WILTON – The Community Power Aggregation Study Committee held two public informational hearings on Monday, Jan. 24, with about a dozen people in attendance at the later one prior to the meeting of the Select Board. The proposed plan was presented as a power point by Emily Mann of Community Power and Robert Hayden of Standard Power and Good Energy.

The committee was authorized by the Board of Selectmen in November and consisted of five residents plus Selectman Kermit Williams.

The committee recently conducted a community survey and received 185 responses, Mann said.

She explained that community power allows a group of individuals and small businesses to combine to achieve lower and more consistent power rates. The plan affects only the supply, she said, not the distribution. That remains with Eversource or another company.

Those with, or wanting, renewable energy can have it and the plan supports local programs.

Hayden said the rules for those residents who receive fuel assist have not yet been clarified by the state Public Utilities Commission. Nor has excess power produced by solar arrays. “We are waiting for PUC to complete rule-making,” he said.

“The committee has worked very fast,” Hayden said. “They developed a community plan and are now looking for local approval.”

If approved by town meeting, the plan will be submitted to the state PUC.

Several neighboring towns, including Peterborough, Keene and Hancock, have adopted the plan.

If adopted by the town, residents do not have to join, and can opt out at any time, Hayden said.

A post card will be sent to all residents. That card must be returned to opt out. Otherwise, that address is included.

Williams asked about the plan’s relationship with Eversource.

They have no problems with other sources, Hayden said. “They make their money on distribution, not supply.” The supply number can be found on the electric bill, he said.

Standard Power is interested in renewable energy, Hayden said, and is looking at the hydro plant in Pine Valley and perhaps others.

Both Community Power and Good Energy have been operating for about ten years, Hayden said.