AARC - Energy Efficiencies for Low Income Residents

Energy Efficiency
 
Energy efficiency seeks to reduce the amount of energy required for energy related services, such as heating, cooling, hot water, and lighting, and is applicable to all building sizes and types.​ Lowering energy use to provide these services often decreases energy costs.  The energy efficiency process typically begins with a home energy assessment or energy audit during which an energy specialist identifies opportunities to reduce energy use. (Assessments through Mass Save® may be offered virtually due to COVID-19.)  Energy efficiency opportunities may include one or more of the following:
 
Instant Savings Measures or Products: Measures/products that immediately save energy upon installation (e.g., LED lightbulbs, advanced power strips, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and efficient thermostats.)
Weatherization: Improvements to the building envelope to seal air leaks (e.g., around doors, windows, or in the attic) or add insulation (e.g. wall or attic insulation.)
Equipment and Appliances: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment as well as hot water equipment and other appliances (e.g. clothes washers, refrigerators, etc.) often use a significant amount of energy in a home. Replacing inefficient equipment or appliances with more efficient options can save money and energy.
 
To meet customers’ unique needs, program options will vary based on building and occupant type, as well as utility provider. Visit the pages below to learn more about program offerings applicable to you:
 
For customers of:
National Grid:
 
Eversource:
 
Unitil:
           https://unitil.com/
 
For Municipal Light Plant Customers:
Ashburnham:
 
Sterling:
 
Templeton :
 
 
Energy Efficiency for Renters/Tenants
 
Benefits of Energy Efficiency for Renters/Tenants:
Energy efficiency can help renters that pay their own utility bills save money on energy.   Utility bill savings can come from “instant-saving” energy efficient products installed “in-unit”, such as LED light bulbs, advanced power strips and efficient thermostats, as well as from “whole building” upgrades that must be authorized by the landlord such as weatherization and equipment/appliance replacement. 
Energy efficiency can also help renters by improving comfort and indoor air quality.  Certain energy efficiency improvements, such as weatherization and heating/cooling equipment upgrades, help make indoor space more comfortable and improve indoor air quality.
Reduced energy costs associated with energy efficiency may allow landlords to make other needed building improvements.
 
Most energy efficiency technologies require landlord permission in order to implement them.  Renters can maximize benefits from energy efficiency by referring their landlord to Mass Save or other applicable efficiency programs. Energy efficiency programs offerings are based on the number of units the buildings. Select the appropriate housing type below to learn more about offerings that may be available, including special programs that cover the full cost of recommended efficiency improvement based on your household income:
1-4 Units
Multifamily (5+) Units
 
1-4 Units
Mass Save Market Rate Program
Mass Save provides a no-cost energy assessment and installation of recommended in-unit instant savings products, including LED light bulbs, advanced power strips, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and efficient thermostats. The assessment also provides a custom home energy report with tips on how to save energy.
However, tenants cannot authorize upgrades like weatherization or equipment/appliance replacement without landlord permission. To unlock additional potential savings, tenants should refer their landlord or property manager to Mass Save for Landlords.
To get started, call Mass Save at 1-866-527-7283 to schedule a home energy assessment.  Or, refer your landlord  or property manager to Mass Save for Landlords
 
Mass Save Income Eligible Program
The Mass Save Income Eligible Program provides a no-cost energy assessment and no-cost installation of recommended in-unit instant savings products, including LED light bulbs, advanced power strips, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and efficient thermostats. The assessment also provides a custom home energy report with tips on how to save energy.
Based on your household income, your home may be eligible for no cost weatherization or equipment/appliance replacement. However, tenants cannot authorize upgrades like weatherization or equipment/appliance replacement without landlord permission. To unlock additional potential savings, tenants should refer their landlord or property manager to the program.
Income eligibility is determined based on the Annual Household Incomes below:
Number of Household Members
Annual Household Income
1
Up to $40,951
2
Up to $53,551
3
Up to $66,151
4
Up to $78,751
5
Up to $91,351
6
Up to $103,951
7Up to $106,314
8Up to $108,676
9Up to $111,039
10Up to $113,401
To get started, contact your local Community Action Program (CAP).  Find your CAP Agency using information on the Mass Save website.  Or, refer your landlord to your CAP agency.
 
