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
In projected savings for new solar projects
Projected Member savings over 20 years across all solar projects
New solar projects
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.
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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.

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.
Case Studies
Address
129 South Street, 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02111
Phone
(617) 865-5233
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is PowerOptions?
PowerOptions is the largest energy-buying consortium in New England. Serving over 800 nonprofits and public institutions across Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, 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.
Why was PowerOptions established?
In 1998, Massachusetts deregulated its energy market, opening up electricity supply to competition for the first time. This allowed businesses to shop for energy sourcing and pricing that best fit their needs. Robert J. Ciolek, the founder of PowerOptions and then-Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health and Education Facilities Authority (HEFA), recognized that while nonprofits stood to gain from this opportunity, few were equipped to take advantage of it. To address this, he and HEFA created PowerOptions, enabling nonprofits and public entities of all sectors and sizes to consolidate their buying power to access sustainable, affordable energy. Ciolek's timing couldn't be more perfect — PowerOptions was the first organization to offer a competitive energy supply solution in the state. When HEFA merged with another state agency in 2010, PowerOptions became a stand-alone nonprofit and has continued to connect New England nonprofits and public organizations to cost-saving energy solutions.
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 program begins with an exhaustive, competitive procurement process. We closely monitor market conditions, emerging trends, and new technologies to ensure the best match to our Members' needs, across energy supply, solar, building decarbonization, fleet electrification, and efficiency solutions.
During the RFP process, vendors submit bids demonstrating their capabilities, pricing, and suitability for our consortium. Negotiating on behalf of 800+ Members and $200 million in annual energy spend, PowerOptions selects the provider offering the most competitive terms and the strongest fit for our Members' goals, with their interests at the center of every decision.
How does PowerOptions manage its suppliers?
PowerOptions leverages decades of expertise and the collective strength of our 800+ Member consortium to deliver savings and build lasting partnerships with vetted vendors across all of our programs.
Every provider in our network signs an agreement that defines their responsibilities, pricing, and terms of service, and those terms are fixed. Providers cannot change them, and solutions are available to every Member regardless of size or energy spend.
This structure allows PowerOptions to monitor provider performance and advocate for our Members' interests at every turn, ensuring our entire network works on your behalf.
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 HERE.

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