INCENTIVE PROGRAMS FOR RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY &
RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS IN MASSACHUSETTS
August 2013
1
Table of Contents
Massachusetts State Tax Incentives
3
Mass Save® No-Cost Home Energy Assessment
4
Energy Efficiency Loans/Financings
5
Mass Save® HEAT Loan Program
Holyoke Gas & Electric - Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Program
Cash Rebates Programs
10
Mass Save® Electric
Mass Save® Gas/ Gas Networks
Mass Save® Weatherization Incentives
Mass Save® COOL SMART
Mass Save® Early Boiler Replacement Incentive Program
Commonwealth Small Pellet Boiler Grant Program
Commonwealth Woodstove Change-Out Pilot Program
Commonwealth Solar Hot Water Residential Program
Commonwealth Solar II Rebates
Commonwealth Wind Incentive Program – Micro Wind Initiative
Incentives for New Constructions & Major Renovations
12
Massachusetts New Homes with ENERGY STAR
National Grid’s Deep Energy Retrofits (DER) Pilot Incentives
Municipal Utility Programs
13
Cape Light Compact
MuniHELPS
Other Municipal Companies
Appendix
360Chestnut, Inc.
18
One Broadway, Cambridge MA 02142
(888) 316-8540
2
360Chestnut, Inc.
One Broadway, Cambridge MA 02142
(888) 316-8540
3
MASSACHUSETTS STATE TAX INCENTIVES
Massachusetts offers a number of tax credits and exemptions for residents who are interested
in purchasing and installing a renewable energy system on their property.
I. Personal Tax Credit
Massachusetts allows a 15% credit -- up to $1,000 -against their state income tax for the net
expenditure of a renewable-energy system (including
installation costs) installed on an individual’s primary
residence. If the credit amount is greater than a
resident's income tax liability, the excess credit
amount may be carried forward to the next
succeeding year for up to three years. Eligible
technologies include solar water and space heating,
photovoltaic (PV), and wind-energy systems. The
original use of the system must be with the taxpayer
filing for the credit, and the system should
reasonably be expected to remain in operation for at
least five years. To claim the tax credit, complete
Schedule EC on your state tax return
II. Renewable Property Tax Exemption
Massachusetts law provides that solar-energy systems
and wind-energy systems used as a primary or
auxiliary power system for the purpose of heating or
otherwise supplying the energy needs of taxable
property are exempt from local property tax for a
20-year period.
Attention Massachusetts
homeowners!
The Federal Residential Energy
Efficiency Tax Credit is once again
available for 2013. As part of the
fiscal package Congress passed in
early January 2013, the American
Taxpayer Relief Act extended the tax
credit that expired in 2011 to the
end of this year, as well as made it
retroactive to January 1st, 2012.
Therefore, it will apply to projects
you did last year as well as those
taken on this year. The tax credit
can count for 10 percent of the cost
of energy efficiency measures and up
to a cap of $500. Eligible measures
include improving building envelope
(insulation, roof, windows and
doors), upgrading heating and
cooling equipment (furnace, boiler,
water
heater,
central
air
conditioner, etc.)
Visit 360Chesnut to learn more about
current federal tax credits for
residential energy efficiency retrofits
and renewable energy projects.
This incentive applies only to the value added to a
property by an eligible system, according to the
Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources
(DOER). It does not constitute an exemption for the full amount of the property tax bill.
III. Renewable Energy Equipment Sales Tax Exemption
Massachusetts law exempts from the state's sales tax "equipment directly relating to any
solar, wind powered; or heat pump system, which is being utilized as a primary or auxiliary
power system for the purpose of heating or otherwise supplying the energy needs of an
individual's principal residence in the commonwealth." These include solar water heat, solar
space heat, photovoltaic, wind, geothermal heat pumps.
To file for this exemption, please complete Department of Revenue tax form ST-12:
http://www.mass.gov/dor/docs/dor/forms/wage-rpt/pdfs/st-12.pdf
360Chestnut, Inc.