Multifamily (5+) Units
Mass Save Multifamily Program
Renters in multifamily properties with 5 or more units should refer their landlord or property manager to the Mass Save Multifamily Program. Mass Save will conduct a no-cost energy assessment for the property to identify recommended efficiency upgrades and associated incentives or rebates.  Recommendations may include, but are not limited to, energy efficient lighting, occupancy sensors, insulation, programmable thermostats, heating/cooling or hot water system replacements, and ENERGY STAR certified appliances.
To get started, refer your landlord or property manager to the Mass Save Multifamily Program.
 
Low Income Energy Affordability Network (LEAN) Multifamily Program
Multifamily properties where at least 50% of households are income-eligible should refer their landlord or property manager to the LEAN Multifamily Program.  Households with incomes at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI) are considered income-eligible.  LEAN will conduct a no-cost energy assessment and install recommended upgrades at no cost.  Recommendations may include, but are not limited to, energy efficient lighting, occupancy sensors, insulation, programmable thermostats, heating or hot water system replacements, and ENERGY STAR certified appliances.
Income-eligible renters can request an individual audit of their housing unit and receive recommended in-unit “instant savings products” that do not require landlord/owner permission (e.g., high efficiency LED bulbs, advanced power strips, low-flow showerheads, etc.).
To get started, contact LEAN through the chat option or webform on the bottom of the LEAN Multifamily website. You can also refer your landlord or property manager to the LEAN Multifamily Program.
 
Energy Efficiency for Property Owners
 
Benefits of Energy Efficiency for Homeowners, Landlords, and Property Managers: 
Energy efficiency can reduce utility bills.  Utility bill savings can come from “instant saving” energy efficient products installed “in-unit”, such as LED light bulbs, advanced power strips and efficient thermostats, as well as from “whole building” upgrades such as weatherization and equipment/appliance replacement. 
Reduced energy costs associated with energy efficiency may allow homeowners and landlords to make other needed building improvements.
Energy efficiency can also help improve comfort and indoor air quality.  Certain energy efficiency improvements, such as weatherization and heating/cooling system upgrades, help make indoor space more comfortable and improve indoor air quality.  
 
Energy efficiency program offerings are based on the number of units in the buildings. Select the appropriate housing type below to learn more about offerings that may be available, including special programs that provide additional or full subsidy based on the household income of property owners or tenants:
  • 1-4 Units
  • Multifamily (5+) Units
1-4 Units
Mass Save Market Rate Program
Mass Save provides a no-cost energy assessment and installation of recommended instant savings products, including LED light bulbs, advanced power strips, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and efficient thermostats. The assessment also includes a custom home energy report with recommended efficiency upgrades, next steps, and available incentives and rebates.
Recommended weatherization actions will be offered at a 75% discount. Higher discounts are available depending on the property owner’s or tenant’s income, or whether the property is a rental property.
Zero percent interest financing, up to $25,000, is available for eligible upgrades through the HEAT Loan program.
To get started, call Mass Save at 1-866-527-7283 to schedule an assessment or contact a contractor directly.
 
