By Michael Gelbwasser, Contributing Writer
Westborough – Local residents and businesses dreading their winter electric bills might find a cheaper supplier available in the near future.
The town may be that supplier.
Town Manager Jim Malloy told the Board of Selectmen Nov. 25 that his office is exploring aggregating “all of the residential use and commercial use” in town, and then seeking utilities’ proposals to purchase electricity per kilowatt hour.
Residents and businesses could then buy electricity from Westborough, but could opt not to do that, Malloy said.
The result would be “more stable electric rate for residents, and should provide a lower rate for residents because we’re buying in such a large bulk,” he said.
The effort would require various approvals, starting with the spring Annual Town Meeting, he said.
“Given the jump in electric rates, one of the things that I want to take a look at is whether or not we would be able to do something for the residents that doesn’t really cost the town anything but would benefit a lot of residents,” Malloy said.
