HALIFAX - February 10, 2026 - The Halifax Board of Selectmen voted 2-1 on Tuesday night to approve an amendment to the town’s municipal aggregation agreement, resulting in an immediate electricity rate increase for local households. The hike, necessitated by a $166,000 cost overrun caused by extreme winter weather and ISO New England “design flaws,” will add approximately $7 to the average monthly bill. Despite vocal frustration from board members regarding a “broken equation,” the majority ruled that the town was contractually obligated to pay back the deficit to ensure the program remains viable and below standard utility rates.
The Full Story
The primary focus of the meeting was a presentation by Mark Cappadona of Colonial Power Group, the town’s energy Municipal Aggregation Manager[08:53]. Mark informed the board that the municipal aggregation plan had outstripped its projected costs by roughly $166,000 due to unprecedented energy demand during a late January blizzard [09:09]. According to Colonial Power, ISO New England’s “day-ahead ancillary services” charges spiked so dramatically during the storm that they exceeded the projected costs for the entirety of 2025 and 2026 combined [10:48].
The board was asked to authorize Town Administrator Steven Solbo to sign a contract amendment increasing the rate by 0.011 cents [21:16]. Mark explained that while the new rate of $0.15285 per kilowatt-hour is a significant jump, it remains slightly below the National Grid basic service rate of $0.15372 [11:49]. He warned that basic service rates are expected to “explode” in August, potentially reaching 17 or 18 cents, making the aggregation program a necessary shield for residents despite the current hike [12:08].
Selectman Tom Pratt expressed sharp criticism of the situation, questioning why residents should bear the burden of a “broken equation” and incorrect projections from ISO New England [24:20]. He noted the irony of the Governor offering a 25% reduction on bills while regional energy coordinators were “woefully short” on their estimates [30:16]. Despite his opposition, the board ultimately moved forward with the vote to avoid potential litigation and to begin paying down the deficit during the lower-usage spring months [32:41].
“We’re being asked here tonight to vote or rule on a broken equation but trust that it’s been fixed. That’s where we are.” [24:20] — Selectman Tom Pratt
In addition to the rate hike, the board approved an agreement for a low-income community solar program [31:34]. This initiative will allow qualifying residents to receive an automatic discount of approximately two to two and a half cents off their rate for the next 20 years, with no cost or commitment required from the town [25:06].
The meeting also touched on public safety and community improvements. Fire Chief Michael Witham presented a new Advanced Life Support (ALS) agreement with Beth Israel (BI) Plymouth [01:45]. The agreement, which comes at no cost to the town, allows Halifax paramedics to work under the license of BI Plymouth doctors and gain access to their pharmacy for medications [02:44]. The Chief clarified that while the medical control is based at BI Plymouth, paramedics retain the autonomy to transport patients to other facilities like South Shore Hospital or Brockton Hospital based on patient choice or medical necessity [05:32].
Veterans Service Agent Steve Littlefield appeared to request approval for Phase 1 of a Memorial Garden project on the Town Green [37:16]. The project, funded entirely by the VFW, involves landscaping, planting perennials, and adding mulch to “spruce up” the existing memorial area before Memorial Day [38:23]. The board unanimously supported the plan, noting it would involve no cost to the town for installation or maintenance [40:54].
Finally, the board officially opened the warrants for the 2026 Annual and Special Town Meetings [46:05]. The warrants will remain open until March 10, 2026, allowing residents and town departments to submit articles and petitions for consideration [46:32].
Why It Matters
The decision to increase electricity rates directly impacts the monthly budget of every household enrolled in the town’s aggregation program. While the $7 monthly increase is intended to stabilize the program and prevent a larger deficit, it highlights the vulnerability of municipal energy contracts to regional market volatility. Conversely, the approval of the ALS agreement ensures continued high-quality emergency medical services without additional taxpayer funding, and the Memorial Garden project represents a community-led effort to enhance public spaces at zero municipal cost.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To authorize the Town Administrator to sign the municipal aggregation amendment with First Point Power and the MOU for the low-income solar program. [31:25]
Vote: 2-1 (Pratt Opposed) ([36:34])
Motion: To approve an ALS agreement with BI Plymouth as presented. [07:25]
Vote: 3-0 ([07:34])
Motion: To approve Phase 1 of the Veterans Memorial Garden project on the Town Green. [40:44]
Vote: 3-0 ([40:54])
Motion: To open the warrants for the 2026 Annual and Special Town Meetings from February 10 to March 10. [46:58]
Vote: 3-0 ([47:08])
Motion: To sign Amendment 4 with Thorndike Development regarding the pickleball court conveyance date change to April 1, 2026. [49:15]
Vote: 3-0 ([49:37])
Public Comment
Resident Chris Winiewicz of Circuit Street inquired about the long-term maintenance of the new pickleball courts once they are conveyed to the town [49:46]. He expressed concern regarding potential damage from ongoing construction by the developer and requested that the town ensure the courts are inspected by engineers before final acceptance [50:22].
What’s Next
Budget Finalization: Town Administrator Steven Solbo will meet with financial staff on February 11 to finalize the budget spreadsheet and identify the exact deficit heading into next year [54:47].
Conservation Agent Interviews: Final rounds of interviews for a new Conservation Agent are scheduled for the coming week in coordination with the Town of Bridgewater [56:01].
Warrant Closing: The Town Meeting warrants will officially close on March 10, 2026 [46:32].
Pickleball Inspection: Town officials, including the Building Commissioner, will conduct a site walk-through of the new courts prior to the April 1 conveyance deadline [50:38].
Source Video: Area58_Halifax