One Broadway, Cambridge MA 02142
(888) 316-8540
4
MASS SAVE® NO-COST HOME ENERGY ASSESSMENT
A no-cost home energy assessment is available to Massachusetts residents in their home and
to landlords of 1-4 unit properties. A typical visit lasts between 1.5 to 2.5 hours and results in
a personalized report outlining recommended energy efficiency improvements. During the
visit, the specialist will check for air leakage and perform a variety of tests including infrared
testing, blower door test, and combustion safety. He or she will also install energy and watersaving measures at no cost (e.g. CFLs, programmable thermostats, faucet and shower head
aerators, etc.)
Residents are eligible for generous rebates and loan incentives under Mass Save to complete
the recommended energy efficiency measures.
Schedule your no-cost Home Energy Assessment with a Mass Save® Energy Specialist by calling
1-888-316-8540 or visit http://www.360chestnut.com/start_saving to sign up.
For owners and property managers of multi-family properties (5 or more units), Mass Save
Multifamily Retrofit Program offers comprehensive energy services. Contact Multi-Family
Retrofit Program at 1-800-594-7277 to learn how to participate or download the Mass
Save® Multi-family brochure.
360Chestnut, Inc.
One Broadway, Cambridge MA 02142
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5
ENERGY EFFICIENCY LOANS/ FINANCINGS
I. Mass Save® HEAT Loan
The HEAT loan is offered through the MassSAVE office and is available to customers of the
investor owned utilities in the state (NSTAR, Western Mass Electric, National Grid, Unitil) and
the Cape Light Compact. Interested homeowners must first have an energy efficient audit of
their home, and then they may qualify for a loan from a participating vendor. Three types of
loans are offered through the HEAT Loan program:
HEAT (Micro Loan): $500 - $2,000, 2 year 0% interest
HEAT (1-4 Unit, Owner Occupied): $2,000 - $25,000, 7 year 0% interest
HEAT (1-4 Unit, Non-owner Occupied): $5,000 - $25,000, 7 year 0% interest
Eligible Improvements for the HEAT loan:
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Attic, Wall, and Basement Insulation
High Efficiency Heating Systems
Air Source Heat Pumps
Geothermal
High Efficiency Domestic Hot Water Systems
Solar Hot Water Systems
7-Day Digital Programmable Thermostats
ENERGY STAR® Qualified Replacement Windows
Website: http://www.masssave.com/residential/heating-and-cooling/offers/heat-loanprogram
II. Holyoke Gas and Electric – Residential Energy Efficiency Loan
Holyoke Gas and Electric offers their eligible customers a loan incentive program to pay for
homeowners interested in installing new gas services. The loans are worth up to $5,000 with
0% interest assistance for single family homes, and up to $10,000 with 0% interest assistance
for owner-occupied multifamily dwellings with 4 or fewer units, with a maximum assistance
level of $5,000 per unit. The loan is repayable over up to 5 years.
Loans are also available for home energy improvements. Homeowners can be eligible for
loans up to $5,000 to cover energy efficiency improvements in their home. Eligible home
improvements for the Holyoke Gas and Electric loan:
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Central Air Conditioning
Gas Fired Warm Air Furnace
Gas Fired Steam Boilers
Gas Fired Hot Water Boilers
Gas Fired Instantaneous Hot Water Heaters
Gas Conversion Burners
360Chestnut, Inc.
One Broadway, Cambridge MA 02142
(888) 316-8540
6
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Indirect Water Heater (attached to a gas fired boiler)
Attic insulation
Wall insulation
Energy Star Replacement Windows and Doors
Energy Star Replacement Sky Lights
Basement Insulation
Heating and Hot Water Piping Insulation
Rim Joist Insulation
Storm Windows
Website: http://www.hged.com/html/incentive_programs.html#RECProgram
Program Guidelines: http://www.hged.com/rec_brochure_FINAL_091708.pdf
360Chestnut, Inc.
