What is Local Energy Advocates of Western MA and its mission?

Local Energy Advocates of Western MA (LEA)  was created to provide a place to generate ideas and facilitate plans to reduce greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions, as much and as quickly as possible, from the electricity, transportation, public infrastructure, and building sectors in Western Massachusetts, to increase the resiliency of our local energy systems and to promote environmental justice. Part of our mission is to support the work of the upcoming Joint Inter-Municipal Community Choice Aggregation (CCA).

LEA intends to raise funds and engage in partnerships in order to accomplish our goals.

See the Who We Are page for more information.

Part of LEA’s mission is to support the work of the upcoming Joint Inter-Municipal CCA. What is the timeline for its launch?

Amherst, Northampton, and Pelham have explored the possibility of forming a joint Inter-Municipal Community Choice Aggregation entity tailored to meet the specific environmental, economic, and social goals of our communities and decided to move forward with both a CCA and Joint Powers Entity.

Meanwhile, the town legislatures have each authorized the development of a CCA 3.0 plan and Joint Powers Entity.

After the aggregation plan is completed by the consultant, Peregrine Energy Group, in the Winter/Spring of 2022, it will be submitted for state Department of Public Utilities approval.  The Aggregation Plan outlines how the CCA will function, how it will set rates, how it will procure electricity, and how it will carry out all other functions required under DPU regulations.

Finally, the Joint Inter-Municipal CCA would begin operations by buying competitive power supply and phasing in energy efficiency and local renewable power programs.

How can I find out more about CCAs and how they work?

See the CCA links on the Resources page.

How will LEA projects relate to towns’ and cities’ sustainability plans or plans to become carbon neutral?

LEA Board Members are familiar with the climate action plans of Northampton, Amherst and Pelham and will be working to help facilitate those plans.

How can I become a member of LEA?

Membership in LEA is open to anyone committed to finding ways to reduce our GHG emissions and increase our energy resiliency in Western Mass.  Individuals requesting membership in LEA will be added to a group email list to keep them abreast of organization activities and related news and opportunities, and to invite them to general meetings.

The LEA general membership meets on alternate months on the third Tuesday. Contact us at info @localenergyadvocates.org to get on our mailing list.

How can I donate to a particular project?

LEA is soliciting donations from supporters to help us launch local energy projects!  

See our What’s New page for a listing of current projects.

To make a tax-deductible donation to LEA local energy projects via the Community Foundation of Western MA, click on the donate button above and note the project you would like to support.

Can I make a non-cash gift to LEA?

Yes. If you wish to donate a non-cash gift (such as securities, IRAs, other retirement accounts, etc) please contact Keith McKittrick at kmckittrick@communityfoundation.org or at 413-417-6384. See more about the benefits of making a non-cash gift and the types accepted here.

What if the project receives more funds than is needed for that project? Where will my donation go?

Funds raised in excess of what is needed for the heat-pump water heater demonstration project will be reserved for future projects devoted to reducing GHG emissions in our communities.