The county has been involved in proceedings at the state level for the past year, and is the primary partner in a national study examining local franchise options. Scott Ridley, a utility analyst and consultant for the County, said the community franchise would give consumers choice of a range of services. He said the County is currently putting together a market test for several of the towns. Initial discussions with power suppliers have been very positive. Based on the features of the pilot and the market test, the towns and their residents will have a good opportunity to decide what to do.
Communities can also determine what they want for 'green power' or clean energy sources.
There are a lot of environmental and economic advantages that have a long term impact. O'Leary said the County would work to have the community franchise pilot together at the end of the year.