Keynote speakers will be Warren Leon, Director of the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust, and Megan Amsler of Cape and Islands Self-Reliance; discussing the current status of renewable energy in Massachusetts, and what local communities are doing to increase local energy self-reliance.

The conference is hosted by Smith College, which recently joined Co-op Power, seeing its membership in the organization as a key element of its strong Campus Greening program.

The conference and exhibits are free to all (donations are requested).

Says Co-op Power manager Lynn Benander, "There's no question; it's time for a change. We encourage anyone who wants to stop losing money on high energy prices, anyone who wants to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, to come join us May 6th to learn how. Choose one thing that will make a difference from more than a dozen workshops during the day. Talk with people who have already worked it out, share their experiences, and be a part of creating a sustainable energy future. Now is the time."

Co-op Power provides much more than information and discounts on energy equipment; it provides a way for citizens frustrated by our energy situation to unite and create locally owned, renewable energy companies such as Northeast Biodiesel, which will produce biodiesel from waste vegetable oil, local jobs and energy security. Northeast Biodiesel will be the first of several local energy companies that will allow consumers to kept their energy dollars closer to home and provide more local and regional control over energy resources.

The conference will be followed by Co-op Power's Annual Membership meeting from 6:00 to 8:30 pm.

For the full schedule of workshops and presenters, go to www.cooppower.coop.

For more information, please contact:

Yolanda Campbell, Co-op Power, 413-425-6795, yolanda@cooppower.coop