AMHERST — Most participants in Valley Green Energy will see a price reduction in the regional group electricity buying program administered by Amherst, Pelham and Northampton, according to information disseminated by the three communities.
Starting in May, participants currently enrolled in the VGE Standard Green and VGE Basic options will automatically transition to a new, lower-priced VGE Basic price of 13.206 cents per kilowatt hour.
The change, which will be reflected in June electric bills, is designed to provide immediate financial relief on electricity bills while navigating a shifting renewable energy market. The communities are attributing the change to federal policy that has sunset certain tax credits and slowed down renewable energy projects.
The new price also will be lower than the current residential and small business electricity supply prices from Eversource and National Grid and will remain in effect through November, when the program’s current electricity supply contract ends.
The Valley Green Energy communities intend to have a new electricity supply contract in place with long-term pricing by November and will notify active program participants via mail about the new prices in the fall, prior to the new prices going into effect.
Previously, the VGE Standard Green option included a 10% voluntary purchase of regional renewable energy, which meant causing an increase in demand for more renewable energy for the local grid. But with it harder to build new renewable energy infrastructure, the extra cost associated with buying an additional 10% from renewable sources is not having this desired impact.
Participants currently enrolled in the VGE 100% Green option will see no change and will continue to receive 100% of their electricity from regional renewable sources.
The communities issued a joint statement from Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman, Pelham Select Board Chairman Bob Agoglia and Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra:
“Valley Green Energy exists to serve our communities — and that means both advancing renewable energy and keeping costs manageable for residents. Today’s announcement reflects the realities of the current renewable energy market, and our determination to pursue every available path toward a cleaner, more affordable energy future.”
Spring party and documentary premiere
Amherst Community Connections is holding a spring party and the premiere screening of a new documentary “Who We Are” Saturday at 1 p.m. at 256 North Pleasant St.
The day will showcase how student interns work one-on-one with individuals and families to prevent evictions, keep utilities on, help people find jobs and supporting those leaving homelessness for stable housing.
Hwei-Ling Greeney, who founded the organization, and its board, are celebrating the accomplishments through the event and movie screening.
Greeney also will have her famous dumplings served and there will be an opportunity to meet the 11 current interns.
Amherst Feminist Generation signs
Signs encouraging people to register to vote have been placed in grassy areas near PVTA bus stop by the Amherst Feminist Generation.
The Town Council earlier this year gave approval for these lawn signs after the organization learned that it couldn’t affix them to the bus stops.
In addition to the project with the signs, the organization is working on getting better sex education at Amherst Regional High School and planning a feminist art event for younger students.
Song & Story Swap
Acoustic Songs of the Sixties Tribute and Annual Fundraiser takes place Saturday at 7 p.m. at First Church, 165 Main St.
Performers are invited to sign up to sing up to two songs from the 1960s and should register at https://www.facebook.com/events/26156977410651565/ or send email to Paul Kaplan at paulkaplanmusic@gmail.com. Appearance slots and song choices will be
first come, first served.
Suggested donation to raise funds for the Song & Story Swap is $5 to $10.
Commencement speaker with Amherst ties
An Amherst Regional High School graduate will be the keynote speaker at Nichols College’s commencement on Saturday.
Delcie D. Bean IV, founder and CEO of Paragus IT, which has its offices in Hadley, will address graduates at the DCU Center in Worcester at 10 a.m.
Bean, who will receive an honorary doctor of Business Administration, founded the company when he was 13. In 2014, he created Tech Foundry, an educational nonprofit designed to address the need for a skilled IT workforce by providing in-depth training for individuals from marginalized or underrepresented communities.
In 2016, Bean began the process of transitioning Paragus to a 100% employee-owned company, which he completed in 2024. He is currently working to grow Paragus into a $250-million firm with offices across the country.
Bean and his wife of 15 years live in southern New Hampshire with their three
boys.
Meetings
MONDAY: Town Council, 6:30 p.m., fiscal year 2027 budget presentation.
TUESDAY: Amherst Regional School Committee, 6:30 p.m., high school library.
