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Tools for Managing the Transition

This section provides data, information, resources, and tools that may be used to transition from the fossil-fueled Energy Present to a clean and green Energy Future.

In 2006, Cape & Islands residents, visitors, and consumers have the opportunity to accelerate the local transition to cleaner and green energy sources. Consider the following energy-related decisions to be made in the months to come:

Light bulbs will be replaced. Vehicles, appliances, and equipment will be purchased.
Homes and other buildings will be constructed and remodeled.
Local, regional, state, and federal officials will be elected and appointed.
Municipal and private wind energy projects will proceed, remain under regulatory review and public scrutiny, or be abandoned. New renewable energy projects will be proposed.
Power supply decisions will be made.Green power purchases will be considered. Competitive power supply contracts will be pursued.
Energy, electricity, air and water quality, climate, and other standards and policies will be adopted. Local and regional policies for renewable energy and economic development will be advanced and implemented.

Homeowners, voters, officials, towns, businesses, organizations, and agencies can make better decisions by accounting for the tradeoffs—the risks and rewards—associated with present and future energy supply and use options. These tradeoffs may be generally summarized as follows:

Risks: Cape & Islands communities are uniquely vulnerable to adverse impacts—and growing threats—associated with continued regional, national, and global dependence on fossil fuels. (See The Energy Present for more detail.)
Rewards: Cape & Islands communities are uniquely situated to realize benefits by using energy more wisely and by harnessing natural energy flows to improve local economic, environmental, and social conditions. (See The Energy Future for more detail.)

Click on the links below to access content designed to inform individual and community decision-making processes and local and regional planning processes.

Community Snapshots: data and information on the energy situation in communities on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket
Practical Tips for Reducing Energy Costs: tips for reducing both the out-of-pocket costs and "true costs" of energy supply and use
Civic Participation Guide: information for encouraging civic participation in energy-related decision-making processes
Cleaner/Green Options & Activities: data and information characterizing the wealth of cleaner and green energy options available in the Cape & Islands region, identifying present-day technology installations and programs, and describing wind energy and other projects being pursued in local communities
Coordinated Community Planning: a framework for organizing information, tools, resources, and processes to support comprehensive and coordinated local and regional planning relating to energy supply and use in Cape & Islands communities
Information Resources and Links: access to information and resources for improving understanding of energy issues and concepts and for contacting energy-related businesses, institutions, agencies, and other organizations.

Last updated 02.08.05