Author: Mariana Chissell, AEG Junior Fellow, Advanced Energy Group
On June 14, 2023, members representing the AEG Boston 22Q3 Grid Modernization Task Force convened at Riley House in Hyde Park to showcase Equity in Action along with other energy efficiency partners. The event made significant progress towards fostering partnerships to enhance energy efficiency in Hyde Park, a largely disadvantaged, minority community.
Above: Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) headlines Riley House event. Read the full article here.
During the event, representatives from Eversource and Verizon committed to improving the lives of seniors at Riley House. Eversource educated community members on energy efficiency offers and available programs that aid in managing energy bills, while Verizon shared information regarding discounted internet access to eligible communities.
The Riley House initiative by Eversource, Verizon, and others advances the 22Q3 Task Force’s efforts to overcome the selected obstacle of: “Enabling flexible load management among harder-to-reach populations” by prioritizing communities in need with respect to equitable grid modernization. This obstacle was delivered by Brandy Chambers, Manager, Energy Efficiency Regulatory & Planning, Eversource.
Above: ABCD captures Eversource engagement at Riley House. Watch the full video here.
Ultimately, the event's impact extends beyond technological advancements; it underscores a commitment to energy equity and support for vulnerable populations, aligning with broader federal initiatives.
The 22Q3 Boston Task Force's collaboration with energy partners has not only improved the living conditions for senior residents at Riley House but also set a precedent for future initiatives aimed at achieving energy equity in underserved communities.