Mass Save Enhanced Residential
Number of Household Members
Annual Household Income
1
$40,952 - $54,601
2
$53,552 - $71,401
3
$66,152 - $88,201
4
$78,752 - $105,001
5
$91,352 - $121,802
6
$103,952 - $138,602
  • Mass Save provides a no-cost energy assessment and installation of recommended instant savings products, including LED light bulbs, advanced power strips, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and efficient thermostats. The assessment also includes a custom home energy report with recommended efficiency upgrades, next steps, and available incentives and rebates.
  • Recommended weatherization actions will be offered at no cost.
  • Grants are available to remove barriers that would otherwise prevent completion of upgrades (e.g., asbestos, vermiculite, knob and tube wiring) provided that upgrades are completed.
  • Zero percent interest financing, up to $25,000, is available for eligible upgrades through the through the HEAT Loan program.  (Financing of up to $50,000 is available for 2-4 unit homes through the Expanded Loan Option.)
  • To get started, determine if you are eligible and call Mass Save at 1-866-527-7283 to schedule a no-cost energy assessment.
Mass Save Income Eligible Program
The Mass Save Income Eligible Program is available to property owners who meet the income eligibility requirements as outlined in the table below and to properties where at least 50% of tenant households meet these requirements.
Number of Household Members
Annual Household Income
1
Up to $40,951
2
Up to $53,551
3
Up to $66,151
4
Up to $78,751
5
Up to $91,351
6
Up to $103,951
7Up to $106,314
8Up to $108,676
9Up to $111,039
10Up to $113,401
Mass Save provides a no-cost energy assessment and installation of no-cost instant savings products, including LED light bulbs, advanced power strips, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and efficient thermostats. The assessment also includes a custom home energy report with recommended efficiency upgrades and next steps.
Recommended weatherization actions will be offered at no cost.
There is no cost to remove barriers that would otherwise prevent completion of recommended upgrades (e.g., knob and tube wiring, asbestos) provided that upgrades are completed.
To get started, contact your local Community Action Program using information on the Mass Save website.
 
Mass Save Landlord Program for 1-4 Unit Properties
Landlords of 1-4 unit rental properties may be eligible for the Mass Save Landlord Program.  Note that owners and occupants of attached 2-4 unit condominiums may join with other condo owners in the building to become eligible for this program.
Mass Save will provide a no-cost energy assessment and installation of no-cost in-unit instant savings products, including LED light bulbs, advanced power strips, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and programmable thermostats. The assessment also includes a custom home energy report with recommended efficiency upgrades, next steps, and available incentives and rebates.
Recommended weatherization actions will be offered at a 90% discount, when all units participate.
Mass Save Renovations and Additions
  • The Mass Save Renovations and Additions program provides incentives to property owners for incorporating energy efficient upgrades that go beyond efficiency requirements required by the building code into renovations and/or additions at existing homes that are 3 stories or less. To be eligible, the application process must be started before construction begins, and the renovation or addition must be at least 500 square feet.  
  • To get started, determine if your project is eligible and fill out an interest form or work directly with a third party verifier or HERS rater.
Multifamily (5+) Units
Market Rate Multifamily Program
The Mass Save Multifamily Program provides a no-cost energy assessment and installation of recommended in-unit instant savings products, including LED light bulbs, advanced power strips, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and efficient thermostats.
The assessment provides a custom home energy report with recommended efficiency upgrades for the building as a whole, next steps, and available incentives and rebates.
Recommended improvements may include, but are not limited to, energy efficient lighting, occupancy sensors, insulation, programmable thermostats, high efficiency heating, cooling, or hot water equipment, and ENERGY STAR certified appliances.
To get started, call Mass Save at 1-866-527-7283 to schedule an assessment.
 
Low Income Energy Affordability Network (LEAN) Multifamily Program
  • Multifamily properties where at least 50% of households are income-eligible qualify for the LEAN Multifamily Program.  Households with incomes at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI) are considered income-eligible.  (If fewer than 50% of tenants are income eligible, there may be higher discounts for recommended improvements as compared to discounts through the Mass Save Multifamily program.  In addition,  income-eligible tenants may be served individually through LEAN Multifamily.)  Public housing authorities, as well as non-profit or for-profit owners/managers, are eligible to apply. 
  • From start to finish, LEAN will manage everything and install recommended improvements at no-cost.
    • LEAN will send out an expert to assess how they can help improve the energy efficiency of your property.
  • The assessment provides a custom report with recommended efficiency improvements for the building as a whole and next steps.
  • Recommended improvements will be installed at no cost. Recommendations may include, but are not limited to, energy efficient lighting, occupancy sensors, insulation, programmable thermostats, high efficiency heating, cooling, or hot water equipment, and ENERGY STAR certified appliances. 
  • LEAN will schedule, manage, and oversee all of the energy efficiency improvements made to your building. 
  • LEAN will also do a final comprehensive inspection of the work completed to ensure it was done effectively and professionally.
  • To get started, fill out the application form on the LEAN Multifamily webpage.
Energy Efficiency for Municipal Light Plant Customers
 
Municipal light plants (MLPs) are electricity and/or natural gas providers that are owned, maintained, and operated by the municipality. Forty-one (41) communities in Massachusetts are served by MLPs. MLP customers are eligible for the set of energy efficiency programs provided by their MLP or associated partner programs through Energy New England (ENE) or Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC).
 
