MGED adds to its substantial commitment for renewable hydropower supply

September 22, 2021

Middleborough, MA – September 22, 2021—Middleborough Gas and Electric Department (MGED) today affirmed its groundbreaking commitment to Massachusetts hydropower by extending its contract with FirstLight Power of Burlington, Massachusetts. The deal, which helps to keep MGED rates affordable while growing the carbon-free share of the MGED power portfolio, will now extend an additional 10 years to 2040.

MGED entered into an initial 2019 agreement with FirstLight Power, the owner and operator of hydroelectric generation facilities in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and one of the region’s leading clean power producers and energy storage providers. This extension helps the municipal utility to accelerate the decarbonization of its electric supply portfolio. By locking in purchases of locally produced hydropower, which is a finite resource, MGED’s customers will fight climate change while supporting reasonable electric rates through 2040.

FirstLight CEO Alicia Barton said: “MGED’s commitment to providing its customers with locally made clean hydropower is a standout example of Massachusetts municipal utilities leading the way to a clean energy future. Long-term commitments such as this MGED contract extension are critical in the fight against climate change, and they bolster FirstLight’s ability to meet our mission to decarbonize the regional electric grid.”

MGED’s 2021 power portfolio is more than 60 percent carbon free,” said MGED GM Jackie Crowley, “And with the 2021 FirstLight extension, we can ensure a growing share of renewable energy through 2040 as we work to reach the MGED Board’s commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.”

The 2019-2040 Agreement will account for approximately 910,000 megawatt-hours, equivalent to more than 12 percent of MGED’s purchases for residential, commercial and industrial customers for the term.

Middleborough Light Board Co-Chair Jack Healey stated: “this power purchase extension allows MGED to protect our rates well into the future, support Massachusetts jobs and keep MGED at the forefront of achieving carbon neutrality.”

Learn more about FirstLight’s portfolio of pumped-hydro storage, battery storage, hydroelectric generation, and solar generation projects at firstlightpdev.wpengine.com. Learn more about Middleborough Gas & Electric Department at www.mged.com.

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