b'Neighborly AdviceElectrify SOMA harnesses community knowledge to help residents make sustainable choicesBY AMY LYNN-CRAMERThe Electrify SOMA team. Bottom row, L-R: Cindy Thompson, Rob Orgera, Julianna Garreffa, Joe Gonzalez. Top row, L-R: Kathleen Grant, Bob McCoy, Owen Tyrrell. M aplewoodandSouthiesatTheCollegeofNewJersey,andchairofPeople are leaving money on the table because Orange are known astheSouthOrangeEnvironmentalCommissionthey dont know how to access it or they dont trust places where residents(SOEC), and Bob McCoy, chair of Maplewoodswhos offering to help, Grant says. And when a valuecommunity.Environmental Advisory Committee, began no- broken boiler or water heater is on its last legs, Connections begin inticing a similar pattern across both towns. Resi- theres no time for research. Its in those moments everydaymoments:dents wanted to make sustainable choices but feltthat people just need someone whos been there.aquickexchangeatparalyzed by confusion. Solar sales calls soundedThats where Electrify SOMA steps innot school drop-off, a chat at the playground, or anlike scams and federal and state rebate programs introduction at a block party. As interactions buildwere complicated.trust, neighbors often turn to one another for in- To solve for this, Electrify SOMA was born: sightthe kind that comes from lived experience. neighbors helping neighbors understand their op-That neighborly instinct is what powers Elec- tions to save energy while also reducing climate-trify SOMA, a volunteer-led grassroots initiativewarming emissions. At the center of the groups thats on a mission to help local families move awaymission are what volunteers call the Big 5 elec-from fossil fuels and toward cleaner, smarter, moretrification solutions, which have the greatest envi-efficient technologies that make homes healthierronmental and financial impact:and wallets happier. Its approach isnt political orElectric vehicles (EVs)corporate. Its practical, local and deeply personal. Heat pump HVACTheideatookshapewhenKathleenGrant,Heat pump water heaterwho is an Associate Professor of Counselor Educa- Solar panels Solar panels are among the "Big 5" Electrify SOMA cite for the greatest environmental and financial impact. tion and Affiliated Faculty, Environmental Stud- Weatherization Image by Gray Watson, Wikimedia Commons.16/ matters magazine / holiday 2025'