One Broadway, Cambridge MA 02142
(888) 316-8540
7
CASH REBATES PROGRAMS
I. Mass Save® Electric
Mass Save® offers an electricity rebate program, for existing homes, not only for new
construction. The program offers a number of rebates for electrical appliances, in addition to
the home energy assessment. Qualified low income residents can receive a free home energy
assessment, and can then be eligible to receiving a rebate covering the cost of
weatherization up to 75% or $2,000.
The specific appliance rebates and incentives offered through Mass Save® include:
Appliance
CFL, LED, and light fixtures
Advanced Power Strips
Room Air Conditioners
Room Air Cleaners
Freezers/ Refrigerators
Freezers/ Refrigerators
Refrigerator Recycling
Pool Pumps/ Controllers
Heat Pump Water Heater
Amount
In-store discount
In-store discount
$25
$40
$20/$30
$25/$50
$50
$200
$750
Qualifier
ENERGY STAR®
ENERGY STAR®; EER ≥ 10.8
ENERGY STAR®
ENERGY STAR®
Top Ten USATM
Recycling 2nd fridge
ENERGY STAR®
Visit Mass Save®: http://www.masssave.com/residential/lighting-and-appliances
II. Mass Save® Gas/ GasNetworks
Gas Networks has been organized since 1997 to promote efficient natural gas systems in
residential homes. Eligible rebates include:
Equipment
Programmable Thermostats
Wi-Fi Thermostats
Outdoor Boiler Reset Controls
Heat Recovery Ventilators
Warm Air Furnaces
Forced Hot Water Boilers
Storage Water Heaters
Indirect Water Heater
(attached to a natural gas
boiler)
Condensing gas water heater
On-demand tankless water
heater
Amount
$25 (up to 2)
$100
$225
$500
$300/$450
$1,000/ $1,500
$100
Qualifier
≥95% or ≥97% AFUE rating
equipped with Electronic
Commutated Motor
≥90% or ≥95% AFUE rating
ENERGY STAR®; Energy
Factor ≥0.67
$400
$500
Energy Factor ≥0.67
≥95% Thermal Efficiency
≥0.82 or ≥0.94 Energy Factor
Website: http://www.gasnetworks.com/efficiency/residential.asp
360Chestnut, Inc.
One Broadway, Cambridge MA 02142
(888) 316-8540
8
III. Mass Save® Weatherization Incentives
Mass Save currently offers for all homes an incentive of 75% up to $2000 for the installation of
approved insulation upgrades. A Mass Save Home Energy Assessment must be completed
before you can access this incentive.
Learn more here: http://www.masssave.com/residential/offers/weatherization
IV. Mass Save® COOL SMART
Through MassSAVE, residents can qualify for a $500 rebate on a central air conditioning and
ductless mini-split heat pump systems
Technical requirements and rebate amounts
Rebates
$150
Central A/C Air Source Heat Pump
$300
$500
$150
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump
$300
$500
SEER1
≥14.5
≥15
≥16
≥16
≥19
≥20
EER2
≥12
≥12.5
≥13
≥12
≥12.5
≥13
HSPF3
≥8.2
≥8.5
≥8.5
≥8.2
≥10
≥10
1SEER—Seasonal
Energy Efficiency Ratio.
Efficiency Ratio is a measure of instantaneous cooling efficiency.
3HSPF—Heating Seasonal Performance Factor
2EER—Energy
Website: http://www.masssave.com/about-mass-save/programs/cool-smart
V. Mass Save® Early Boiler Replacement
The Early Boiler Replacement Rebate offers incentives from $1,750 -$4,000 to encourage
Mass Save customers to proactively upgrade their aging boiler. By replacing their heating
equipment with high-efficiency unit, it will help Massachusetts residents to offset rising
energy costs and significantly reduce heating costs.
System Type
Forced Hot
Water Boiler
Steam Boiler
Forced Hot
Water Boiler
Fuel Type
Natural
Gas,
Propane
Natural
Gas,
Propane,
Oil
Oil
Min.
