BUCKLAND — Residents can expect slightly lower energy bills, their Transfer Station stickers to cost the same in 2026, and more enforcement of parking and speeding in town.
The Selectboard voted to contract with a new supplier for its municipal power aggregation program and install new “no parking” and speed radar signs at various locations throughout town during its Tuesday meeting.
Energy rate
The Selectboard signed a 34-month contract with a new supplier, First Point Power, which will go into effect beginning January 2026. The town will be offering the same plan options at slightly lower rates:
- A standard product that meets the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Requirement (MA Req) of 69.1% at a rate of $0.12952 per kilowatt-hour.
- An optional product that meets MA Req, plus uses an additional 31% National Wind Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), at a rate of $0.13045 per kilowatt-hour.
- A second optional product that meets MA Req, plus uses an additional 50% Massachusetts Class I RECs at a rate of $0.14752 per kilowatt-hour.
Town Administrator Pam Guyette said the new standard product rate is approximately 2 cents less than the current rate. This will result in an electric bill that is $7 less on average.
She added that residents don’t need to do anything, and the new rate will go into effect automatically. It will be reflected in their bills for February. Residents can learn more about the program, opt out or choose a different plan by visiting colonialpowergroup.com/buckland or call 866-485-5858, ext. 1
Transfer Station decals
While electric bills are expected to decrease, residents can expect the price of their decals for the Buckland Transfer Station to remain at $20, with additional decals for vehicles registered to the same household costing $5 each.
Guyette said last year the town raised $7,745 in decal sales, which helped offset the Transfer Station’s operational costs of $112,221.
“Between the bags and stickers, the decals, and what we’re collecting in scrap metal and white goods, that’s about $45,000 a year,” Guyette said.
Selectboard members said they were in favor of keeping the prices for the decals the same this year to help residents’ keep costs down, but in the future, they may need to increase it to cover the station’s operation.
“Next year, maybe we’ll have to have a different conversation. If there’s definitely that much of a gap, we’ve got to try to close that gap,” Selectboard Chair Clint Phillips said. “Nothing is getting less expensive these days. So if we can try to hold off for one more year, let’s do that.”
Public safety
At the recommendation of the Public Safety Committee, the Selectboard has approved several measures aimed at improving pedestrian and motorist safety in town.
On North Street, a speed radar sign, funded by a Massachusetts Department of Transportation grant, will be installed to collect data that can be used for traffic enforcement and to remind drivers to slow down.
“I can say firsthand, it’s treacherous to cross the street because at the crest of the hill coming down north, if it’s an electric vehicle or even a regular vehicle, you’re not hearing it or seeing it,” Guyette said. “People come over that hill very quickly.”
The town also plans to extend the no-parking zone on North Street up the hill at the request of Fire Chief Herb Guyette, who told the town administrator that parked vehicles at times make it difficult for ambulances to pass through.
Parking will also be limited on Green Street to the even side of the street so the Highway Department can get vehicles through for plowing.
