Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office Awards Over $56,000 in Grant Funding for Energy Education

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

August 11, 2008

Contact:
Jill Butterworth
(617) 727-2543


BOSTON — In an effort to promote energy conservation and help consumers reduce their monthly energy bills, Attorney General Martha Coakley ’s Office has awarded $56,755 in grant funds to six municipalities and eight non-profit organizations. The grant funding is for consumer aid and educational programs designed to help consumers better navigate the energy market in Massachusetts by providing them with knowledge about energy contracts, weatherization methods, and competitive market options.

“At a time of soaring energy costs, it is imperative that the public is educated about what steps they can take now to reduce their monthly energy bills this winter,” said Attorney General Coakley. “It’s time for all of us to adapt to a greener lifestyle both for our budgets and for the improvement of our environment. The grant funding we have awarded will enable these organizations and municipalities to educate the public about how they can create a more energy efficient home that will reduce their monthly energy bills.”

Grant appropriations were determined through a detailed application and review process, which took into account a number of factors including geographic and economic diversity. Municipalities and non-profit applicants who were registered as 501(c) 3 organizations identified which population they wished to serve and also demonstrated the need for that money in that community in their applications. The funding for the grants stems from an agreement the Attorney General’s Office reached in March 2008 with a nationwide energy supplier that operates in the Commonwealth.

The following towns and non-profits that were awarded grant funding are listed below:

Town of Andover Elder Services
Auburn Council on Aging
Consumer Assistance Council of Hyannis
Climate Change Action Brookline
Community Action Agency of Somerville
Healthy Malden, Inc.
Housing Assistance Corporation of Hyannis
Eagle House Senior Center of Lunenberg
Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless of Lynn
Melrose Mass Television
Northern Berkshire Community Coalition of North Adams
Northampton Council on Aging and Senior Center
Shrewsbury Council on Aging Wenham Council on Aging

The grant money was awarded during the week of August 11, and must be utilized by November 15, 2008.