Mass Energy Celebrates 25 years as a Non-Profit

November 15, 2007

On November 15, Mass Energy Consumers Alliance hosted a gala dinner celebration at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Downtown Boston to celebrate 25 years of making energy more affordable and environmentally sustainable for the consumers of Massachusetts.

“Mass Energy Consumers Alliance is extremely proud of all we have accomplished since our start as a small non-profit organization in 1982,” said Mass Energy Executive Director Larry Chretien.  “A lot of people have worked together to help make energy more affordable and sustainable for the consumers of Massachusetts and it was thrilling to see so many of them come together from each era of our history.”

The 25th anniversary celebration featured a cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner, awards presentations, and keynote address by Ann Berwick, Undersecretary for Energy, Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.

Undersecretary Berwick explained some of the virtues of the energy legislation recently filed by Governor Patrick and House Speaker Sal DiMasi.  She said, “The bill will unleash much greater investment in energy efficiency than ever before, all that is economically sensible.  As a result, we expect to save three or four times the amount of energy we are saving today.” Other aspects of the bill will greatly improve the climate for renewable energy investment.

During the event, Mass Energy also honored a group of individuals and organizations for their efforts in the area of affordable and sustainable energy.  Board members presented the annual awards for Public Sector Leadership, Private Sector Leadership, Advocate, and Member.

Receiving the Public Sector Leadership Award was State Representative Matthew Patrick.  In recognizing Patrick before he had to leave the dinner to return to Beacon Hill where the energy bill was being discussed, Chretien said, “Representative Patrick was given this award because of his sponsorship of progressive, pro-consumer and pro-environment energy legislation. He gave early support for Cape Win and has had a long-time commitment to making energy affordable and environmentally sustainable.” 

Other award winners included:

• Private Sector Leadership—Boston Community Capital for its work on green affordable housing.
• Advocate—Lexington's Global Warming Action Committee for addressing the climate challenge and raising funds for wind and solar projects; and Boston Medical Center for raising awareness about the impact of high energy costs on the health (particularly nutrition) of low-income children. 

Information about the event is available at www.massenergy25.org.