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Climbing a long and winding staircase can be daunting, especially if the destination you need to reach is on the top floor. Taking that first step can be the hardest, but each step brings you closer to your goal. While taking two steps at a time may seem the best way, you run the risk of losing your footing and falling behind. Taking one step at a time, setting your pace, and setting your sights on your goal are the most efficient and effective ways to successfully reach your destination.
Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant has taken this approach to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. TMLP laid the groundwork several years ago and is slowly and methodically climbing toward its electrification goals. TMLP is well on its way by making environmentally responsible energy choices and preparing its infrastructure, while still providing safe, reliable, and competitively priced electricity and internet services to its customers.
There are a few more flights of stairs to climb to reach the top, but TMLP is confident that slow and steady will get it there.
As I look back on the past year, it is clear that the planning, preparations, and the foundation that we laid during the past few years have become the projects that are moving us full force into the future. TMLP was not immune to the supply chain delays utilities faced, but we got back on track and picked up momentum in 2023. As a result, we were able to begin updating our fleet and equipment to provide our line crews with the tools they need to provide a high level of quality service to our ratepayers. These components are essential as we prepare our infrastructure to meet the unique challenges of electrification.
We knew in the early days of planning for net zero emissions that if we are to succeed, it would be essential to educate and involve our customers in our sustainability efforts. The steps we took to plan and develop the Sustainability & Commercial Development department came to fruition in late 2022 and early 2023 and have enabled us to secure grants and opportunities that will benefit both TMLP and our customers. Key among these projects is a pilot to the retrofit the heating and cooling systems with thermal heat pumps in 25 units managed by the Taunton Housing Authority. Funded in part by a $250,000 grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, work on this pilot project was initially stalled by supply chain delays. This department, along with ES&P and others, was also instrumental in developing inclusive and accessible loan, heat pump, and weatherization programs for all customers, utilizing funding secured through legislative efforts.
The first phase of the long-awaited and much-anticipated Cogsdale Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, which experienced the longest pandemic-created delays, was launched in-house in 2023 and streamlined several key areas, including project management, human resources/payroll, ledgers and purchasing. MIS worked throughout 2023 to prepare for the launch of Phase 2 which will enhance customer-centric programs and services such as customer information, customer portal, meter reading, billing, and cashiering for electric and internet services.
As General Manager, it is rewarding to see that TMLP is beginning to realize the fruits of its labor and is making it easier and more affordable for customers to become more energy efficient while reducing their own carbon footprint. It’s a long and difficult climb, but TMLP has the right tools and has set the plans in motion to reach the next plateau toward a more sustainable future.
As a public power utility and internet provider, Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant is governed by a Light Commission elected by its ratepayers in the city of Taunton. As Commissioners, we take this responsibility seriously when we make decisions that affect more than 39,000 electric and internet customers served by the utility. We are cognizant that this means that we represent all TMLP customers and that each and every customer has a voice. We represent all customers from one-person households to multi-building commercial customers to everyone in between.
Our goal is simple and is reflective of TMLP’s overall goal: to represent and protect you by keeping rates competitive, securing reliable power, and ensuring that TMLP makes smart choices regarding carbon-free fuel sources and renewable energy programs. During the past decade, TMLP has made significant progress and has undertaken the necessary steps to reach its goal of net zero emissions by 2050. The Commission has aided in this process by making responsible policy decisions that mirror the actions of TMLP staff.
To achieve these goals, we know we need to be proactive while still being prudent. TMLP energy purchases must – and do – ensure a diverse and balanced energy mix while keeping rates affordable and providing opportunities for all customers, whether they voluntarily participate in programs like our voluntary Go Green 100% program or make their home more efficient by taking advantage of TMLP’s weatherization and incentive rebates programs.
The Light Commission makes its decisions by methodically taking one step at a time. We know that our ratepayers rely on us to make the best decisions on their behalf.
2023 marked the first full year of operation for the Sustainability & Commercial Development department which was created to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability efforts in the TMLP service territory. The department was bolstered by the addition of staff members who worked to secure grants and funding that will assist TMLP in staying on track to meet both its federal and state climate goals. Early in the year, TMLP was awarded a $125,000 Demonstration of Energy Efficiency Development (DEED) grant through the American Public Power Association (APPA) for CEERUM development. TMLP staff worked with Beacon Climate to develop high level software for quick potential program return on investment.
The department was instrumental in developing the TMLP Saves™ heat pump and zero interest loan program, made possible by a $1 Million funding commitment from the Massachusetts Legislature to enable increased access to, and development of, energy efficiency programs for TMLP customers. This was achieved by collaborating with the Financial Manager to secure agreements from vendors to help administer the program. Staff also worked with the Commonwealth to develop an outline for the lending, heat pump, and weatherization program for low- and middle-income customers. The thermal heat pump pilot program in the Taunton Housing Authority complex in East Taunton continued to move forward in 2023.
