Mass Energy Hosts New England Wind Fund Supporters on Clean Energy Cruise to Hull Wind Turbine

Boston, MA – July 26, 2007 – Nearly 300 new supporters of the New England Wind Fund were treated by Mass Energy Consumers Alliance to a cruise from Boston Harbor to Hull for a close-up view of one of the nation's most successful wind turbines.

The New England Wind Fund allows individuals to buy clean, sustainable energy from wind generators throughout New England.  Contributions to the New England Wind Fund also support the development of future wind projects helping increase support for the production of clean energy in the northeast.

This year through the New England Wind Fund Solar Bonus Challenge communities in Massachusetts were eligible to earn a two-kilowatt solar panel for a public building in their town. “We are so pleased with the results from the solar challenge,” said Mass Energy Executive Director Larry Chretien.  “We had an overwhelming response from many cities throughout the Commonwealth and hope this will encourage every city in Massachusetts to participate next year.”

While enjoying the hour-long cruise to Hull, passengers participated in a silent auction benefiting the New England Wind Fund.  “This event is really a way for us to get our supporters together and to get them better acquainted with each other,” said Chretien.  “It gives us a great opportunity to educate our members even further about the advantages of wind energy and for us to get a chance to better know our supporters.”

After arriving in Hull, passengers disembarked and took a short walk to the base of the Hull I Turbine located on the tip of the Hull peninsula known since the mid 1820s as “Windmill Point”.  Gathered beneath the blades of Hull I, Chretien welcomed members to the turbine and provided them with facts about the turbine’s energy production.  Andy Stern, one of the driving forces of the Hull Wind projects, commended the effort put forth by community members to get the turbine installed in Hull.  He applauded all of the attendees for “their support for wind energy development”.

“This day is really about getting people to come out and see the turbine in person, it makes it much easier for them to support future projects,” said Chretien.  “Seeing the turbine and hearing how it has positively impacted Hull’s energy supply and economy helps dispel any negative myths surrounding wind development.”

 Raffling off miniature turbines, Chretien got the crowd excited about wind and concluded the visit with a short question and answer session that continued back on board the Freedom.  After returning to Rowes Wharf, passengers were given Compact Florescent Light bulbs (CFL).  “In addition to stressing the importance of using clean energy, the first step really has to be energy efficiency,” said Chretien.  “Distributing CFL light bulbs helps drive home that message.”

Since 1982, Mass Energy has pursued a mission to make energy more affordable and environmentally sustainable for the consumers of Massachusetts.  In 2007, Mass Energy merged with Rhode Island’s People’s Power and Light to form a new non-profit, the Energy Consumers Alliance of New England.