AFUE
Owner
Occupied
Non-Owner
Occupied
≥90%
$3,500
$4,000
≥82%
$1,900
$1,900
≥85%
$1,750
$1,750
Eligibility: Mass Save Home Energy
Assessment must be scheduled
between May 31, 2013 and August
31, 2013. And boiler must be
installed before October 31, 2013.
Existing boiler must be functional
and be at least 30 years old.
Website: http://www.masssave.com/residential/offers/early-boiler-replacement-rebate
360Chestnut, Inc.
One Broadway, Cambridge MA 02142
(888) 316-8540
9
VI. Commonwealth Small Pellet Boiler Grant Program
Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and the Department of Energy Resources
(DOER) dedicated $475,000 to a pilot program to provide grants to residents and property
owners who install high-efficiency, low-particulate matter wood pellet boilers or furnaces.
This grant is available as first-come, first-serve basis; and it can be combined with other state
and local incentives.
To be eligible for the grant, the installed boiler or furnace must be used in a year-round
residence or small business where the buildings occupants pays into the Massachusetts
Renewable Energy Trust, including customers of investor-owned utilities – National Grid,
NSTAR, Western Massachusetts Electric Company, Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light (Unitil) and
participating municipal lighting plats (Ashburnham, Holden, Holyoke, Russell and Templeton).
The grant structures include:
Base Grant
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Wood-Pellet boiler and furnace central heating units (bulk storage required) $7,000
Adders
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Automated conveyance of fuel - $3,000
Thermal storage - $2,000
Solar thermal hybrid system - $1,000
Moderate Income Adder OR Moderate Home Value Adder - $2,000
Download Program Manual, Application & Forms here.
Visit 360Chestnut’s Biomass Heating page to learn more about which high efficient boilers or
furnaces are right for your homes.
VII. Commonwealth Woodstove Change-Out Pilot Program
Eligible Massachusetts residents can receive rebate voucher for replacing coal stoves and nonEPA certified woodstoves or fireplace inserts with high efficiency, low emission, woodstoves
or fireplace inserts. MassCEC, the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and the
Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) have dedicated over $900,000 through the
two rounds of the program.
Replacement stoves or inserts must meet the following technical requirements:
a. Catalytic Converter 2.5 g/hr PM or
b. Non Catalytic Converter: 4.5 g/hr PM and
c. Minimum 70% efficiency
(g/hr is grams per hour of Particular Matter 2.5 Micrometers in diameter and smaller)
Low income residents who qualify for the program are eligible for a flat $2,000 rebate, and
standard residential customers who qualify for the program are eligible for a flat $1,000
360Chestnut, Inc.
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rebate. Visit http://www.masscec.com/programs/woodstove-change-out to check the
program status and funding availability.
VIII. Commonwealth Solar Hot Water Residential Program
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) runs a rebate program for eligible utility
customers to install a solar hot water heater. Commonwealth Solar Hot Water rebates are
available to electricity customers served by the following Massachusetts investor-owned
electric utilities: Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light (Unitil), National Grid, NSTAR Electric and
Western Massachusetts Electric. In addition, customers of certain municipal lighting plant
(MLP) including Ashburnham, Templeton, Holden, Holyoke and Russell utilities are eligible.
Only residents that live in territories that contribute to the MassCEC Renewable Energy Trust
Fund are eligible for the rebate. In July 2012, the program was extended through 2016.
The system must be installed in a year round occupied building with 1-4 units. Rebates are
capped at $3,500 or at 25% of the installation cost. Residents can receive an additional $1,500
to cover the costs of a meter installation if the homeowner signs up for the MassCEC
performance monitoring program, and an additional $200 if the system includes parts that are
manufactured in Massachusetts.
