Remembering Laura McNaughton

NEEP mourns last week's passing of Laura McNaughton and celebrates the many ways she contributed to advance residential energy efficiency.

In her role as the Director of Residential Energy Efficiency Programs at New England Electric (now National Grid), and earlier in her career with the non-profit Fair Share Corporation, she touched many lives with her tireless energy, enthusiasm, willingness to innovate, and passion for equity in providing energy efficiency to residential consumers.

In the 1990’s she helped local electric utilities with early efforts to encourage market transformation activities, such as embracing promotion of lighting and appliances using the ENERGY STAR brand and supporting the nation’s Super Energy Efficiency Refrigerator Program (SERP) “Golden Carrot” contest that led to the design of a super-efficient refrigerator.

Working with her could be both a delight and a whirlwind. Laura inspired those around her and provided leadership regionally and nationally to advance energy efficiency. She served as President of Affordable Comfort, Inc., a national organization promoting best practices in residential energy efficiency. She was an engaged, fun, and forthright member of NEEP’s Board of Directors.

Sue Coakley, NEEP’s Executive Director, reflects that “Laura left a wonderful legacy of leadership to make a difference through energy efficiency and energy justice, making the world more sustainable now and for future generations. We miss her and honor her contributions to advance energy efficient products and services for all.”

About Laura

Laura Gail McNaughton, born in NY and raised in Montclair, NJ, graduated from Clark University ('81) and received her Masters in Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University. Early in her career she worked for progressive political and environmental organizations - at Worcester Fair Share, Conservation Services Group, and Fundamental Action to Conserve Energy of Fitchburg. From 1990 through early retirement in 2009, residential energy efficiency and conservation 

programs flourished because of her skill, talent and dedication. A lifetime member of the Regional Environmental Council's Board of Directors, she played many roles including President and Treasurer. She was recently honored at the REC Gala and was thrilled to be able to attend. A past President of Affordable Comfort, Inc. she led this national organization in the promotion of best practices for residential energy efficiency. She also served on the Board of Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships. Laura helped organize REC's first Earth Day Festival and city-wide cleanups (1990), and created the initial partnership between REC and National Grid for this annual event which continues to this day.

Read Laura's full obituary.

Testimonials

 

"I feel so lucky to have worked with Laura at National Grid and when she was serving as a NEEP Board member. Laura’s fun, humor, and passion for people, animals and the planet are memories that sustain me and others as we mourn her passing."
Elizabeth Titus, Director of Research and Evaluation, NEEP

 

“Laura did much to enhance energy efficiency in Massachusetts including through work in Worcester, with the Conservation Services Group, and with National Grid. Laura will be missed but fortunately the impact of her many contributions will live on.”
Steve Nadel, Executive Director, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)

 

"Laura was a wonderful friend, colleague of 18 years, and a great source of inspiration. She possessed a clarity of mind and focus that is extraordinarily rare. She fought cancer with more gusto than I've ever witnessed before. I so appreciate having had the opportunity to know her well and to share common goals in our lives to work toward a clean energy economy. My sincerest condolences go out to all her family."
Tim Stout, Senior Advisor, ESource

 

“Laura had an amazing combination of energy, skill, and kindness in making great strides in our industry. She was a true inspiration and fought a tough fight with cancer incredibly well for a long time. My thoughts and prayers go out to her loved ones at this time of loss.”
Dave Legg, South Middlesex Opportunity Council

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