As a non-profit committed to making energy more affordable and environmentally sustainable, we’re positive that energy efficiency is a home run. That’s why we are using Earth Day 2014 to get the word out about how our members are saving energy—and how you can too!
Rhode Island was one of the first states in the country to establish a renewable energy standard, a requirement for electricity suppliers to include an increasing percentage of power from sources such as local wind turbines and solar. The standard has worked well, changing the mix that Rhode Islanders get, whether they purchase from National Grid or through a competitive supplier. The standard is scheduled to increase by 1 or 1.5% per year. However, we were disappointed in December to learn that the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), appointees of Governor Chafee, voted 2–1 to delay a scheduled increase in the state’s requirement. What it means, very simply, is less renewable energy purchased by Rhode Islanders. And that means less green power on the New England grid because generators cannot get financing to build projects unless there is sufficient demand.
If you haven’t heard about Mothers Out Front (MOF), it was only a matter of time. Mothers Out Front is a local non-profit organization gathering hundreds of parents in numerous communities to confront climate change. Motivated by the love of their children, grandchildren, and their commitment to protect them, MOF is working hard to convey the dangers climate change poses for future generations and the necessity of switching to clean energy.
If you work for a non-profit organization in Massachusetts, this survey can help. Do you think your organization is losing valuable dollars to leaky buildings or old heating systems? Are chilly offices making your staff and clients uncomfortable? There may be help on the way. At Mass Energy, we are working to help non-profits with energy management.
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) released the 2013 City Energy Efficiency Scorecard, a report that ranks 34 of the most populous U.S. cities on policies to advance energy efficiency. Boston took top honors doing the most to save energy! Other top-scoring cities include Portland, Oregon, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle and Austin.
On March 2nd, Toxics Action Center’s Local Environmental Action Conference 2014 attracted a diverse group of environmental activists and sustainability professionals.
Over the weekend, we saw how political turmoil in Ukraine was followed by Russian military action. Today, we are seeing one result – sharply rising prices on the spot market for natural gas and oil. Heating oil has increased over 6 cents. Markets are responding as thousands of Russian troops solidified control over Crimea in the Ukraine. The U.S. warned Sunday that Moscow could face economic penalties unless it retreats.
At greenercars.org, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) released its 17th annual comprehensive environmental ratings for vehicles. Choosing “green” cars is one of the most important of many steps that an individual can take to reduce climate change and our dependence upon foreign oil. About 33% of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions come from the burning of gasoline in internal-combustion engines of cars and light trucks.
Today, we are excited to launch our blog. Mass Energy (MA) and People's Power & Light (RI) are sister organizations dedicated to making energy more affordable and environmentally sustainable. We have three energy programs for consumers: heating oil, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. We will use this space to post top energy news, local event information, and other media related to our program areas. Check back often to stay up to date on the energy industry in New England. Mass Energy and People's Power & Light’s blog will be one of many ways that we empower Massachusetts and Rhode Island energy consumers to make educated energy choices.
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