Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vineyard Power?

Vineyard Power is a local cooperative that will create a sustainable energy future for the island. This cooperative will generate large-scale, renewable energy and keep the benefit and control in the community.

Who can join Vineyard Power?

Any individual, family or organization on Martha’s Vineyard that has an electric meter is eligible to join.

Why should I join Vineyard Power?

As a cooperative member, your electricity will be clean and affordable. Vineyard Power will provide financial savings while reducing the island’s carbon footprint and contributing to greater sustainability.

Membership will also give you direct voice in the cooperative’s development and operation. Shareholders will steer all the organization’s major decisions – from electing a Board of Directors to choosing which turbine locations are considered.

How much will membership cost?

A share in the cooperative will require a onetime payment. The membership fee will begin at $50 and increase every quarter until 2015. At that point, membership will cost $975.

How will Vineyard Power be managed?

Vineyard Power will be professionally managed by an experienced executive. Member-owners will elect the board of directors, which will hire the professional staff.

How will Vineyard Power generate enough electricity for the island?

Given current technology and our strong local wind resource, the most efficient way to generate renewable energy for Martha’s Vineyard is from offshore wind turbines.

Where could offshore turbines be located?

Because this is a community-owned cooperative, siting is a decision that must be made by the community while considering the best interests of the island. This decision will be made after incorporation.

How does this relate to the Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan?

New regulations at the state and federal level make it very likely that offshore wind turbines will be developed near Martha’s Vineyard. We believe that a community living near these large machines should receive the benefit from them.

What about wildlife?

Any offshore turbine development will be preceded by extensive environmental impact studies. All existing data from installed offshore wind farms show that the impact on bird and marine life is minimal.

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