Website: http://www.masscec.com/programs/commonwealth-solar-hot-water
IX. Commonwealth Solar II Rebates
Through MassCEC, the Commonwealth Solar II program offers rebates for residents who install
solar photovoltaic (PV). Eligible residents must be customers of a Massachusetts Utility that
collects the Renewable Energy Distribution Charge from their customers, which helps to fund
the Renewable Energy Trust Fund. Residential solar panels must be installed by a The
Renewable Energy Trust Fund finances the Commonwealth Solar II program. These include
Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light (Unitil), National Grid, NSTAR Electric and Western
Massachusetts Electric. In addition, customers of certain municipal lighting plant (MLP)
utilities are now eligible including Ashburnham, Holden, Holyoke, Russell, and Templeton.
Funding is released in "blocks" every quarter. Currently, Block 15 is open for applications with
$1.5 million in funding. The program is open until September 30, 2013, or until funding has
been exhausted.
Rebates are awarded based on watts DC (direct current). The baseline rebate is $0.40/ watt
DC for installed systems up to 5,000 watts. Additional rebates are added for moderate
income households, determined to be at 120% of area median household income. If your
household income is at $95,420 or less, you can be eligible for an additional $0.40/watt in
rebates.
Other available adders include $0.05/watt for using Massachusetts company components and
$1.00/watt Natural Disaster Relief Adder.
Website: http://www.masscec.com/programs/commonwealth-solar-ii
360Chestnut, Inc.
One Broadway, Cambridge MA 02142
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X. Commonwealth Wind Incentive Program – Micro Wind Initiative
Rebates are available through the Commonwealth Wind Incentive Program for residents who
are interested in on-site micro wind power. Rebates are available up to $5.20/watt with a
maximum of $100,000 for design and construction of private residential use project.
Website: http://www.masscec.com/solicitations/commonwealth-wind-small-wind
360Chestnut, Inc.
One Broadway, Cambridge MA 02142
(888) 316-8540
12
INCENTIVES FOR NEW CONSTRUCTIONS & MAJOR RENOVATIONS
I. Massachusetts New homes with ENERGY STAR
Through the Mass Save® program, residents who are building new homes in Massachusetts can
build a certified ENERGY STAR home. Rebates are offered for comprehensive whole building
measures, and are offered on a tiered scaled, based on the energy performance of the home
compared to the state baseline, or model home. The three tiers for the New Homes with
ENERGY STAR program in MA are:
Tier I: $750 -15% improvement or better over MA baseline
Tier II: $1,250 -30% improvement or better over MA baseline
Tier III: $8,000-45% improvement or better over MA baseline
Interested applicants must first have a certified Home Energy Rater Services (HERS) company
inspect the house. After having a HERS rater, applicants may send in a completed application.
Homeowners may qualify for program incentives even without reaching the NSTAR rating.
Website: http://www.masssave.com/residential/offers/12-homes-rebates
II. National Grid’s Deep Energy Retrofit (DER) Pilot Incentives
National Grid, one of major investor-owned utilities in Massachusetts, offers high-level
incentives to its residential customers who plan to complete major home renovation and are
interested in complete deep energy retrofit and invest in extensive energy efficiency
measures. The program will subsidize an incentive of up to $42,000 toward the costs of the
renovation project. The incentive amounts vary based on the number of the units in a building
and often amount to between 20%-40% of the overall project cost. The retrofit must be able
to deliver a minimum of 50% reduction in total home energy consumption with greater
incentive available if the project reaches higher performance levels of Passive House or Net
Zero Energy. A scope of a deep energy retrofit project often comprises of adding a large
amount of wall and attic insulation, installing highly energy-efficient windows or heating
system.
Website: https://www1.nationalgridus.com/DeepEnergyRetrofit-MA-RES
360Chestnut, Inc.
One Broadway, Cambridge MA 02142
(888) 316-8540
13
MUNICIPAL UTILITY PROGRAMS
Many utility customers work with the Mass Save® programs to provide access to their
customers to state programs, so a customer interested in rebates and other incentives should
always check with their own utility first, both their heat and gas and their electric utility.
