Dunstable Select Board authorizes three-year power contract to hedge against rising energy prices

DUNSTABLE — March 27, 2026 — Dunstable Select Board votes to lock in electricity supply contract early amid Middle East war price spike. The board voted unanimously March 27 to authorize the town administrator to sign a new electricity supply contract for the Dunstable Community Power Program of no longer than three years, to take effect when the current contract with Dynegy Energy Services expires in December 2026. Municipal aggregation consultant Paul warned that 12-month forward electricity prices had already risen several cents above the pre-war baseline of roughly 15 cents per kilowatt-hour and could climb further before National Grid goes to its own market in mid-June. "Providing stability for the residents is one of the most important things," Paul said, "and we may lock in a little bit higher rate, but this world's a disaster right now." Town Administrator Jason, who called the meeting to address the issue, said a three-year contract that comes in competitive with current basic service rates would represent an acceptable outcome, and bids were expected to be reviewed at noon the same day.