 Join a hybrid event: In person at First Parish Concord - 20 Lexington Rd in CONCORD or online
Saturday, January 20th, 2024 2pm - 3:30pm RSVP Here. Facebook Event here. Join the MA Environmental Justice Legislative Table to discuss the elephant in the room- how do we build the renewable distributed electric grid we need fast, while not repeating the mistakes of the past? Learn more about our vision for infrastructure, energy democracy, and centering frontline communities in the process- as well as the current policy proposal from the EJ Table to greenlight good projects fast and nip bad projects in the bud. The MA Environmental Justice Legislative Table members include GreenRoots, Alternatives for Community & Environment, Coalition for Social Justice, Arise for Social Justice, Groundwork Lawrence, and the North American Indian Center of Boston with allied support from Conservation Law Foundation, Union of Concerned Scientists, Massachusetts Public Health Association, Unitarian Universalist Mass Action, Clean Water Action, MA Climate Action Network, and Environmental League of MA. Sustainable Wellesley is a co-sponsor of this event. Get Off Of Gas To Improve Your Home & Your Health - Mass Climate Action Network Speaks 11/198/29/2021
 Did you know that 56% of emissions in Wellesley come from our buildings, and more than 50% of those building emissions come from our homes?
How can we change that? Get inspired by Sarah Dooling, Executive Director of the Mass Climate Action Network, at her "Better Buildings, Healthy Communities" presentation on November 19th at 7pm. Register here. There are many opportunities for Wellesley residents to moving off of gas and move towards electrification which has numerous benefits including:
Let us know how you have, or plan to transform your building from a polluter to a healthy and environmental protector. The best way to do that is switch out fossil fuel heating sources. Thus if you, neighbor, friend, work colleague or family member is considering replacing/buying a heater, have them come to this event and/or call the Wellesley's Municipal Light Plant to learn about their Clean Comfort air source heat pump and other incentives initaitves.  The Wellesley Municipal Light Plant (WMLP) is introducing the new Wellesley Electric Customers Accelerated Reduction of Emissions (“WECARE”) program. This voluntary renewable energy program makes it easy and affordable to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, increase energy stability, and preserve the planet.
In 2020, Wellesley Town Meeting members adopted a resolution addressing the serious impact of climate change and pledged to support efforts by the WMLP to expand customer participation in the renewable energy program by changing the current opt-in enrollment to an opt-out program. Fees collected from the WECARE program will fund local renewable energy projects chosen by the WMLP for their impact on greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reduction in our community. The WECARE program will add 4% to monthly electric bills for all residential and commercial accounts. For the average customer using 750 kWh, this will add $4.60 to the monthly cost. Even with this increase, WMLP customers will enjoy having their electric bills 46% lower than neighboring Massachusetts customers served by an Investor-Owned Utility. This additional money will be used by the WMLP to purchase renewable electricity, and may also fund local projects such as:
“WECARE is an exciting new program dedicated to reducing the climate impact of the energy we use in Wellesley. Through an additional optional charge on Wellesley electric bills, we will generate funds dedicated to the continued improvement of Wellesley's environmental footprint. I'm thrilled about the opportunities this program will create for Wellesley to make energy related investments with meaningful impact. The product of analysis and advocacy, forged through the input of many residents and elected representatives, WECARE will invest in a cleaner and greener future. We hope all residents will participate in this program,” said Jeff Wechsler, Chair of the Wellesley Municipal Light Board. Beginning on July 1, 2021 all WMLP customers will be automatically enrolled in WECARE unless they choose not to participate by “opting out” of this program. No action is required by residents who support the Town’s decision to accelerate GHG reduction. Residents who do not wish to participate can opt-out using one of two methods:
In addition to benefitting the environment, the program will also boost New England’s economy by using local sources of renewable power, and help accelerate financial support for the Town's emission reduction goals. For more information, visit the Wellesley Municipal Light Plant webpages. |
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