Currently, most light department business is conducted in open session. Josie believes that requirement weakens Shrewsbury's position to compete on the open market. Josie states that he does not see deregulation as a national phenomenon, similar to the long distance telephone rates, but acknowledges it is here to stay in New England. Nonetheless, the magnitude of the change to this industry means the Shrewsbury company has a big job ahead to restructure itself to compete on the open market. The commissioners have said they will consider adding services to those offered now, in an effort to make the company competitive.
Possible options are long distance service and high-speed internet access.
The town could sell the utility, according to Josie, with two votes of town meeting. To his knowledge, none of the other 39 towns with municipal electric companies is considering selling its plant. Josie points out that SELP has funded several town projects over the years. The report cities several key industries driving the space demand in suburbs such as Shrewsbury. Businesses from throughout the country are recognizing Central Massachusetts, Shrewsbury in particular, for its pool of educated labor and proximity to research institutions and medical centers.