Tune in to 89.7 Monday morning as we kick off a month-long news series about New England's relationship with energy, "Power Source: Where People and Energy Connect." From decoding what's on your utility bill to what the biggest drains on energy are in your home or office, we'll look at our day-to-day dependence on different types of power. We'll also examine how local areas are experimenting with tides, solar and other alternative energy sources and how that will shape what New England will look like in 2050.

Produced by WGBH sister station WCAI, the reports will air on WGBH's Morning Edition November 17-21, and every Monday through December 15. A deeper digital build-out will include data, infographics and additional content for listeners to learn more about how we connect with our power sources at  projects.wgbhnews.org/power-source. To get more information about the series, contact WCAI's Sean Corcoran.

"Power Source: Where People and Energy Connect"
November 17-21, then every Monday through December 15

1. Rolling Blackouts
New England stands at a crossroads, where it could either increase its reliance on natural gas or force itself to conserve and convert to more green energy sources. We explain how the region became dependent on natural gas, what the repercussions are, and what the options are going forward. 

2. Changing Your Life For Energy Reasons
We've established the problem. Now here are people who are responding to it. We meet three energy conscious individuals and families, each one approaching energy in a different way and for different reasons. How much energy savings is enough for you, and how much are you willing to change your life to achieve that?

"Solar-Powered Raspberries and Organic Electricity"
A Cape Cod Notebook essay from Bob Finch

3. Boothbay Goes Alternative
Maine’s power demands have changed dramatically in recent years, and the existing grid is reaching the limits of its ability to provide reliable power during periods of peak demand. Faced with a new $18 million transmission line, the residents of Boothbay decided to go another way. They’ve installed solar panels, a diesel generator, and ice-powered air conditioners for a third of the cost. 

4. What Is This Bill, Anyway?
We want to know where energy and people connect? There may be no finer place than the energy bill. We eavesdrop as an customers talks with an NStar representative about their energy bills and where their power comes from. Story also discusses how the power is purchased and how much your household items are costing in electricity.

5. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Are we facing a future where electric charging stations will dot the landscape? All-electric vehicles are touted as energy efficient and green, and charging stations are popping up here and there on the Cape, Islands and South Coast, but their placement is spotty at best. 

6. If Only Nantucket Could Reach Consensus
How does an island 30 miles at sea keep itself powered up? With transportation issues, as well as environmental and reliability concerns, it's not easy. Less than 20 years ago Nantucket gave up its downtown diesel-generator power plant to rely on one, and now two, undersea electric cables to get its electricity - the island's so-called extension cords to the mainland. Despite its plentiful renewable energy resources - wind, tidal - such projects have proven controversial on Nantucket. 

7. A Good Audit: People Turn to Energy Auditors to Shrink Footprint
What's the best way to reduce energy consumption and increase reliability? Cut back on waste. Massachusetts has experienced great success by helping fund energy audits in people's homes. So far, it's the best way to broadly improve efficiency and cut down on consumption. With many homes already inspected and presumably making improvements, the effort now is being turned to businesses. 

8. Edgartown Explores Energy Independence Through Tidal Power 
The town of Edgartown is hoping that in the not-so-distant future, 75 percent of the island's elect icy could come from the sea. The town wants to become energy independent by harnessing tidal power, and it wants to start with a 20 MW tidal power project. First step -- getting some test turbines in the water.

9. What Will New England Look Like in 2050? 
Even when technology and funding are in place, efforts to increase energy efficiency and incorporate more renewable power can by stymied by concerns about historic preservation. We’ll hear from two leading climate researchers/activists who have faced this issue and found their own ways forward.