New Energy Options for All.
Emerging Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)—like smart thermostats, window heat pumps, battery storage, and plug-in solar—are transforming our grid.
As the energy system evolves, we are working to ensure no one is left behind.
That's why we are launching a new initiative to bring cost-saving, resilient energy technology to all households—regardless of income or housing type.
With support from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s EmPower Program, we recently completed a research project looking at barriers and opportunities for low-income households and renters to adopt emerging DERs. Our team conducted literature and case study reviews, stakeholder interviews, and a consumer survey.
Our findings revealed a consistent trend: While interest in these technologies is extremely high, overall adoption and awareness remain low, especially among renters and low-to-moderate income households. This is due to barriers such as high upfront costs, installation barriers, and a lack of consumer education.
We are ready to move from research to action.
We are developing two bulk-purchasing and deployment programs designed to make these technologies accessible.
1. No-cost installations for low-income affordable housing residents:
Using philanthropic and government grant funding, Green Energy Consumers Alliance would secure equipment at negotiated bulk pricing and fully cover installation costs for low-income households.
2. Community Group Buy programs for the broader public:
We also plan to launch group-buy programs that allow all households – homeowners and renters - to access discounted pricing on certain DER technologies. By leveraging collective purchasing power, consumers can access technologies at significantly lower costs than they could individually. And hopefully, our product research will give you more peace of mind.