair downed lines after a storm or deal with a utility pole knocked over by a truck.

Town Manager Justin Sultzbach began by explaining, "When it comes time to go through the municipal aggregation process, essentially bidding for energy. We do this periodically...unfortunately for us for our current term ends this December. It's unfortunate because the volatile situation regarding energy over the past year, we're pretty much at a peak right now. So it's a bad time to go out. So I asked the folks from Colonial Power Group to come out and join us this evening to talk about some of those dynamics, what's causing those trends, what the outlook is over the next six months to a year or so."

Mark Chappadona and Denise Allard from Colonial Power Group rose to explain the details. "Much like every other commodity, energy has gone through the roof, especially where we live," Mr. Chappadona said. "Here in New England we have a small problem. We have a natural gas capacity issue. And it's exacerbated during the wintertime. That's December, January and February. The problem is we have to heat our homes before we get to generate electricity with natural gas. So in the wintertime, we really run up against what are called rolling brownouts."

He went on to explain that in the past, when local Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) supplies got low, they've been able to obtain more "through effort and another offshore plant." This year, however, domestic companies are competing with Europe for those offshore plants. "As I think everyone knows the current situation, they got frozen out by Russia, so they're willing to pay any amount of money for the LNG. So we're now competing for liquefied natural gas to fill our system during the winter."

In response to a question from Board Chair Audrey LaBrie, Mr. Chappadona clarified that LNG is critical because 60 percent of New England's electricity is generated by combined cycle natural gas plants. The LNG is re-gassified and used to generate power. Most of the year, "there's plenty of gas if you're in New England, unfortunately, in the wintertime, it's just a tremendous burden," he said. "So what we're proposing is, don't do something long term, because right now, there's a lot of fear in the marketplace. Unfortunately, with the contract ending we need to do something. We're proposing a twelve-month fixed price product. Sometime during that twelve months, I'm going to be back in front of Justin, speaking to him about what we do next."

If the winter is milder and warmer, it might not be too bad, Mr. Chappadona said, adding that he used to be able to walk across frozen ponds in December but that hasn't been true the last few years. "We get a warmer winter, we should see prices start to come back down. Again, it would be helpful if Mr. Putin would come to his senses and maybe not invade sovereign nations. And the rest of the world would not allow that to happen because I think that's a rather large driver. The issue's going to become, how long does that situation last?" He said he was asking the Board to authorize Mr. Sultzbach to sign a short-term contract, and he'd have pricing by the next day.

Selectman Danielle LaPointe asked if the town could contract for an even shorter period such as nine or six months. Mr. Chappadona said yes, all those options were in the proposal, but it would make the cost even higher. "We just thought we'd spread the pain over the next twelve months." He added, "So one thing I should mention is anyone in town has the ability to opt out of this program at any time. So they could go back to basic service. Unfortunately, I don't think basic service is going to be an option until May timeframe."

In response to Ms. LaBrie, Mr. Chappadona said that normally the contract is for three years, and the program so far has resulted in about $1.8 million in savings for Winchendon ratepayers.

Selectman Barbara Anderson said, "I don't like it...You're asking us to put an awful lot on the residents of Winchendon. Not just in electric but we're also going up on their water. We're going up on their sewer. At some point people are going to crack and I think one thing I didn't really understand and I wish you'd elaborate on, is we have the ability to opt out for basic service but basic service won't start until May?"

"So everyone on basic service was automatically enrolled in the program, but they could always opt out for basic service, and come back to the program whenever they liked," Mr. Chappadona said. ("Basic service" means having National Grid supply the power.) "I was just making the point, anyone could opt out of this rate that's going up, the issue becomes, I believe basic service is going to be higher than that this coming winter."

Ms. Allard stated, "the town's rate will be changing with its December meter read, it would be going up in December. National Grid basic service rate will change November 1, the winter rate will kick in, and we're saying that rate is going to be right up there with what the town would see starting in December. So that rate, for the "winter" would run from November 1 to the end of April, and then it would change again May 1 and that's their "summer" rate that usually comes down."

Ms. LaPointe summarized, "So what you're here for is kind of like the alternate supplier line that people see on their National Grid bills...So they could stick with one of two, let's say National Grid [entirely] or National Grid plus you. And in theory, National Grid plus you is going to be a little bit cheaper."

Mr. Chappadona affirmed this, adding, "Right now your current rate is 10.3 cents [per kilowatt-hour for power]. With National Grid, you'd be paying 11.4 cents, just so that everyone understands."

Selectman Amy Salter asked for a hard percentage that bills would increase. Mr. Chappadona explained that the power represents about 40 percent of the total electric bill, and that portion will be doubling--a 100 percent increase. That means the bottom line total for ratepayers will increase by approximately 60 percent.

Ms. LaBrie asked how the citizens of Winchendon would be notified of this increase.

Ms. Allard said, "We'll generate a postcard, it'll be a 6" by 11" cardstock postcard and it's going to have the town's new rate term supplier information, as well as the price to compare from National Grid. So this winter, it will have how to opt out instructions, where to find National Grid's rates, you want to see more information and our phone number, as well as the supplier to call with any questions, but it'll have all the pertinent information, so folks have it."