TMLP continued to actively pursue reliable and cost-effective power purchases to create a balanced and diversified portfolio. The utility contracted in 2023 for additional wholesale power for 2024 and 2025 to continue an 80% hedged position. TMLP’s layered and incremental approach to power purchases, in conjunction with its active participation in the New England Power Pool (NEPOOL), ensured that the utility is in line with its electrification goals. TMLP’s Hydro Quebec Phase I/II transmission ownership continued to play a key role in reduced transmission costs for the service territory.
Unit 9 experienced a busier than usual year, receiving 59 schedules in the ISO-NE Day-Ahead Market, Unit 9 generated over 49,000 MWh in 2023 which represented the highest generation in five years since the unit generated over 74,000 MWh in 2018.Unit 9 generated a maximum output of 108 MW in late January which represented the highest mark in any hour since 2017. The unit provided revenues in addition to normal ISO-NE markets in early July when ISO-NE experienced a 30-minute Capacity Scarcity Condition and implemented OP-4 actions.
The distributed generation system at West Water Street and the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Cleary-Flood station, with 13 MW of combined peak-load reduction capacity, had another busy and successful year of operation. The units’ combined 110 scheduled runs and output over 1,600 MWh of generation successfully hit 11 monthly peaks and generated over $650,000 in net savings due to peak load reduction. The West Water Street and BESS units have provided over $7,500,000 combined in net savings to TMLP and its ratepayers since 2018.
The Unit 9 annual inspection efforts to help ensure reliability and availability included an upgrade of the combustion turbine control system, as well as the repair and replacement of several components. Work continued on Unit 8 in preparation of the decommissioning and future dismantling. TMLP finalized completion of the 115 KV buss Yard at the Cleary-Flood station in 2023. Preparations began for a new substation in Taunton which is expected to be a multi-year project.
After a three-year delay caused by industry-wide supply chain issues, TMLP crews received two new bucket trucks in 2023. Line crews installed service to several developments in the territory, including the new sewer treatment plant on West Water Street, and installed Mastria EV Chargers (electric vehicle) at 1255 New State Highway in Raynham. TMLP sent crews to New Hampshire to assist New Hampshire Co-op line crews in restoring power as part of the Mutual Aid program.
Phase 1 of the Cogsdale Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for in-house financials was completed and launched in 2023. Planning, configuring, and testing of the electric and internet modular systems for customer service also began. When launched, Phase 2 of the project will involve customer information, customer portal, meter readings, billing, cashiering, and Internet billing.
TMLP assisted city and town administrative offices in Taunton, Raynham, Lakeville, Berkley, Freetown and Dighton with the research, development, and proposals for Massachusetts Municipal Fiber Grants. Berkley and Freetown were awarded funds to complete their proposed projects in 2023. The Internet group will work with Transmission and Distribution and outside vendors to implement the solutions in 2024 and will continue to research and apply for state and federal grants to help with starting capital costs to help achieve a full rollout of fiber optics throughout the service area.
Customers continued to take advantage of TMLP rebates, weatherization incentives, residential and commercial energy assessments, EV rebates and incentives, and solar rebates in 2023. Nearly $364,800 in rebates, incentives, and energy assessment expenses were provided in 2023.
Staff participated in American Public Power Association (APPA)and the Northeast Public Power Association (NEPPA) training opportunities which focused on supervisory skills, public utility accounting and electric work order, and fixed asset training. Health and safety training for TMLP staff continued as did facility inspections, certifications, and spill response efforts and reporting.
Driven by the positive response to the student-created calendar to commemorate TMLP’s 125th anniversary in 2022, TMLP held its second annual calendar contest for 4th grade students in 2023. The winning entries were featured in the calendar, and the students were recognized at a Commission meeting. The Monster Detective program presentations, which encompassed the schools’ 4th grade curriculum, continued to be successful and provided the stepping stone for the artists’ creations.
TMLP continued to be an active part of the community with its participation in Taunton’s Human Services Department Grab-n-Go for the elderly; the Family Fun Day and Trunk-or-Treat with Taunton’s Parks, Cemeteries and Public Grounds Department; and the Taunton Christmas Parade. TMLP staff again generously donated to community organizations as well as other charitable endeavors supported by individuals and families. The association with the Leddy School as a business partner continued in 2023 and TMLP worked with many local organizations and activities by hanging banners in support of the organizations and the promotion of community events.
