Co-op Power (Energy Cooperative)

Co-op Power is a consumer-owned renewable energy cooperative. We operate within a regional network of autonomous Local Organizing Councils to create a multi-class, multi-racial movement for a sustainable and just energy future.

Co-op Power's current Local Organizing Councils include Co-op Power Metro East (Greater Boston),Co-op Power Franklin County, Co-op Power Hampshire County, Co-op Power Hampden County, andCo-op Power of Southern Vermont. Co-op Power is owned by over 420 members in New England and New York.

Membership is open to all and entitles you to discounts on products and services inside of our network. In addition, membership equity supports the development of community-scale clean energy projects and to build Co-op Power.

Co-op Power has created an innovative structure. We enable communities to create community-owned businesses and jobs. In addition to member equity, members can invest in the growth and development of businesses and projects that they would like to make reality.

All Community Scale business developments are created, decided upon, and supported by members in aLocal Organizing Council.

We have built a team of engineers, financial experts, green building specialists, community economic developers, lawyers and business planners who can help Local Organizing Councils research, design, capitalize, and launch their community owned sustainable energy businesses. Communities can access these resources on a consulting basis or they can join Co-op Power and participate in all our member programs.

We have engaged in community outreach, education, and dialogue since 2002 to build consensus about how to best support our transition to a sustainable and just energy future. As a result, we have raised more than $320,000 in Member Equity, $840,000 in member loans, and $850,000 in local investment to support the development of community-scale clean energy projects and to build Co-op Power.

Our members have worked together to support the development of Energia in Holyoke (a multi-family/commercial/residential energy efficiency business),

Northeast Biodiesel in Greenfield (a 3.5 million gallon/year recycled vegetable oil

biodiesel processing plant), A Community Solar Project in Brattleboro VT, five solar installation businesses, two green electrician businesses, and a window restoration/thermal window insert fabrication business in Westfield, along with building out our own energy efficiency and solar products and services. These businesses have created more than 100 jobs over the last five years.

Co-op Power launched our community solar program with community net metering in 2012 with the Brattleboro Food Co-op Community Solar array. We have installed over 50 solar hot water systems and another 25 renewable energy systems generating more than 100 kilowatts of electricity.