Winter 2023/24 Newsletter
APRIL 2024
VINEYARD POWER WINTER NEWSLETTER
Dear Reader,
The Winter hibernation is almost over and Spring is right around the corner! What better time to act on your energy transition journey than at the cusp of longer, brighter days?
Vineyard Power has been working to advance our Island's Energy Transition this Winter. From signing people up for energy efficiency programs, creating an educational program for our island kids, coaching people through their energy transition journeys, and more, we've got a lot of updates to share with our community!
Updates
Energy Transition Program:
This program is an effort to educate, coach, and support residents, businesses, and the building trades in a transition towards an environmentally just, 100% renewable energy and fossil fuel-free economy.
Since the end of 2023, we have:
Supported nearly 500 island residents and businesses in signing up for no-cost Home/Business Energy Assessments - the first step in reducing your energy bill and your building's carbon footprint.
Expanded our no-cost energy coaching sessions to include income-eligible ratepayer assistance programs coaching.
Presented at Ms. Nell Coogan's Junior Career Pathways class about opportunities in offshore wind, energy efficiency, and the energy transition to renewables.
Donated $190,000 through direct benefit checks sent to approximately 425 low-income island households enrolled in the Cape Light Compact's power supply.
Collaborated with Island teachers and Imagine Corps to develop a program that teaches youth about innovation in renewable energy and the energy transition.
Hired a Junior at MV Regional High School as an Energy Transition Intern and began recruiting for Spring & Summer interns.
Spotlight:
Climate Action Plan Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah)
At the end of 2023, Vineyard Power was selected by the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) to develop a Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) and Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (PCAP) for the Tribe. This is part of the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Vineyard Power is thrilled to have been selected by the Wampanoag Tribe to collaborate with them on this initiative!
This grant supports the development of actionable plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across six key sectors: electricity generation, industry, transportation, buildings, agriculture/natural and working lands, and waste management. Upon the completion of the PCAP, the Tribe can apply for an EPA implementation grant to begin reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. These adaptation and mitigation strategies are being put to action now!
Income Eligible Ratepayer Assistance Coaching
Equity and justice are critical components of our Energy Transition Program. We believe that no one should be left behind in the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables.
Vineyard Power recently launched a no-cost coaching service meant to support individuals in signing up for ratepayer assistance programs, such as Fuel Assistance, the Eversource Discount Rate, community solar programs, and the Cape Light Compact power supply. To qualify, households must be considered 'Income Eligible,' (i.e.make below 60% of the State Median Income). Together, these programs can help reduce individuals' electric bills by over 90%!
See if you qualify here, and sign up for this coaching service here.
Oak Bluffs: Community Based Energy Efficiency Offer
At the end of February, the Vineyard Power team joined Maggie Downey and Stephen McCloskey from the Cape Light Compact attended the Oak Bluffs Select Board Meeting to announce the selection of Oak Bluffs for the MA Community Based Offer program.
This offering provides renters and moderate-income households enhanced energy efficiency rebates and incentives. Oak Bluffs was selected as an eligible municipality because of the following criteria:
28% of occupied units are renters
40% of residents are low- and moderate-income
Homes are heated with oil, propane, or electric resistance
Oak Bluffs is a Community First Partner with Vineyard Power and Cape Light Compact
Residents of Oak Bluffs have historically low participation rates in energy efficiency programs
Any household making under 80% of the State or Area Median Income (SMI/AMI), as well as renters, can participate. These households will receive a no-cost Home Energy Assessment, 100% coverage for all recommended weatherization measures, 100% coverage for weatherization and electrification barriers, and 100% coverage for installation of a whole home heat pump replacing a fossil fuel system.
In short, participating renters & low- and moderate-income households will receive all necessary energy efficiency upgrades at no cost to them.
Learn more about the program here: https://www.masssave.com/community-first/vineyard!
What we’re keeping an eye on…
-
Boston (Mass.gov) - Since February, Vineyard Wind, an offshore wind project off our island's coast, has been producing power. Governor Maura Healey stated, "Across Massachusetts, in 30,000 homes and businesses, when you turn on the light, you will now be using clean, affordable energy. This will make the air we breathe safer and healthier, save customers money, and bring us one step closer to achieving net-zero emissions."
-
Martha's Vineyard (MVTimes.com) - The Interfaith Climate Action Team is a community passionate about addressing climate change on our island and in their congregations. As described in the article, "most everyone in the group talked about real changes they’ve brought to both their congregations and into their own lives."
Join the Interfaith Climate Action Team on April 5-7 at their “One Home, One Future: From Prayer to Action, Taking Heart in the Climate Crisis" event.
-
Nantucket (BostonGlobe.com) - On our neighboring island of Nantucket, where the average home value is $4.43 million, a beachfront property sold for just $600,000. Powerful storms, flooding, and coastal erosion are a few factors that are impacting the longevity, safety, and price of homes. "Real estate agents and climate experts said the stunning price drop illustrates how much climate change has affected the housing market in coastal communities."
Vineyard Power is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization capable of receiving charitable donations. We rely on support from folks like you to advance renewable energy, energy efficiency, and equity in our island community. Please consider giving today!
Sincerely,
The Vineyard Power Team