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In December 2016, three climate activists and three gas utility executives met in an Eversource Energy boardroom outside Boston. The meeting was an unlikely one, as the activists had previously criticized the entire gas industry for its environmental impact. However, the meeting marked the beginning of a productive relationship that is redefining the role of gas utilities in addressing climate change.
The activists, Zeyneb Magavi, and her colleagues from Mothers Out Front and HEET, had previously called out hundreds of gas leaks in the city of Cambridge. This had put them at odds with Eversource, the largest energy provider in New England. However, the utility’s president, Bill Akley, decided to meet with the activists without security or lawyers, expecting to be confronted with a list of demands and criticisms.
To his surprise, the meeting turned out to be a productive one. Eversource and the activists worked together to identify and fix the biggest gas leaks in Cambridge. This collaboration has since expanded to other communities in Massachusetts, and has even inspired similar partnerships in other states and countries.
The impact of this unlikely partnership is significant. By addressing gas leaks, Eversource is reducing its carbon footprint and helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. The activists, on the other hand, are able to see tangible results from their advocacy efforts and are influencing the actions of a major energy provider.
This story highlights the power of collaboration and the potential for unlikely partnerships to drive positive change. It also showcases the growing role of gas utilities in the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.