Amount Requested: - $1,317,800

This funding will be used to develop and launch an innovative rate-payer owned energy cooperative that will provide stable, clean electricity and energy efficiency programs to the residents of Martha’s Vineyard.

The community based ownership and innovative financing of the cooperative will serve as a model to be replicated nationwide and will provide an innovative path towards energy independence.  The cooperative will bring together renewable energy generation and smart grid technology to eliminate up to 90 percent of Martha’s Vineyard’s carbon footprint.  The smart grid concept has received high level endorsements in recent months ---- including support from President Obama.  Martha’s Vineyard provides the ideal contained, yet highly visible laboratory to demonstrate the dramatic energy savings that can be achieved using smart metering technology.  

Taxpayers will benefit from having a smart grid development model on Martha’s Vineyard that can be replicated for communities across the country.

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