Investor owned utilities work with the state through programs such as Mass Save® and the
Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), but some municipal utility programs opt in to
these programs. Many municipal companies offer their own individual incentive and appliance
rebate programs.
I. Cape Light Compact
The Cape Light Compact offers many rebate options for Cape residents, and is their local
source for many statewide programs, such as the free home energy assessment and the
Energy Star Homes rebate. Those incentives are:
Home Energy Assessment/Weatherization: 75% up to $2,000
Single Family Energy Star Home: $750 - $8,000
Multi-Family Energy Star Home: $350 - $4,000/unit
Income Eligible Weatherization Measures: 100% of cost
Income Eligible Refrigerator Replacement: $150
Appliances
Programmable Thermostat (2): $25
Chimney Balloon: $35
Heating System Controls: $100
Central AC/Heat Pump: $150 - $500
Solar Water Heater: $500-$1,500
Heat Pump Water Heater: $750
Refrigerator/Freezer: $50
Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $50
Room Air Cleaner: $40
Pool Pump: $200
Oil/Propane Heating Equipment
Furnace: $100
Furnace w/ECM: $400
Steam Boiler: $200
Hot Water Boiler: $500
on Demand/Indirect Water Heater: $25
Website: http://www.capelightcompact.org/rebates-applications/residential-rebate/
II. MuniHELPS
The Municipal Home Energy Loss Prevention Service is an organization of many different local
utility companies that offer an array of incentives for homeowners. The following utility
companies offer programs to their customers
Ashburnham Rebate Program
Boylston Rebate Program
Chicopee Rebate Program
Holyoke Rebate Program
Hull Rebate Program
Ipswich Rebate Program
Marblehead Rebate Program
Paxton Rebate Program
360Chestnut, Inc.
Princeton Rebate Program
Russell Rebate Program
Shrewsbury Rebate Program
South Hadley Appliance Rebate Program
Sterling Rebate Program
Templeton Rebate Program
Wakefield Rebate Program
Westfield Rebate Program
One Broadway, Cambridge MA 02142
(888) 316-8540
14
MuniHELPS Home Energy Efficiency Program
Municipal light Department
Ashburnham, Boylston, Paxton,
South Hadley, Sterling, Templeton
Incentive Levels
25% of costs up to $300
Chicopee, Westfield – insulation only
30% of costs up to $300
Holyoke, Marblehead, Shrewsbury and Wakefield each has their own incentive and rebate
program for energy efficiency. Customers should contact their electric utility to find out
further information.
Website: http://www.munihelps.org/energy-rebate-programs.html
III. Other Municipal Companies
Chicopee Electric Light
Clothes Washer: $50
Refrigerator: $50
Freezer: $50
Dishwasher: $50
Programmable Thermostat: $25
Room Air Conditioner: $25
Central A/C: $100
Insulation: 30% of installed cost up to $300
Website: http://www.celd.com/
Concord Municipal Light
CFLs/LEDs Bulb: $3
Exit Signs: $3
Refrigerators/Freezers: $100
Washing Machines: $50
Room Air Conditioners: $50
Dishwashers: $50
Dehumidifiers: $50
Central AC: $100 - $175/ton
Electric Heat Weatherization: 40% of cost
Electric Thermal Storage Heater: $100/kW
Website:
http://www.concordma.gov/pages/ConcordMA_LightPlant/Rebates%20and%20Programs
360Chestnut, Inc.
One Broadway, Cambridge MA 02142
(888) 316-8540
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Mansfield Municipal Light
Mansfield Municipal Light customers can receive a total amount of rebates worth $100/ year.
