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Susan S. Kaplan

Susan S. Kaplan

Marketing & Outreach Coordinator, Department of Energy Resources

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electric bikes

On Saturday, October 23, the buzz in Medford was all about energy.  At the base of “Windy,” the newly named wind turbine at the McGlynn Elementary and Middle Schools, area residents, town and state officials, and exhibitors enjoyed the sun – and wind – as they learned about energy in their homes, vehicles, and products.

Medford Green Communities Awards Photo Set

The Department of Energy Resources, city of Medford, and Mass Energy Consumers Alliance hosted the “Harvest Your Energy Festival” for area residents to learn how to save energy and money, tap the power of solar energy, and connect with free energy assessments and efficiency rebates – all while enjoying a beautiful fall day. Festival attendees were able to ride a hybrid bicycle, meet Red Sox mascot Wally the Green Monster, check out a plug-in hybrid car, and see what students are learning about energy in the local schools.

The cities and towns of Arlington, Cambridge, Lexington, Medford, Melrose, Newton, and Salem were given ceremonial grant checks to recognize their designation as Green Communities. Grants will be used to finance projects that cut energy use and use renewable sources. Thirty-five communities have already earned Green Community designation.

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As Deputy Director of DOER's Green Communities Division, Lisa helps lead a team devoted to working with Massachusetts cities and towns to realize environmental and cost benefits of municipal energy efficiency and renewable energy. Prior to joining DOER, Lisa worked in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs from 2007 to 2012, first as Press Secretary and then as Assistant Secretary for Communications and Public Affairs. Her previous communications and public relations experience includes both government and the private sector, where, as principal of upWrite Communications, she served clients such as The Trustees of Reservations, The Nature Conservancy, and Partners Health Care/North Shore Medical Center. She began her career as a journalist, covering Beacon Hill for the State House News Service, and later wrote for a variety of other publications including The Boston Globe, Teacher Magazine, Animals Magazine, and The Gulf of Maine Times. The author of two books, Lisa serves on the board of the Saugus River Watershed Council and resides with her family in Melrose.

Recent Posts

Market-Based Program Designed to Continue Solar Growth posted on Jul 30

 Market-Based Program Designed to Continue Solar Growth

This April, the Commonwealth launched its second Solar Carve- Out Program. Built on the success of the first solar carve-out program, SREC II is designed to continue to drive Massachusetts’ solar growth and particularly provide incentives for smaller solar projects, building mounted units, community shared solar, solar canopies, emergency power and low income housing.

“Mass. Military Division” and “Energy Efficiency” Go Together posted on Jul 25

 “Mass. Military Division” and “Energy Efficiency” Go Together

Energy measures implemented at a Mass. Military Divison site include improved lighting, high efficiency motors, HVAC controls and energy management system upgrades. Under the Accelerate Efficiency Plan, the Commonwealth is investing over $12 million at 29 state facilities throughout the Berkshires.

Solar a “No-Go” on Your Roof? Share Through Community Solar posted on Jul 16

 Solar a “No-Go” on Your Roof? Share Through Community Solar

Harvard residents who wanted solar on their homes and were unable to get it due to shading, sloping, or structural barriers, found a solution by sharing the Harvard Solar Garden, an approximately 250 kW project, provides 41 residents and six small businesses with sustainable, clean energy. .