* Note: MLP electric customers who receive natural gas from Berkshire Gas, Blackstone Gas Company, Columbia Gas, Eversource, Liberty Utilities, National Grid, or Unitil are eligible for a no-cost home energy assessment through Mass Save, and may qualify for Mass Save weatherization incentives, heating/hot water equipment rebates, or zero percent financing for qualifying energy efficiency improvements through the HEAT Loan program or the Expanded Heat Loan Program.  Note that, for these customers, the HEAT loan is not available for central air conditioning, heat pumps, or heat pump water heaters.
 
  • Ashburnham
  • Sterling
  • Templeton
  • Groton
Energy New England (ENE) Home Energy Assessment
  • Customers of MLPs partnered with ENE are eligible for a free home energy assessment to identify heating, lighting and weatherization opportunities that can save money on electric and heating bills. Following the visit, customers will receive a Home Energy Assessment report that identifies potential improvements and your MLP’s rebates and incentives. The ENE website also hosts information on a number of other energy efficiency and clean energy opportunities available to its MLP customers.
  • To get started, review the list of MLPs served by ENE. If your MLP is listed, complete an online intake form or call 888-772-4242 to schedule an appointment.
Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC) HELPS:
  • Customers of MLPs partnered with MMWEC are eligible for the Home Energy Loss Prevention Services (HELPS) program.  This program provides a free home energy assessment to identify heating, lighting and weatherization opportunities that can save money on electric and heating bills, as well as assistance with home energy improvements and ENERGY STAR appliance rebates.  The HELPs website also hosts information on a number of other energy efficiency and clean energy opportunities available to MMWEC customers.
  • To get started, review the list of MLPs served by MMWEC. If your MLP is listed, call 888-333-7525 to schedule an appointment.
Clean Energy Technologies
 
A number of clean, efficient technologies can help Massachusetts homeowners save money on their heating, cooling, and electricity bills while protecting the environment and maintaining a high level of comfort.  These technologies include the following:
  • Clean Heating & Cooling: Air-source heat pumps (including cold-climate mini splits) and ground-source heat pumps provide efficient heating and cooling and can save money on heating and cooling costs.  They can also reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating or cooling, and provide an alternative to electric resistance heat (i.e., electric baseboard), oil, propane, or other fossil-fuel powered heating/cooling technologies .
  • Hot Water: Heat pump water heaters and solar hot water systems can reduce water heating costs and greenhouse gas emissions associated with water heating.  They provide an alternative to electric or fossil fuel (oil, natural gas, or propane) hot water systems.
  • Solar Photovoltaic (PV): Solar PV systems use sunlight to produce electricity and can save money on energy bills through reduced electric costs.  PV systems can be installed and connected to the building’s electrical system to meet on-site electricity demands.  Solar PV can be paired with energy storage to capture “excess” electricity so that it can be used at times when the PV system cannot produce enough to meet the immediate electricity needs for the home (e.g. at night.).
  • Energy Storage: Battery technology stores electricity generated from the grid or from accompanying renewable sources (e.g., solar PV systems).  The stored electricity is then available to be discharged at a later time to meet on-site electricity demands or demands from the grid. Battery storage paired with on-site solar can help ensure that electricity produced by an on-site solar PV system is fully utilized by the home/building at the site.  Battery owners can earn incentives for reducing the load on the grid during peak times by participating in an active demand management program, which allows their electric utility provider to draw energy stored in the battery during times of peak electricity demand to help balance out the electric grid and avoid the use of energy from “peaker plants.”
  • Electric Vehicles (EVs): There are a variety of different electric vehicle technologies on the market. The most common include plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). Plug-in hybrid vehicles use both an electric motor, powered by a battery and an internal combustion engine that runs on gasoline, and can be plugged in to an electrical outlet to recharge. Battery electric vehicles use an electric motor powered by a battery, and fuel cell electric vehicles use a fuel cell, instead of a battery (or in combination with a battery or supercapacitor), to power an electric motor.
There are several programs, including programs through Mass Save, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) that offer incentives to help residents access clean energy technologies. In many cases, incentives from different programs can be combined to help make clean energy technologies more financially feasible.
 
