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CONTACT: Maggie Downey – Cape Light Compact Administrator (508) 375-6636
Lindsay Henderson – Cape Light Compact Communications (508) 744-1273
CAPE LIGHT COMPACT AND MASSACHUSETTS ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROVIDERS UNVEIL AGGRESSIVE NEW SAVINGS PLAN FOR GAS AND ELECTRIC CUSTOMERS
New three-year energy efficiency plan aims to create nearly $9 billion dollars in benefits from energy savings
November 16, 2012 – On the heels of the Commonwealth being named the most energy efficient state in the country, for the second consecutive year, Massachusetts’ energy efficiency providers are working to help the Commonwealth keep that distinction by unveiling a new three-year plan to deliver energy efficiency services that will result in nearly $9 billion dollars in economic benefits to residents and businesses across the Commonwealth. The three-year plan was unanimously approved on November 13, 2012 by the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council (EEAC), an eleven member Council established under the Green Communities Act (GCA).
This is the second three-year plan that has been developed under the GCA which calls for the state’s energy efficiency Program Administrators to develop a comprehensive statewide plan every three years that addresses energy needs by first investing in energy efficiency and demand reduction before purchasing new energy supply. The Program Administrators are made up ofMassachusettsutilities NSTAR, National Grid, Western Massachusetts Electric, Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, New England Gas, Unitil, Berkshire Gas, Blackstone Gas and the municipalaggregatorCape Light Compact.
“We’re extremely proud of the success of our first-ever three-year plan that coordinates energy efficiency offerings across the Commonwealth,” said Penni Conner, Chief Customer Officer for Northeast Utilities, parent company of NSTAR and Western Mass. Electric. “Our goals for the next three years are aggressive and will challenge us all to continue to deliver superior services to our customers.”
In developing their new plan for 2013 – 2015, Program Administrators worked closely with the Patrick Administration, the office of Attorney General Martha Coakley and the EEAC. Program Administrators also worked with a diverse group of stakeholders that included business and civic leaders, policy makers, advocates and Massachusetts residents in a highly interactive two-day summit designed to generate ideas to shape new energy efficiency programs. In addition to existing successful efforts, such as free Mass Save® home energy assessments, equipment rebates, low-income services and HEAT Loan financing programs, additional ideas generated from the sessions incorporated into the new plan include approaches targeted specifically toward economically challenged neighborhoods, the healthcare sector and office space.
One hallmark of the Program Administrators’ comprehensive plan is their commitment to continue nationally-recognized services to low-income customers. This low income delivery effort is coordinated through the state’s low-income weatherization and fuel assistance program network.
“We look forward to providing cost effective, whole house, energy efficiency services, along with the Program Administrators, to all low income homes and communities throughout Massachusetts,” said Elliott Jacobson, Vice President for Energy at Action, Inc. “The plan provides the opportunities to make energy more affordable, lower energy consumption, and decrease negative environmental impacts. We thank the Program Administrators for their support and commitment, and we thank the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) for their role in creating the collaborative process that resulted in this ambitious three year plan.”
In keeping with the GCA, the Program Administrators’ plan also calls for promoting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and stimulating job creation in the clean energy sector. With projected Program Administrator costs of approximately $2 billion and estimated savings benefits of nearly $9 billion, economic and environmental benefits to consumers will be substantial.
The Program Administrators estimate that 2,300 jobs will be created in clean energy as a result of the implementation of the energy efficiency programs for residential and business customers.
Cape Light Compact’s highlights
Cape Light Compact estimates savings of 118,078 MWh annually and 1,173,045 MWh of lifetime electric savings.
Cape Light Compact continues to make a strong commitment to energy education outreach by increasing consumer awareness through presentations, events, and marketing. The showpiece of the Compact’s award-winning energy education program and initiatives is its collaboration with the National Energy Education Development Project (“NEED”) in the development of an energy education program for elementary through secondary level teachers and students on the Cape and Vineyard.
The Compact continues to offer rebates for inefficient room air conditioners and dehumidifiers by partnering with Barnstable County’s Cape Cod Cooperative Extension Service to conduct community “turn-in” events during the popular Household Hazardous Waste Collections.
The Compact continues to offer enhanced benefits for year-round renters and customers who fall between 60-80% of median income.
In 2013, the Compact is implementing a territory-wide initiative to retrofit approximately 14,000 municipally-owned streetlights with LED lamps, with no co-pay for participating towns.
Small business tenants who qualify will receive increased incentives up to 95% for direct install measures, and for other small business customers, the Compact is offering an additional zero interest financing option directly through its primary direct install program vendor.
“The 2013-2015 Statewide Energy Efficiency Plan continues the excellent energy efficiency programs that Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard customers have experienced since 2001, and offers new opportunities for our communities through LED streetlights and new tenant initiatives for both residential and commercial customers. Our 21 member towns and 2 counties are pleased to have participated in this statewide process,” stated Bill Doherty, Cape Light Compact’s Chairman.
Having already obtained the unanimous support of the EEAC for the 2013-2015 statewide plan, the individual Program Administrators are now seeking final approval on their territory-specific plans from the Department of Public Utilities (DPU). The DPU is expected to act on these requests in January 2013.
Cape Light Compact’s plan and the statewide energy efficiency plan are available at www.capelightcompact.org/eep.
About Cape Light Compact
Cape Light Compact is an intergovernmental organization consisting of the 21 towns and 2 counties on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. The Compact’s mission is to serve our 200,000 customers through the delivery of proven energy efficiency programs, effective consumer advocacy, competitive electricity supply and green power options. For more information, visit www.capelightcompact.org or call 1-800-797-6699.