Town Sets Public Hearing for Creation of Community Choice Aggregation Program
Farmingville, NY - Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine and the Town Board today took the first steps to create a program that could result in lower gas or electric rates for town residents. At the September 12 Town Board meeting, a public hearing was set for October 3 to create a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA), an energy program that allows local governments to buy electricity and gas on behalf of their residents and small businesses within their borders. The program was created by the New York Public Service Commission in April of 2016.
Supervisor Romaine said, “The high cost of energy on Long Island continues to rise, making it difficult for many families and businesses to keep up. By creating a Community Choice Aggregation, the Town will be able to help cut their energy costs and keep more money in their pockets. I encourage everyone to attend the public hearing to learn more about this money-saving program.”
The program works similar to a bulk purchasing agreement – the Town purchases a large amount of electricity for a large pool of residents and small commercial businesses. Doing this allows the Town to take advantage of more competitive rates from energy suppliers for residents participating in the CCA, resulting in lower gas and/or electric bills.
The October 3 public hearing is the first step in creating a CCA in Brookhaven. Following the public hearing, the Town would have to adopt a local law authorizing the creation of a CCA, designate a CCA administrator and gain approval from the New York State Public Service Commission.
Following this approval, residents will be able to join the program to take advantage of the lower energy rates. Residents are not required to be part of the CCA, do not have to sign a contract to join and can leave the program at any time without early termination or exit fees.
A public information meeting regarding Community Choice Aggregation will be held in Brookhaven Town Hall, One Independence Hill in Farmingville on Monday, September 23 at 7 pm in the second floor Media Room.
Division of Public Information * Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone 631-451-6595