South Hadley Electric and Light Department needs to join the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust! Now!
It will cost each residential ratepayer 30 cents a month, or $3.60 per year. That’s about $25,000 a year total.
It is a great example of a lot of folks — there are about 7,000 of us — getting together to do something big. Most of the other residents of Massachusetts are already in the trust. It is what we need to do to ensure our future. We have already missed out on years of benefits thanks to the former SHELD board.
What do we get for our 30 cents? There are a lot of big grants that are available for energy savings in buildings. I’m more interested in what each of us will get, money to make our homes warmer, brighter and cheaper.
Among the list are academic collaboration, accelerate mass, air source heat pumps, and many more. A complete list is available at www.masscec.com.
The new SHELD board has had months to consider the issue. I have been writing on RET for a couple years. After the April elections, the board will have three to four new members. They will need to get sworn in and brought up to speed. Then it will take time for the state to get us in the system and for us to apply for the program. The legacy of the old SHELD board will continue.
There are some who fear change. Others who will say that we should not join the trust because once in, you can not get out. It is forever. Unfortunately climate change is forever!
We will need to keep doing energy work forever. Like breathing, once started, it is best not to stop. If we do it together we can do big things. Together!
John Howard
South Hadley