Demand Response Program

The Massachusetts ENE51 Demand Response Program is a statewide contract designed to enable eligible public and non-profit entities to participate in energy load reduction initiatives. Through this vehicle, participants can temporarily reduce electricity usage during peak grid demand periods, such as hot summer days, without incurring upfront costs. The contract covers enrollment and management of facility participation in multiple demand response programs, including ISO New England Demand Response, utility load curtailment, and Clean Peak programs. Eligible entities encompass cities, towns, districts, counties, government branches, public authorities, libraries, school districts, public hospitals, higher education institutions, and non-profit organizations conducting business with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The contract is administered by the Massachusetts Operational Services Division (OSD) and features CPower as the sole vendor, with a contract period from October 1, 2020, to September 30, 2025, and a potential maximum end date of September 30, 2027. The vehicle operates on a revenue-sharing model, where CPower receives a percentage of ISO-NE payments and maintains a 1.25% Supplier Diversity Program commitment. The contract also includes provisions for generator upgrades and retrofitting existing emergency generators throughout Massachusetts, providing additional value to participating entities by facilitating energy management and potential cost savings through strategic load reduction.