Central AC: $100
Refrigerators: $100
Clothes Washing Machines: $100
Dishwashers: $75
Dehumidifiers: $50
Window Air Conditioners: $50
Program information: http://www.mansfieldelectric.com/consumerforms/Appliance-RebateApp.pdf
Marblehead Municipal Light
Insulation Upgrade: 50% of the cost for the upgrade up to $1600
Refrigerators: $100, plus $25 for disposal of old refrigerator
Clothes Washers: $50 - $100
Dishwashers: $25 - $50
Room A/C Units: 50% of purchase price up to $50
Central A/C: $325 - $525, varies by efficiency and technology
Heat Pumps: $325 - $675, varies by efficiency and technology
Programmable Thermostat: up to 50% of the purchase price
Dehumidifiers: $20
Appliance rebate information: http://www.marbleheadelectric.com/96_Rebate_guide_for_MMLD.pdf
Insulation rebate information: http://www.marbleheadelectric.com/index.php?id=182
Reading Municipal Light
Refrigerator: $50
Washing Machine: $50
Dishwasher: $50
Room A/C: $25
Dehumidifier: $25
Programmable Thermostat:$15 (limit 2)
Central AC: $100
Air Source Heat Pump: $100
Electric Heat Pump Water Heater: $250
Appliance Rebate Program information:
http://www.rmld.com/Pages/rmldma_residential/rebate.pdf
360Chestnut, Inc.
One Broadway, Cambridge MA 02142
(888) 316-8540
16
Shrewsbury Electric
Clothes Washer: $50
Refrigerator: $50
Dish Washer: $50
Room Air Conditioner: $25
Appliance Rebate Program Information: http://www.shrewsburyma.gov/egov/docs/123135451491.htm
Taunton Municipal Light
Insulation rebate, covering 50% of cost of installation up to $500 for the following:
Attic insulation
Wall insulation
Rim Joist insulation
Window Treatments insulation
Pipe and Duct insulation
Hot Water Tank Wrap
Addition rebates offered for the following appliances:
Clothes Washer: $50
Refrigerator: $50
Dish Washer: $50
Room Air Conditioner: $25
Insulation Program Information:
http://www.tmlp.com/pdf/HouseHome%20Announcement.pdf
Appliance Rebate Information: http://www.tmlp.com/pdf/NewRebateBrochure.pdf
Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light
Energy Audit Recommended Measures: 25% of total cost up to $3000
Refrigerators: $50
Clothes Washer: $50
Dishwasher: $50
Room AC: $50
Central AC: $100
Dehumidifiers: $25
Programmable Thermostats: $25
Water Heater: $100
Appliance Rebate Information: http://www.wmgld.com/pdfs/RebateBrochure.pdf
Wellesley Municipal Light
Refrigerator: $100
Clothes Washing Machine: $75
360Chestnut, Inc.
One Broadway, Cambridge MA 02142
(888) 316-8540
17
Central AC: $100
Room AC Unit: $50
Dishwasher: $75
Dehumidifier: $50
Program Information:
http://www.ci.wellesley.ma.us/Pages/WellesleyMA_WMLP/Appliance%20Rebate%20Applicatio
n%202010.pdf
360Chestnut, Inc.
One Broadway, Cambridge MA 02142
(888) 316-8540
18
APPENDIX
About the series:
Given the growing interest of homeowners in reducing home energy costs, incentive
programs, in forms of tax credits, rebates, and low-interest loans/grants, are potential
resources for homeowners to offset the costs and to finance home energy-related projects.
This document is part of a series of reports developed by 360Chestnut to aid residential
consumers in navigating the incentive and policy landscape when it comes to financing home
energy improvement projects. These case studies are compilation of state, local/municipal,
and utility incentive programs for residential energy efficiency improvements and renewable
energy projects. Additional documents in the Residential Energy Efficiency & Renewable
Energy Incentive Programs series are available online at 360Chestnut website.
About 360Chestnut:
360Chestnut is dedicated to helping you make your home more healthy, energy
efficient and sustainable. Our goal is to be a one-stop information resource for consumers to
help them determine cost-effective home improvement projects, locate financial incentives
for energy retrofits and renewable energy projects, and connect with certified contractors
within our trusted network of service providers. Here at 360Chestnut, you can Save Energy,
Save Money, and Live Better.
