BOCA Green Electric Co-Op Is Up and Running

The following is based upon articles in the newsletter of the Boston Oil Consumers Alliance (BOCA) and information on its Web site: http://www.massenergy.com. BOCA is a nonprofit consumer energy organization serving eastern and Central Massachusetts since 1982. It negotiates lower oil prices for its 6,000 members, many of whom are low income. Members typically pay 10 to 25 cents less per gallon than average retail prices, saving $100 to $250 each heating season.

As of May 1999, BOCA's Green Electric Co-op, the nation's first green electricity cooperative, had 135 members buying enough clean electricity to power 52 homes almost pollution free. The green power purchased by BOCA on behalf of its members is called "ReGen." It is a renewable energy product generated from landfill gas and solar panels. BOCA expects to add wind power from Brodie Mountain in Western Massachusetts.

BOCA members are paying an extra $72 for 2000 kWh of electricity, about $6 per month or 3.6 cents per kWh. An average household uses 6000 kWh each year for lights and appliances.

Green power currently costs more than standard power because much of the technology is costly to manufacture and starting up is expensive. Costs are dropping, however, especially for wind power, which is the fastest growing form of renewable energy in the U.S. and the world.

BOCA created the cooperative in part to ensure that residential consumers benefit from Massachusetts' 1997 electric restructuring legislation. "Unless we demand green electricity from new renewable energy sources, the environment and our public health are expected to suffer more under deregulation.," BOCA's Web site states.

In addition to the green cooperative, BOCA is developing these renewables-related services:

1) Community Renewables Program --a member-supported program to install renewable energy systems on area homes and businesses rather than purchase renewable electricity from a power corporation, and

2) Consumer Education & Assistance --reliable, up-to-date information and advice for members concerning utility deregulation, power marketing companies, green power companies, and standard power companies.

For more information, visit BOCA's Web site or phone (617) 524-3950.

Page Last Updated: September 24, 2009