The energy system is changing. Emerging Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)—like smart thermostats, window heat pumps, battery storage, and plug-in solar—can all help households lower energy bills, improve resilience, and support a cleaner, more affordable electric grid.

As the energy system evolves, we are working to ensure that no one is left behind. That's why we are launching a new initiative to bring cost-saving, resilient energy technology to all households—regardless of income or housing type.

Through support from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center's EmPower Program, we researched these emerging energy technologies, including the barriers preventing low-income households and renters from adopting these tools.

Our findings revealed a consistent trend: While interest in these technologies is extremely high, overall adoption and awareness remain low, especially among renters and low-to-moderate income households. This is due to barriers such as high upfront costs, limited awareness, and a lack of accessible information.

Now, we are ready to move from research to action.

Launching the New Home Energy Options for All Initiative

This June, we are launching a new initiative designed to bring emerging clean energy technologies to the households that need them most. Our goal is simple: Make cost-saving, resilient energy technology accessible to all households, regardless of income level or housing type.

To accomplish that, we are focusing on two key strategies.

1. No-Cost Installations for Low-Income Affordable Housing

2. Group Buy Programs

We are building partnerships and pursuing grants, donations, and other funding opportunities to provide distributed energy technologies at no cost to affordable housing tenants.

We are also developing group-buy programs that will leverage bulk purchasing power to lower costs for everyone. By negotiating discounted pricing directly with distributors and installers, we aim to make technologies available at significantly lower costs than households could obtain on their own. We have a solid history of helping consumers save money through programs like this, and we are excited to bring that model to new clean energy technologies.

Building A More Equitable Energy Future

The benefits of distributed energy resources extend beyond individual households.

When more people can adopt technologies that reduce or shift electricity demand, the entire electric grid becomes more efficient and resilient. This benefits everyone by reducing the need to call on our most expensive and polluting power plants, thereby reducing energy costs and air pollution.

But realizing that an equitable energy future requires ensuring that low-income households, renters, and historically underserved communities are not left behind.

Help Us Get Started

A generous donor has provided a $15,000 challenge grant, meaning every contribution made throughout June will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to that amount.

These funds will help support the critical early-stage work needed to launch this initiative, including site assessments, partnership development, bulk-pricing negotiations, and efforts to secure larger implementation grants from state agencies and philanthropic partners.

Together, we can help ensure that the next generation of clean energy technology is available to everyone.

By donating in June, you aren't just giving a gift—you are helping us unlock $15,000 in matching funds and laying the foundation for a more resilient, affordable grid for everyone.

Thank you for helping us turn our research into real-world change.