Energy

The energy economy consists of electricity, heat, and transportation. 

Electric power generation is a process that creates electricity from other forms of energy, primarily fossil fuels and nuclear power.

Renewable power sources like solar, wind, hydro, biomass, geothermal, and renewable natural gas have tremendous benefits over fossil fuels for air quality, climate protection, and health. Renewable energy also presents opportunities for substantial cost savings and, sometimes, for local control.

Massachusetts, a national leader in energy policy, adopted legislation requiring a 25% statewide reduction of greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels by 2020, and an 80% reduction below 1990 levels by 2050. Massachusetts set the national gold standard for energy efficiency as the most energy efficient state in the country for the past six years (ACEEE 2017). 

Energy-efficiency technologies (LED lights and insulating windows) have reduced the amount of electricity needed to light our homes, power our computers, and run our machinery. Reduced electricity demand actually cut carbon pollution from power plants by 43 percent from 2010 to 2016—more than the reductions achieved by switching from coal to natural gas or by using renewable energy.

Newburyport’s clean energy focus is twofold: reduce energy demand from non-renewable, polluting sources and advance renewable energy sources. The Energy Advisory Committee regularly evaluates opportunities for greater energy efficiency and cleaner, renewable energy sources for residents, businesses, and municipal operations. Our energy goals are in accordance with the Master Plan. 

Newburyport is an LBE (Leading by Example) community with a strong network of volunteers who collaborate with and actively support state and City initiatives. Our Green Community designation helps to leverage state resources for meeting clean energy and energy reduction targets. 

All our initiatives weigh the cost of energy and the environmental impacts. Resources for you to change your energy consumption and your reliance on fossil fuels can be found here.

Staff Contacts

Name Phone
Molly Ettenborough (978) 499-0413