A Clean Energy Future is Particularly Important for Older Residents

As someone who works closely with communities across Massachusetts to support clean energy transitions, I can confidently say that the people of Newburyport are passionate, engaged, and deeply invested in the future of their city. It was inspiring to see John Giordano’s recent take on the Second Newburyport Renaissance, and his visions for a sustainable future. As the leader of the nonprofit Energy for Generations (EFG) initiative, I believe clean energy is vitally important to the progress of our community.

EFG is a city-led project, coordinated by the City of Newburyport’s Sustainability Office, that puts older adults at the center of our clean energy future. It helps them take advantage of clean energy solutions like heat pumps, rooftop or community solar, and energy efficiency upgrades, with the ultimate goal of lowering their bills, and becoming more climate-resilient.

As housing costs rise and energy burdens grow, a focus on clean energy couldn’t come at a more important time. 40% of Newburyport’s population is age 55 and up, and many are paying well over 30% of their income toward rent. It’s important that they know about the resources available to help them save money and stay safe in their homes.

Older adults are among the most vulnerable to rising temperatures, increasingly common heat waves, and other climate-related risks. According to the National Institute on Aging, older adults often face challenges in regulating body temperature and may be more susceptible to heat-related illness, especially those with chronic health conditions or limited income.

But here’s the thing—older adults also have the power to lead. Through EFG, we are training a small cohort of Clean Energy Counselors (CECs): local residents of Greater Newburyport over 60, who will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to guide their peers in making smart clean energy decisions.

We’ve modeled this after the successful SHINE program, where trained volunteers assist Medicare recipients with their health coverage options. Now, we’re doing the same for clean energy.

The program also includes a series of community dialogues, where older adults can share their experiences, challenges, and questions around energy use and climate resilience. These sessions are designed to be interactive, engaging, and informative—and they will help shape how this program continues to grow.

Why Clean Energy Matters—Right Here in Newburyport

At a time when climate change is no longer a distant threat but a daily reality—more flooding, extreme heat, and rising energy costs—clean energy isn’t just about the environment; it’s a matter of health, safety, and resilience. Especially in a coastal community like Newburyport, we’re already feeling the impacts.

If you want to get involved, you can sign up for a free Home Energy Assessment. Also be sure you’re taking advantage of MassSave’s no-cost energy audits every two years to keep tabs on your home’s energy use. It’s an easy way to spot ways you could be saving energy, get personalized recommendations, and even start seeing your bills go down.

The Energy for Generations program is a collaboration between the City of Newburyport, Council on Aging, MassEnergize, Creative Action Institute, AgeSpan, NEEECO, and several community partners. Together, we’re committed to making Newburyport more sustainable, more resilient, and more connected.

If you’d like to learn more or get involved, visit efgprogram.org.

And if you’re an older adult in Newburyport—or simply care about this issue—I’d love to invite you to one of our upcoming Community Dialogues:

🗓 April 2, 1–3 PM at the Newburyport Senior/Community Center
🗓 April 3, 10 AM–12 PM at the Newburyport Public Library

Ariha Jain
Program Coordinator, Energy for Generations

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