Consumers for Climate

In this episode, Tina Munter and Amanda Barker from Green Energy Consumers Alliance discuss practical energy solutions for renters, including tips on energy efficiency, solar, and electric vehicles. They explore how renters can participate in clean energy programs despite split incentives and landlord approval challenges.To take a deeper dive in our renter toolkits, check out our website!Clean Energy Toolkit for Massachusetts RentersClean Energy Toolkit for Rhode Island Renters

Host, Tina Munter, discusses the 2025 annual report of the Green Energy Consumers Alliance with Executive Director, Larry Chretien and Administrative Associate, Liz Cameron. They explore the organization's mission to empower consumers and communities towards a zero-carbon world and the importance of transparency through the annual report. The conversation emphasizes the collective effort required to achieve climate goals and the exciting opportunities ahead for the organization.

Join host Tina Munter as she explores the impact of electric vehicles (EVs) on public health. Joined by Caroline Gracia, explore how EVs can reduce harmful pollutants like particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. Discuss the inequitable burden of vehicle pollution on low-income communities and communities of color. Tune in to learn how EVs not only contribute to cleaner air but also support local economies and offer significant public health benefits.Show NotesEVs and public health webinarRIDEM 2023 Greenhouse Gas Inventory 

In this episode of the Consumers for Climate podcast, host Tina Munter speaks with Shonte Davidson and Brittany Haringa from Better Together Brain Trust (BT2) about their innovative work in electrification and renewable energy. They discuss the origin of BT2 Energy, their unique services, flagship projects, and partnerships, particularly with the Green Energy Consumers Alliance. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in the clean energy market, the future of EV infrastructure, and the importance of collaboration in achieving climate goals.

Learn about the importance of heat pumps in renewable energy and climate justice with guests Amanda Barker and Bryson Rose. They explore the benefits of heat pumps, including their efficiency and ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Delve into Rewiring America's heat pump incentive program in Rhode Island, detailing how it can help homeowners save on installation costs and improve energy efficiency. Utilize the electrification calculator and other resources to understand your options for transitioning to heat pumps.Rewiring America RI Heat Pump Access ProgramRewiring America Electrification CalculatorGreen Energy Consumers Heat Pump landing pageHeat Pumps 101 podcast

In this episode, Clean Energy Program Manager Amanda Barker discusses the new state heat pump rates coming to MA. Explore how heat pumps work, their role in decarbonizing homes, and the recent advocacy for seasonal heat pump rates in Massachusetts. The conversation highlights the financial benefits for homeowners, the impact on energy burden, and the future of heat pump rates. Show Notes:Heat pumps on our websiteHeat Pump Landing PageHP episode with Loie Heat pump rates report by Switchbox

Dive into the Shave the Peak program where we explore how high temperatures lead to peak energy demand, impacting electricity costs and pollution. We'll explain how Shave the Peak alerts help consumers reduce energy usage during peak times, ultimately cutting costs and emissions.

For access to the episode transcript, visit: ⁠⁠⁠https://info.greenenergyconsumers.org/podcastLearn about the impact of Green Municipal Aggregation (GMA) in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Joined by Mikaela Hondros McCarthy, our finance and renewable energy procurement director, we explore how GMA empowers communities to choose cleaner energy sources. Mikaela explains the benefits of GMA, including price stability and protection against predatory third-party services. Whether your community is enrolled in a green municipal aggregation or not, learn how you can support renewable energy development.

For access to the episode transcript, visit: ⁠⁠⁠https://info.greenenergyconsumers.org/podcastIn this episode of Consumers for Climate, host Tina Munter speaks with Marvin Purry and Tony Jackson from Westside Legends, a community organization in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. They discuss the history and mission of Westside Legends, their efforts to revitalize the community through housing projects, and their partnership with Green Energy Consumers Alliance to promote renewable energy and electric vehicles. The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement, trust, and transparency in driving positive change, as well as the future goals of Westside Legends in creating a sustainable and equitable community.Visit https://www.westsidelegends.org/ to learn more about Westside Legends.

For access to the episode transcript, visit: ⁠⁠https://info.greenenergyconsumers.org/podcastExplore the complex world of third-party electric suppliers with Carrie Katan, our Massachusetts policy advocate. Learn about the impact of these suppliers, their aggressive marketing tactics, and how they often lead to higher costs for consumers.

For access to the episode transcript, visit: ⁠https://info.greenenergyconsumers.org/podcastDive into Rhode Island's legislative session, focusing on key climate bills and their outcomes. This episode explains our recent advocacy efforts in transportation, buildings, and electrification. Tune in to learn how you can get involved in shaping Rhode Island's climate future.Mentioned in this episode The Truth About Offshore Wind PodcastE3 Stakeholder Synthesis MemoBuilding Decarb Act Blog PostRI Policy Roundup WebinarRIPTA Public HearingsEC4 Mailing ListECRI Green Report CardClimate Action RICitizens Climate Lobby

In this episode, we explore how misinformation, often fueled by the fossil fuel industry, impacts consumer perceptions and policy decisions. We address common myths, and the complexities of tariffs and incentives affecting EV pricing. Join us as we uncover the truth behind EV disinformation and its implications for climate goals in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

In both Massachusetts and Rhode Island, ratepayer-funded clean energy programs have provided billions of dollars in benefits to residents, as well as good-paying jobs. The existence of these programs benefits everyone financially – even folks who don’t take advantage of the program offerings directly – by decreasing overall costs. But we have been seeing misinformation surrounding such programs, blaming them for our high energy bills. This is not true.This episode debunks the disinformation around rising energy costs!

For access to the episode transcript, visit: Consumers for Climate PodcastWe put the “happy” in Happy Earth Day! Here’s some positive climate news including protecting energy consumers from scams, green power for entire communities, EV rebates for rideshare drivers, energy efficient fisheries, and offshore wind development. Mentioned in this episode:Fish Can Ride Electric, Too VideoGreen Municipal Aggregation (Community Choice Electricity)Predatory Electricity Suppliers are Causing Real Pain to ConsumersWatch Out For Disinformation About Offshore Wind Ride Clean Mass — About Ride Clean Mass - Ride Clean Mass

For access to the episode transcript, visit: https://info.greenenergyconsumers.org/podcastIn this episode, delve into offshore wind energy with Amanda Barker, our Clean Energy Program Coordinator. Amanda explains the reliability of offshore wind, its role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and its economic benefits for local communities. We also tackle disinformation about offshore wind's impact on marine life, emphasizing its environmental advantages.Mentioned in this episode Synapse Offshore Wind Benefits in New England 20240603.pdfRealOffshorewind.comRhode Island & Massachusetts Must Continue To Lead On Offshore Wind

For access to the episode transcript, visit: ⁠https://info.greenenergyconsumers.org/podcast⁠Energy Efficiency Coordinator, Loie Hayes, answers your burning questions about how heat pumps work and if they are right for you and your home.  

For access to the episode transcript, visit: ⁠https://info.greenenergyconsumers.org/podcast⁠Why are electric vehicles actually better for the environment? Are they less expensive than gas cars? What about charging? Electric Vehicle Program Director, Anna Vanderspek, joins us to explore the evolution of electric vehicles (EVs) and their pivotal role for consumers and in combating climate change.

For access to the episode transcript, visit: ⁠https://info.greenenergyconsumers.org/podcast⁠Explore the world of Executive Director Larry Chretien as he explains the organization's mission and work!