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.

Community charge

Powering Massachusetts neighborhoods together

A dedicated program making EV infrastructure simple and equitable for communities across Massachusetts.

Making EV charging more accessible

Community Charge makes it easier and more affordable for Massachusetts public entities and nonprofits to offer EV charging to those they serve. Developed in partnership with PowerOptions, LISC Massachusetts, the Green Energy Consumers Alliance, and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, the program makes EV charging more accessible than ever before in the commonwealth.

With Community Charge, organizations can skip the complex procurement process entirely. The program has already been negotiated with competitively selected providers, saving you time and money before you even start. Instead of issuing their own RFP or navigating state procurement channels, public and nonprofit site hosts can choose from streamlined options that fit their needs, making EV infrastructure simple, cost-effective, and community-driven.

Partnerships

How it works

No Procurement Complexity

Providers have already been competitively selected; no RFP required. Choose from pre-designed options and move forward immediately.

Pre-Negotiated Pricing

Competitive pricing is negotiated so you get fair, transparent pricing without having to procure or negotiate on your own.

Community-First Design

Built specifically for public and nonprofit site hosts, with community benefit and equity at the heart of every decision.

State-Backed Funding

Funded by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, the program makes EV charging more accessible to underserved communities across MA.

Streamlined Paths

Whether you want to own and control the operation of the stations, or let an experienced third party manage them - PowerOptions has a structure that fits your site, budget, and operational model.

Address

129 South Street, 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02111

Phone

(617) 865-5233