After banding with other Massachusetts communities to secure an electricity supply rate, town officials have announced that the upcoming rate will be 10 cents per kilowatt-hour.

The 36-month contract with Connecticut-based Crius Energy was the best of three bids. Residents will see a one- to two-cent saving per kWh starting in January 2018, said Town Administrator David Cressman.

The rates will be on the low side for the first couple of years, and then on the higher side for the third year, said Cressman during the April 24 Select Board meeting.

According to the town website, customers will still receive only one bill from Eversource. This rate only applies to the supply cost, which is one part of your total electric bill. The other part, distribution cost, is set by Eversource through the state Department of Public Utilities.

"Most of the people in town are now enjoying a rate based on a contract, but that contract is expiring," explained Finance Director Greg Barnes.

In January 2016, Dartmouth, along with 22 other municipalities, locked into a two-year contract with ConEdison Solutions, Inc. through the Community Electric Aggregation Program. That will expire in next January.

"With multiple communities bidding together, they get a much better rate," said Barnes.

Eligible accounts will be automatically enrolled unless they choose to opt-out during a 30 day opt-out period. There will be no early termination fees at any time for those who wish to leave the program.