"If you want it, we're more than willing to come up to answer people's questions in person," Mr. Chappadona said. "We're happy to do that. Whether it's Council on Aging or at night, however you guys decide is best. We're happy to to accommodate."

Ms. LaPointe expressed concerns that this was a confusing and complicated issue, and asked if it could be broken down and presented in a very basic way. "I can guarantee what you're going to see on social media in a couple of months when people actually look at their bills. And they're not going to understand," she said.

Ms. Anderson said, "quite frankly, this is going to change in December when the Christmas tree lights go on. And they will get that bill in January. And we need to give people a heads up." She asked if the town had "shopped around to other suppliers."

Mr. Sultzbach said yes, but active bidding information was confidential. "All the boxes that you're looking to check, we've checked them," he said. "We're not just settling. It's not just a matter of us just kind of throwing our hands up and saying it is what it is. It's an extremely unfortunate situation. We're in the middle of an energy crisis that's probably the worst people have seen in a long time, at least in the past thirty or forty years."

Mr. Chappadona said they'd be happy to create informational materials and run them by the Board.

After an extended discussion about the pros and cons of various lengths of contracts (with Ms. Anderson saying flatly she would not agree to a three-year contract) and the possible consequences of postponing a vote (prices going up), the Board voted in favor of a motion to authorize the Town Manager to negotiate a new contract for a term not to exceed one year. The vote was 4 in favor, 1 opposed, with Ms. Anderson casting the dissenting vote.

Recreation Department Seeking Sponsors for Amphitheater Grand Opening

by Inanna Arthen
Tiffany Newton, the newly hired Winchendon Recreation Director, appeared before the Board of Selectmen at their Monday, September 12 meeting to request approval for the Recreation Department to accept financial sponsors in support of the Grand Opening celebration of the Winchendon Community Park Amphitheater next June.

"All money obviously incurred from the sponsorships would be used to fund the event," Ms. Newton said. "Any bands or other entertainment we might have, as well as once those basic event needs are funded, any funds beyond that would go on to help fund the fireworks that we are planning to have at the end of that event. I believe you guys got a flyer which shows the tiered structure of our sponsorships that we'd be looking to get, and what each business or individual would receive in turn for their sponsorship. I worked with our Town Manager and our town counsel, who agreed that sponsorships are allowed as long as the Board of Selectmen approves" what the funds would be expended on.

Sponsorship levels are:

Bronze Level, $25-$99
Name/Business Name listed in event program

Silver Level, $100-$249
Bronze benefits plus a free event t-shirt

Gold Level, $250-$499
Bronze and Silver benefits plus Name/Business Name printed on Volunteer t-shirts

Platinum Level, $500 and up
Bronze, Silver and Gold benefits plus Name/Business on sign at the event and in the park for the rest of the season.

There was some discussion as to how use of the funds would be controlled if there were more sponsorships than needed to cover the costs of the Grand Opening event. Ms. Newton said they could check with town counsel on that, but they could spend more to make the event "bigger and better."

Board Vice Chair Rick Ward asked how the Recreation Department planned to "solicit" sponsorships--would they send a mailing or visit businesses in person?

"I wanted to personally go into the businesses with the flyer that I have presented to you so that they have some face to face time with me," Ms. Newton said. "I can explain any questions they might have about what the funding would specifically go towards, what kinds of things we're going to be offering that day. But I'd also like to put that flyer on social media and up some other places where maybe individuals or residents might be interested in donating something towards the event on their own."

Mr. Ward said, "And they're well aware that the number one concern about soliciting is that there be no appearance of pressure on anybody. And if they feel this pressure that could be a problem." Board Chair Audrey LaBrie added, And you might also find certain businesses have a no soliciting sign. So the door to door might be a little more difficult."

"You're almost like you need the same message for every vendor you go," Mr. Ward said. "You can't be using different words for somebody and they feel like they're being pressured. So who will be making the determination once the funds are collected? I know it has to go to the event but it might go to this band or to get another band or or to get a fireworks display. Who's going to make that decision? Is it the Recreation Commission or is it the Winchendon Community Park Committee who's making the decisions?"

Ms. Newton explained that while there are a couple of committees working with the park, including the Recreation Committee and Winchendon Community Park Committee, there is now a specific committee dedicated to planning the Grand Opening event, which includes Ms. Newton, Jane LaPointe, Ken LaBrack and Dave Romanowski. They would be making recommendations which the joint committees would decide on.

Town Manager Justin Sultzbach added that the Robinson Broadhurst Foundation would have some say in how funds are used, as well, since they have also provided some funding for the event.

Mr. Ward said that it would be very important to keep a detailed public record of all businesses that were contacted.

Selectman Barbara Anderson raised some questions about "the perception of impropriety," fearing that it might look to businesses like the town was asking them for money as an additional tax. Mr. Sultzbach said that this issue came up in other areas: for example, Macdonalds making donations for the Earth Day cleanup, when the Earth Day cleanup is organized by the Board of Health and the Board of Health inspects Macdonalds.

