November 2024
Member Spotlight
Throughout 2024, SECC will recognize one member every month, providing an organizational profile and highlighting the member's accomplishments in the smart energy space.
About SELCO
Established in 1908, Shrewsbury Electric and Cable Operations (SELCO) is a municipal utility providing electric, internet and cable services to the Town of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. With a customer-first approach, SELCO is committed to sustainability and modernizing its infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of its customers.
Smart Grid and Advanced Metering Infrastructure
SELCO has made significant strides in modernizing its electric grid by integrating advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and smart grid technology. These innovations allow for two-way communication between the utility and its customers, improving service reliability, outage management and overall grid efficiency. Customers benefit from real-time data on their energy usage, empowering them to make informed decisions about consumption and cost-saving strategies. By leveraging AMI, SELCO can detect and resolve issues more quickly, minimizing disruptions and improving customer satisfaction.
Electric Vehicle Initiatives
As part of its commitment to sustainability, SELCO has launched several initiatives aimed at supporting electric vehicle (EV) adoption. The utility offers rebates for residential and commercial EV charging stations, helping to reduce the upfront costs of transitioning to electric vehicles, and provides a monthly incentive to residential Connected Homes participants to shift their EV charging outside of peak events. Additionally, SELCO is expanding its public EV charging infrastructure to make charging more accessible throughout Shrewsbury.
Electrification and Energy Efficiency Programs
The utility offers a variety of rebates and incentives for energy-efficient appliances, lighting and heating and cooling systems. SELCO’s energy programs are designed to help customers decarbonize by switching from fossil fuels to electric technology, lower energy consumption and save money. Customers can receive free home energy audits that offer personalized recommendations to improve energy efficiency and explore electrification options. They are also encouraged to participate in SELCO’s weatherization and insulation programs.
Renewable Energy and Solar Initiatives
In response to the growing demand for clean energy, SELCO has developed various programs to promote renewable energy adoption. The utility offers net metering for customers with solar panels, enabling them to offset their electricity bills and feed excess power back into the grid.
Through SELCO’s Green Light Program, customers can opt for a greater share of renewable energy for a small additional monthly charge, which SELCO uses to purchase extra power from Berkshire Wind. SELCO also operates a 3 MW solar system on a capped landfill in Shrewsbury, providing enough renewable energy to power 10,000 homes annually.
In addition, SELCO is building a new solar system at the town’s new Police Station and plans to install more solar on public buildings in the future. A community solar program is also in the works, allowing customers who are unable to install solar panels at home to invest in and benefit from solar energy. SELCO is on track to achieve its goal of a 100-percent carbon-free power supply by 2032.
Demand Response Programs
To further engage customers and promote energy conservation, SELCO has introduced the Connected Homes Program. This program encourages customers to reduce or shift their energy usage during peak demand periods, helping to maintain grid stability. By participating in demand response programs, customers receive financial incentives and can contribute to a more resilient and efficient energy system. SELCO integrates these programs with smart home technologies, including EV chargers, water heaters, heat pumps and battery storage, to automate responses, making participation seamless and convenient.
Community-Centric Approach
SELCO is a municipally owned utility dedicated to the Shrewsbury community, reinvesting profits into local services and infrastructure. Its commitment extends beyond traditional energy services, focusing on customer engagement through educational resources, community programs and events. With a customer-centric and innovative approach, SELCO is shaping a more sustainable and resilient future while striving to be THE role model utility.
