Cape & Islands Energy Information Clearinghouse

A Community Resource Developed Through The Cape & Islands Renewable Energy Collaborative

The Hummer/Photo Source:Winnepeg Luxury Cars   Canal Electric Plant/Photo Source: Richard Judge   Sinking of the Argo Merchant/Photo Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration   Solar Flare/Photo Source: National Optical Astronomy Observatory   Race Point Photovoltaic Installation/Photo Source: Cape Cod Chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation   Woods Hole Research Center Ordway Campus Green Building Showcase/Photo Source: Cape Cod Center for Sustainability   Woods Hole Research Center Ordway Campus Green Building Showcase/Photo Source: Cape Cod Center for Sustainability   Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority's Propane-Fueled Bus/Photo Source: Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority
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The Energy Present

This section of provides data and information characterizing the current energy situation on Cape Cod, Martha'sVineyard, and Nantucket.

The fossil-fired "Energy Present" poses threats to the economy, the environment, and the well-being of local communities.

The Cape & Islands region, like much of the rest of the world, relies on fossil fuels to meet most of its energy needs. The prices paid for energy commodities are generally higher here than elsewhere in Massachusetts and throughout New England. These prices do not even come close to reflecting the - true costs - borne by local communities as a result of fossil fuel consumption. True costs include:

  • Air pollution, water pollution, and ecological impacts attributable to fossil fuel emissions.
  • Public health risks associated with living on an eastern extension of "the tailpipe of the nation."
  • Contributions to U.S. dependence on energy supplied by other countries.
  • Greenhouse gas emissions resulting in global climate change, which may have dramatic effects on local communities.

Clink on the links below for more detail on the current energy situation in the Cape & Islands region:

  • Electricity: This section provides data and information on electricity supply and delivery infrastructure, service options, consumption, costs, emissions, and efficiency.
  • Fuels: This section provides data and information on fuel supply and delivery infrastructure and on the use of fuels for electricity generation, transportation, and heating.
  • Policy: This section reviews the energy, electricity, economic, environmental, and climate policy frameworks - on scales from the local to the global - that influence energy supply and use.
  • "True Cost" Impacts: This section provides data and information on the adverse environmental, social, and economic impacts associated with present-day reliance on fossil fuels.

CIRenew Logo
This website is being developed through the Cape & Islands Renewable Energy Collaborative (CIRenew). Its framework was created under a community planning grant award from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC). The Clearinghouse provides a central location for the collection, classification, and distribution of data, information, and tools addressing energy supply and use in the Cape & Islands region, both now and in the future.
  • Project management and content development: Chris Powicki, Water Energy & Ecology Information Services
  • Web design/development and content development: Dick Elkin
  • Graphic design: Elizabeth Hooper, Hooper Design
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