The Board debated the concern about having town employees ask for donations and businesses in town feeling pressured. Resident Rick Lucier rose to state that as far as the Earth Day cleanup went, he personally was responsible for getting the dumpster and making arrangements, as a citizen, and the town wasn't involved at all. Jane LaPointe rose to say that the Grand Opening was planned as the big kickoff to a whole series of summer events at the amphitheater, "so that we can create a habit of having events there and people using it."

Mr. Ward raised the point that fireworks would be very expensive, making the prospect of excess funds less likely. Ms. Newton said that they'd gotten an estimate from Atlas Fireworks of $15,000 for the fireworks alone, without additional costs of putting on the show.

Ms. Anderson asked why the committees had chosen June 10 rather than combining the celebration with Summer Solstice. Ms. Newton replied, "We really want that to be its own event where the focus is the amphitheater and the park and combining it with Summer Solstice would take away from that." They'd considered the weekend before but that would be Graduation weekend. Mr. Ward noted that June 10 is actually Winchendon Founders' Day.

After 19 minutes of discussion, the Board voted 4-1 in favor of a motion to "approve a gift account for the Winchendon Community Park and authorize the funds collected for the Grand Opening sponsorships be spent for the purpose of the Grand Opening of the Winchendon Community Park Performing Arts Amphitheater to be held on June 10, 2023, as presented this evening." Ms. Anderson cast the opposing vote.

Individuals or businesses who are interested in sponsoring the Grand Opening may contact Ms. Newton at Tnewton@townofwinchendon.com, call 978-297-5410 or visit Town Hall at 109 Front Street, Winchendon. The amphitheater progress may be followed on Facebook, www.facebook.com/Winchendoncommunitypark

Applications Underway for Winchendon Cultural Council Grants

by Jill Nicholson Sackett
Are you interested in enriching our town? Applications are being accepted now through October 17 for grants administered by the Winchendon Cultural Council. The Winchendon Cultural Council is part of a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils (LCC) serving all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. The LCC Program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation, supporting thousands of community-based projects in the arts, sciences, and humanities every year. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to each community.

Past awards here in Winchendon have ranged from $100 - $2000 and include Beals Library programs, senior center entertainment, the Winchendon Music Festival, Winchendon Winds, the Taste of Winchendon Festival, school field trips, GALA art projects, and Seeds of Hope town banners, to name a few.

The Winchendon Cultural Council gathers input from the community and develops funding priorities based on this feedback. This year the Winchendon Cultural Council will give priority to:

• Applicants that have secured a venue for live performances within Winchendon
• Projects that serve youth or the elderly
• Projects that align with Winchendon's Master Plan: https://www.townofwinchendon.com/sites/g/files/vyhlif8401/f/uploads/mp_final.pptx.pdf, particularly those that utilize historic buildings and churches
• Applications from LGBTQ+ organizations and organizations that center BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals and communities

Winchedon Springs Lake Association Fourth Annual Golf Tournament

from left: Mark, Renee, Rich and Dick Tambling
Photo courtesy of WSLA

Golfers were greeted with bright sunny skies early on the morning of Sept.10th,2022, which made for a perfect start for the Winchendon Springs Lake Association fourth annual golf tournament at the Westminster Country Club.

When the 24 foursomes arrived to register, they found steaming hot coffee (donated by Dunkin Donuts at 93 Gardner Rd.) and variety of delious donuts (donated by the Winchendon Central Street and Rindge N.H Dunkin Donuts) awating them along side a enticing raffle table where they bought a few chances.

By 9:00 o'clock all took to the course and were teeing off with hopes of a win for 1st, 2nd or 3rd place. As they golfed their way through the course they all had an opportunity to try their luck at not only a hole in one contest but also the much anticipated putting contest where 1st prize was a $5,000 dollar purse. One of the first putters in the contest saw an 11 year old sink it in the cup advancing him to a play off putt. As his age became great conversation it was also noted that the oldest player was a young 88. Of the 13 golfers that moved to the putt-off only one, Jeff Lamontagne, made it to the $5,000 final putt coming within inches of a win. To see the video of the putt, log onto wsla.us and click golf tournament.

The day wrapped up in the Club House Banquet Room with hand carved roast beef and tasty sides, great cocktails and conversation.

Tournament Winners were:
1st place:Ryan Braman, Mike L'Etoile, Cory Rocheleau, and Ross Letoile
2nd place: Stephen Hunt, Dalton Hunt, Roland McConnell, and Peter McConnell
3rd place: Chad Hebert, Michael Hebert, Ryan Hebert, and John Johnson

Many thanks to our sponsors and players, board members and volunteers who helped in making the event was a huge success!

For more information, go to wsla.us. We hope to see you there next year.

from left: Keith Parquet, Ray Ianzolitti, and Paul Dilorenzo
Photo courtesy of WSLA

Mark Desmarais
Photo courtesy of WSLA

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