What is PowerOptions?

PowerOptions is the largest energy-buying consortium in New England. Serving over 800 nonprofits and public institutions across Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island for over 25 years. PowerOptions curates and manages energy solutions to save time, reduce costs, and simplify processes, enabling organizations to dedicate more resources to their mission.

How is PowerOptions funded?

PowerOptions is funded through a combination of paid memberships and fees collected from our energy suppliers. These fees help cover the costs of negotiating, managing, and promoting our programs — all while lowering costs for our Members. Unlike industry-standard referral or broker fees, supplier payments to PowerOptions are not tied to individual referrals and are not passed on to Members. This structure allows PowerOptions to provide objective, transparent guidance on energy decisions. Supplier contributions also support the development of new products and services and enable advocacy for regulatory changes that advance our Members' sustainable energy goals.

How are PowerOptions' suppliers selected?

Every PowerOptions supply program begins with an exhaustive, competitive procurement. We closely monitor energy market conditions, emerging trends and new technologies to ensure the best match to our Members' needs. During the RFP process, suppliers place bids that demonstrate their capabilities and suitability for a consortium of Members. PowerOptions negotiates on behalf of this group — representing $200 million annual energy commodity purchases — to select the supplier offering the most competitive price for an energy solution that best meets our Members' energy needs. Our Members are at the core of our procurement process and PowerOptions is committed to placing their interests first.

What do Members' relationships look like with energy suppliers through PowerOptions?

PowerOptions leveraging decades of regional expertise, the collective strength of our consortium and deep market insights to deliver savings for our Members and create opportunities for sustainable partnerships for our suppliers. We establish agreements with our energy suppliers that outline their responsibilities to Members, pricing, terms of service, and their relationship with PowerOptions. Once entered into this agreement, suppliers cannot alter these terms and make these energy solutions available to any PowerOptions Member regardless of their size. These agreements allow PowerOptions to monitor the performance of its suppliers and advocate for the interests of its Members where appropriate. In short, PowerOptions facilitates mutually beneficial relationships between nonprofits and public institutions and sustainable energy suppliers.

Does PowerOptions act as an energy producer or facilitate power transmission?

No. PowerOptions does not take title to, sell, or directly transmit any energy. Rather, we facilitate transactions between our Members and power suppliers by providing access to pre-negotiated contract terms within our supplier network. By negotiating on behalf of our consortium, our Members receive cost savings, added protections, and measurable value that can be reinvested in their communities.

How do I become a PowerOptions Member?

PowerOptions membership is open to all nonprofits and public institutions in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Maine. Our Members pay annual dues based on the scale of their annual energy costs. To learn how much your organization can save or to join our consortium, fill out our interest form.

Unlock savings through solar

PowerOptions delivers proven solar energy programs for mission-driven organizations across New England. With us, Members can reduce operating costs, cut carbon emissions, and meet their sustainability goals.

Our Impact

Solar Savings

$44M

In projected savings for new solar projects

Long Term Savings

$243M

Projected Member savings over 20 years across all solar projects

Solar Impact

62

New solar projects

Project Volume

19.5

Total new project volume

How solar can power your mission

Since 2011, PowerOptions has developed one of the largest solar portfolios in New England. We make it possible for nonprofits and public entities to access tax incentives and volume pricing, with no capital outlay, no procurement complexity, and minimal risk.

Solar panels on top of a building receiving power from the sun

Two pathways to solar savings

PowerOptions offers two pathways to unlocking solar savings and helps your organization understand which is right for you. Both programs are backed by our competitive procurement, pre-negotiated contracts, and expert guidance, so you get maximum savings with minimal complexity.

A solar panel with an power line tower in the background while the sun is setting.

Remote Solar

All the benefits of solar without a construction project

Remote or off-site solar lets your organization participate in renewable energy projects and receive bill credits on your utility bills, even if you can't install panels on your property or if your on-site solar capacity exceeds your organization's energy needs.

Engineer adjusting tools to fix solar panel

On-site solar & storage

Generate clean energy directly from your property

On-site solar installs solar panels on your property - rooftop, ground-mount, or carport - to produce electricity your organization uses directly.

SolarShare

SolarShare projects generate revenue for the project owner and host while benefiting local communities. SolarShare redirected a share of energy savings to energy burdened households. This means clean energy isn't just built locally, it's felt locally.

Case Studies

New Bedford Housing Authority

Powering Public Housing

Through our Power Purchase Agreement, New Bedford Housing Authority (NBHA) installed solar arrays at its properties with no upfront capital investment.

Salem State University

Solar works for schools

Salem State University installed three rooftop solar arrays, saving nearly $1M in electricity costs over 20 years and reducing 7,000 tons of emissions.

Address

129 South Street, 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02111

Phone

(617) 865-5233

Ready to save on energy?

Join the 800+ nonprofits and public entities that are saving today!

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Unlock savings through solar

Our Impact

How solar can power your mission

Two pathways to solar savings

All the benefits of solar without a construction project

Generate clean energy directly from your property

SolarShare

Case Studies

Powering Public Housing

Solar works for schools

Solar works for schools

Powering Public Housing

Sustainable communities

New Bedford Housing Authority

Powering Public Housing

Salem State University

Solar works for schools

Ready to save on energy?

Frequently Asked Questions

Unlock savings through solar

Our Impact

How solar can power your mission

Two pathways to solar savings

All the benefits of solar without a construction project

Generate clean energy directly from your property

SolarShare

Case Studies

Powering Public Housing

Solar works for schools

Solar works for schools

Powering Public Housing

Sustainable communities

New Bedford Housing Authority

Powering Public Housing

Salem State University

Solar works for schools

Ready to save on energy?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PowerOptions?

Why was PowerOptions established?

How is PowerOptions funded?

How are PowerOptions' suppliers selected?

How does PowerOptions manage its suppliers?

Does PowerOptions act as an energy producer or facilitate power transmission?

How do I become a PowerOptions Member?