Evaluating Equity: Boston 23Q3 Task Force Creates Equity Matrix and Submits Recommendation Letter to Grid Modernization Advisory Council
Author: Mariana Chissell, AEG Junior Fellow, Advanced Energy Group
On February 8th, 2024, the AEG Boston 23Q3 Grid Modernization Task Force delivered on their commitment to create an equity matrix designed to assess the extent to which utilities incorporated equity and health-based decisions in their Electric System Modernization Plans.
The Task Force worked to resolve the selected obstacle, “building trust & understanding with customers & communities with health-based decision making to enable meaningful collaboration to deliver an electrification-based energy transition, equitably and affordably.”
Above: AEG Boston Task Force pledging to a 12-month and 90-day goal that supports equitable and affordable grid modernization using health-based decisions.
The creation of this matrix marks significant progress for the Task Force and introduces a set of criteria on which to judge an Electric System Modernization Plan (ESMP), which is a strategic document developed by utility companies to outline their approach to modernizing the electric grid. The matrix evaluates a given ESMP for its impact on communication, community engagement, economic benefits, and health benefits. This includes gauging the use of plain language, understandable maps, and ensuring community input, addressing wealth and environmental justice disparities, and providing measurable health benefits.
Above: Screenshot from Equity Matrix. See the entire matrix here.
These criteria are crucial for ensuring that grid modernization efforts are inclusive, equitable, and beneficial to all communities, particularly those historically marginalized. Jonathan Buonocore, Task Force member and Assistant Professor at the Department of Environmental Health for Boston University stressed, "energy systems are an important driver for health, climate, and environmental justice. In order to ensure that these ends are achieved, the communities hosting this infrastructure should be at the table where decisions are being made and with equal voice in decision-making."
Task Force member Maria Wambui, Asset Manager at POUA, elaborated on this perspective, saying, "I strongly believe that grid modernization should not be seen as a problem to be solved. Instead, I am convinced that justice should be an essential part of our evolving way of life. This can be accomplished by actively including the voices that have been overlooked in energy processes.”
Furthermore, in October 2023, the Task Force wrote and addressed a letter to the Grid Modernization Advisory Council highlighting the importance of integrating equity and health-based metrics into grid modernization efforts. These recommendations will effectively work to build trust between utilities and communities through transparent communication and inclusive practices. Additionally, this letter advances goals of ensuring that energy modernization efforts are fair and beneficial to all, particularly low-income and marginalized groups along with providing measurable relief and benefits to communities historically burdened by environmental and economic injustices. Read the full letter here.