On June 22, Shrewsbury Electric & Cable Operations (SELCO) partnered with the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC) and neighboring municipal utilities to host the Central Mass Public Power Briefing: The Public Power Advantage at Ski Ward in Shrewsbury. The event brought together municipal utility leaders, local elected officials, business owners, and community partners to highlight the many benefits of the public power model.
Unlike investor-owned utilities, public power utilities like SELCO are community-owned, not-for-profit organizations. That means every decision is made with the best interests of our customers and community in mind, not shareholders. Public power delivers reliable service, competitive rates, local decision-making, and a continued commitment to building a cleaner energy future.
The briefing featured speakers from SELCO, West Boylston Municipal Light Plant, Groton Electric Light Department, Paxton Municipal Light Department, MMWEC, the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, D&S Realty, and Ski Ward, all sharing how public power supports economic development and strengthens the communities it serves.
“At a time when energy affordability is a top priority for the Commonwealth, we think it’s important to tout everything the municipal utilities do well,” says MMWEC CEO Tom Barry. “They offer low, steady rates and not-for-profit, community-minded, superior service. We believe this is the best utility model, and a key catalyst for economic development in the region.”
One of the most powerful examples came from Ski Ward itself. Because the business is located in Shrewsbury and served by SELCO, Ski Ward saves approximately $80,000 every year on electricity compared to what it would pay if it were located just over the town line in Northborough, where service is provided by an investor-owned utility. Those savings help the business reinvest in its operations, employees, and customer experience while keeping recreation affordable for local families.
The event also highlighted the broader advantages of municipal utilities across Massachusetts, including strong reliability, local accountability, stable and competitive electric rates, and continued investments in carbon-free energy resources.
As part of the Commonwealth’s public power network, SELCO is proud to work alongside MMWEC and fellow municipal utilities to advocate for policies that benefit our customers and ensure our communities continue to thrive. Public power isn’t just a different way of delivering electricity; it’s a commitment to serving our neighbors, strengthening our local economy, and investing in the future of Shrewsbury.
View the briefing on Shrewsbury Media Connection’s YouTube Channel.