Check out our website, blog, and 360Chestnut TV for the most up-to-date information
and useful tips on how to make your home more energy efficient and create a healthier and
more sustainable living environment. Visit 360Chestnut online store for a wide range of
energy-saving products for your home and business.
This report was originally prepared by Kaitlin Kelly, who was an intern at 360Chestnut during
the summer 2012. Kaitlin recently earned her Master’s in Urban and Environmental Policy and
Planning at Tufts University and has been working as a legislative aide at the Massachusetts
State House since 2008. This report was subsequently updated by Tung Huynh of 360Chestnut
to reflect the most recent and accurate incentive information.
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MA Public Utility Service Provider Maps:
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UTILITY PROGRAM ADMINISTRATORS
Rated #1 in the country for energy efficiency policies by the American Council for an
Energy Efficiency Economy (ACEEE) in 2012, Massachusetts offers many programs promoting
energy efficiency. These programs range from basic home energy audits to long term low
interest rate loans for major home energy improvement projects. Programs are offered at the
state level as well as by many local utility companies. While there is a broad array of
programs offered throughout the state, with some research you will be able to navigate the
programs that are most applicable to you.
The major administrators of energy efficiency programs in the state are MassSAVE,
GasNetworks, and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC); smaller utility
companies often offer their own incentives for their customers. Eligibility for the major
programs is often dependent on whether a utility is part of the network, or contributes to the
state funding source that supplies funding for the programs.
Mass Save® is an initiative sponsored by Massachusetts’ gas and electric utilities and
energy efficiency service providers. The Sponsors of Mass Save work closely with the
Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) to provide a wide range of services,
incentives, and information promoting energy efficiency that help residents and businesses
manage energy use and related costs.
The Mass Save program is administered by eight large utilities and service providers in the
state. All utility customers with a facility that buys from one of these eight companies are
eligible for the MassSAVE home energy assessment and rebates. These utilities include
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In 1997 natural gas utilities in Massachusetts came together to form a network to
deliver information and updates about energy efficiency to its member companies.
GasNetworks provides information workshops, trains plumbers and HVAC technicians, as well
as provides a variety of rebate and incentives for the utility customers of their member
companies.
The gas service providers of GasNetorks include:
Columbia Gas
Berkshire Gas
New England Gas Company
NSTAR
Fitchburg Gas and Electric (Unitil)
National Grid
Liberty Utilities
Residents that are in an area covered by a municipal utility company also have access
to many local utility rebate options. Some utility companies participate in joint programs,
such as the MuniHELPS program or the Gas Network. These programs offer financial assistance
and rebates to customers within the network.
Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) offers a number of renewable energy
and energy efficiency programs as part of their role as the state quasi-public entity to support
renewable energy production and innovation. The main source of funding for these programs
is the Renewable Energy Trust Fund, which was created in 1997. The fund is supported by a
mandatory charge of $0.0005 per kilowatt-hour, which is automatically assessed on all
customers of investor owned utilities and competitive municipal utilities in the state, which
can choose to opt in to the program. Utility companies must pay into the Renewable Energy
Trust in order to qualify for the incentive programs the MassCEC offers. The utilities that are
eligible for the MassCEC incentives include:
Investor Owned Utilities
Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light (Unitil)
National Grid
NSTAR Electric
Western Massachusetts Electric
Municipal Light Plants
Ashburnham, Templeton, Holden, Holyoke and Russell
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Municipal Utility Companies
There are 40 municipal utility companies in Massachusetts. Since they are not required
to participate in many energy efficiency programs as the Investor Owned Utilities, many offer
their own energy efficiency rebates to their customers. As noted above, five municipal light
plants have signed agreements with the MassCEC to assess the surcharge to fund the
Renewable Energy Trust Fund, making their customers eligible for MassCEC programs.
360Chestnut, Inc.
One Broadway, Cambridge MA 02142
(888) 316-8540