City Seeking Participants for 2019 Energy Efficiency Program

Somerville residents and the City both stand to benefit if 230 Somerville households sign up for a no-cost Mass Save® Home Energy Assessment in 2019. The Mass Save Program can help Somerville property owners and tenants save on energy and maintenance costs, increase the home’s comfort and value, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, if 230 households complete no-cost Home Energy Assessments and a cumulative 300 energy upgrades, the City can receive up to $8,700 in grants from the National Grid Community Initiative. Both Eversource and National Grid customers in Somerville are welcome to participate.
 
“As our community moves forward with our Somerville Climate Forward goals to reduce Somerville’s contribution to climate change, each of us will need to do our part and the Mass Save® Home Energy Assessment is a great way to start,” said Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone. “Not only will an expert help you identify how you can save energy but they are often able to provide free equipment and rebates on larger upgrades, to help you do so.”
 
The Mass Save® Home Energy Assessment helps identify health risks in the home, provide ways to save on heat, electricity, and water bills, and create a more comfortable living space. During the assessment, participants may receive no-cost LED light bulbs for qualifying fixtures, programmable thermostats, and smart power strips.
 
After the assessment, participants may be eligible for rebates for qualifying energy upgrades. Rebates are available for smart appliances including Wi-Fi thermostats, and air source heat pumps that provide high-efficiency heating and cooling. Eligible residents may qualify for financing in the form of a 0% interest HEAT Loan payable over a seven-year term.
 
Massachusetts households spend more on energy bills than the average U.S. household. This is mostly space heating costs which make up nearly two-thirds of expenditures.[1] According to the U.S. EPA, weatherizing can help save up to 15% in heating and cooling costs. Coupled with weatherization improvements, upgrading to a heating system a higher-efficiency rating can help increase comfortability in the home while and reduce utility bills year-round.
 
Landlords may receive additional incentives for installing insulation in rented units. Upgrading a rental unit’s energy systems can reduce maintenance cost, increase tenant retention, and improve the home’s value. Assistance programs are available through city and state income-eligible programs, too. For example, the City’s Housing Rehab Program can provide a 0% interest, deferred loan of up to $25,000 for home improvement projects in qualifying households. Additionally, the Department of Energy Resources Barrier Mitigation Grants can provide grants to income-eligible households to reduce barriers to weatherization upgrades through the Mass Save® Program.
 
Between 2013 and 2016, Somerville residents saved $3.4 million through electric incentives from the Mass Save Program,[2] equivalent to the energy use of 1,238 homes for one year.[3] The National Grid Community Initiative helps inspire communities to take advantage of the statewide energy-efficiency program. Somerville was recently selected as one of four communities to participate in the 2019 Community Initiative Program.

To schedule a no-cost Home Energy Assessment, renters and property owners may call 855-891-9899. Please have your utility account number ready. If you are receiving fuel assistance, contact Menotomy Weatherization at 781-316-3436. To learn more and sign up to receive a call from a Mass Save® representative, visit www.somervillema.gov/seen.