Solar+Storage+Electrification: A Clean Energy Equity Model For Massachusetts

A Massachusetts pilot program provides a replicable and scalable model for bringing renewable energy, battery storage, and electrification to low-income households. The Cape and Vineyard Electrification Offering (CVEO) is run by the Cape Light Compact, an energy services provider serving 210,000 customers in 21 towns on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. The CVEO pilot is profiled in this case study by Clean Energy Group.

The CVEO pilot program offers whole-house electrification and backup power to up to 100 low- and moderate-income households currently reliant on oil, propane, or electric resistance heating. Participants receive incentives and financing options to replace their fossil-fuel appliances with clean energy technologies such as solar, energy storage, heat pumps, and electric or induction stoves. Low-income households will receive battery storage systems free of charge, and median-income households may be eligible for zero-interest financing. CVEO participants will retain ownership of all installed technologies, empowering them with direct control over their energy resources. 

Households receiving batteries will participate in Massachusetts’ ConnectedSolutions program, an innovative “virtual power plant” demand response program. In exchange for battery storage system funding, participants allow their electric utility to draw on the energy stored in their grid-connected behind-the-meter batteries at times of peak electric demand.  

By reducing overall energy usage, replacing fossil-fuel appliances with clean alternatives, and lowering peak demand costs, the CVEO program will lower energy costs not only for program participants, but for ratepayers across the state. Policymakers and energy efficiency program administrators can look to the CVEO as a model for integrated, sustainable and inclusive distributed clean energy programs, that can help ensure that underserved communities share in the transition to a clean energy future.