Local Energy Action Program (LEAP)

MAPC has selected nine communities to participate in MAPC’s Local Energy Action Program (LEAP). See additional information to learn more about the selected communities. MAPC is currently working with the communities to plan for and launch energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and programs.

Project background

MAPC created the Local Energy Action Program to help communities plan and implement local clean energy projects. Communities selected to participate in the program receive technical assistance from MAPC to plan for and launch innovative and financially sustainable projects that reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in the municipal, residential, and commercial sectors.

MAPC's role

MAPC provides technical assistance to communities to help create and implement a local energy action plan, which includes an inventory of municipal and community-wide energy use and expenditures and past energy activities.

As part of the program, MAPC works with municipal officials and community stakeholders to establish energy reduction goals and to identify strategies for reaching these goals. Energy strategies and projects initiated through this program vary based on the extent to which each community has previously engaged in clean energy work.

The projects undertaken through the Local Energy Action Program support MAPC's MetroFuture goals of creating healthy environments with decreased consumption of energy.

Why it's important

Massachusetts, like the rest of the country, is facing daunting energy use challenges. A great amount of the work that will need to be done to address those challenges will happen at the local level, with municipalities that are able to develop policies and regulations that have a positive impact on energy efficiency and conservation.

Participating cities and towns

• Chelsea
• Marlborough
• Medford
• Medway
• Stoughton
• The towns served by the Reading Municipal Light Department: Lynnfield, North Reading, Reading, and Wilmington

Partners

Through LEAP, MAPC works with municipal officials and local community stakeholders, such as energy committee members, residents, businesses, chambers of commerce, and housing authorities, to establish energy reduction goals and to identify strategies for reaching these goals. Additionally, MAPC works to build relationships and collaborations between local and municipal stakeholders and leaders in the clean energy sector. Current LEAP program partners include:

• A Better City
• Columbia Gas
• Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
• Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC)
• Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER)
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• National Grid
• Next Step Living
• NSTAR
• Tufts University

Additional resources

On an ongoing basis, MAPC reviews clean energy best practices and creates energy action strategies. For an example of these types of strategies, download our Municipal Energy Opportunities checklist.  

Please check back here in Fall 2013 for the launch of MAPC’s Clean Energy Strategy Toolkit!

Questions

To learn more, contact Erin Brandt, Energy Planner at ebrandt@mapc.org.