Vineyard Power is a community-owned energy cooperative.  We are made up of a growing list of residents (seasonal and year-round) and businesses.  Together, our goal is to power our Island from renewable sources.  By owning, generating and consuming this renewable energy, the cooperative will stabilize and minimize its members' electrical costs while reducing our overall carbon foorprint.

Background

Vineyard Power was developed by the Vineyard Energy Project to help the Island achieve the energy goals of the Martha's Vineyard Island Plan. This master plan was formed and developed by thousands of Vineyarders and seeks a sustainable future for Martha's Vineyard that maintains our island's character while ensuring a healthy local economy.

Members

A lifetime ownership stake in Vineyard Power presently costs $150. This is a one-time payment.  The joining fee will increase quarterly until 2016, when it will be $950.

The economic benefits of cooperative membership begin with stabilized electricity prices by 2016 and then lower prices after the initial financing period. To learn more about membership in Vineyard Power, visit the Join section of our website.

Energy

Given the state of current technology, studies have shown that wind power is the most promising and abundant renewable energy resource on and around Martha's Vineyard. Private wind power developers have also realized this potential: the waters surrounding Martha's Vineyard have become the subject of many developement interests.

Vineyard Power is a way for Vineyarders to take ownership for our Island and our surroundings, and to ensure that the generation of wind energy off our shores directly benefits our community. Local control will also ensure that location of offshore turbines must be appropriate for our Island's landscape and cultural values.

How and where Vineyard Power generates energy will be determined directly by its member-owners.