Note: Rebate, incentive, and financing programs are not available to all MLP customers. If you are served by an MLP, be sure to verify your eligibility for the program before applying.
 
Clean Heating & Cooling
 
Mass Save Clean Heating & Cooling Rebates
  • Homeowners may be eligible to receive a rebate from Mass Save for replacing oil, propane, or electric resistance heat with high efficiency electric air source heat pumps.
  • Zero percent interest financing through the HEAT Loan is available for eligible clean heating and cooling technologies.
  • To get started, view heat pump details and apply online or download a mail-in form.
Incentives for Heat Pumps Through the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (APS)
Hot Water
 
Mass Save Hot Water Rebates
  • Mass Save offers rebates for high efficiency heat pump water heaters.
  • Zero percent interest financing through the HEAT Loan is available for eligible water heating technology.
  • To get started, view appliance details and apply online or download a mail-in form.
MassCEC Solar Hot Water Program
  • MassCEC provides rebates for solar hot water systems in 1-4 family homes (Residential Program) and multifamily buildings (Commercial-Scale Program). Additional incentives are available for households with incomes below 120% of the state median income.
  • To get started, homeowners should select a solar hot water installer and solicit proposals. The installer will submit the rebate application on the homeowner’s behalf.
Solar Photovoltaic (PV)
 
Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART)
  • The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER)’s SMART program provides incentives for solar PV installation throughout the Commonwealth. Upon application approval, the incentive is paid by the utility to the system owner based on the amount of electricity generated by the system.
  • Increased incentives are available for solar projects that serve low-income customers, provide community shared solar, or are coupled with energy storage.
  • Financing for solar PV on 1-4 unit properties is available through the Mass Solar Loan. 
  • To get started, visit MassCEC and learn more about the costs of solar systems and performance, find an installer, and see other resources.
Mass Solar Loan
  • The Mass Solar Loan program matches property owners of 1-4 unit homes to solar installers and lenders that offer low-interest loans for solar projects.
  • Low-income customers are eligible for reduced interest rates and additional incentives to reduce loan principal. Residents with low credit scores are encouraged to apply. Eligibility criteria are listed on the program website.
  • To get started, review the guide on the Mass Solar Loan website and receive a price quote from a pre-qualified installer.
MLP Solar Program
Energy Storage
 
Mass Save ConnectedSolutions
  • Mass Save’s ConnectedSolutions program allows battery owners to earn incentives in exchange for utility access to stored energy in times of peak demand. Participants can earn incentives per kW for a battery’s average kW event contributions to the grid during times of peak demand. 
  • Eversource and National Grid customers are eligible to participate. To get started, review the list of qualified battery storage systems and complete a program application on the ConnectedSolutions website.
SMART Storage Adder
  • The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resource’s SMART program allows solar projects to achieve larger incentive payments by pairing energy storage with new solar installations, by unlocking eligibility to the Energy Storage Adder. The adder value depends on the ratio of energy storage capacity to solar array size and duration of storage discharge. More information on SMART is available on the SMART webpage.
  • To get started, talk to your solar installer about adding battery storage to your solar PV system.
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
 
MOR-EV Electric Vehicle Rebates
  • The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resource’s MOR-EV program offers rebates of up to $2,500 for the purchase or lease of battery electric vehicles and fuel-cell electric vehicles, and up to $1,500 for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Eligibility for the program is independent of utility type; both MLP and investor-owned utility customers are elgible.
  • To get started, apply for a rebate within 3 months of the purchase or lease date of a new vehicle with a purchase price less than $50,000.
National Grid and Eversource EV Make Ready
  • Through EV Make Ready, Eversource and National Grid are covering 100% of the infrastructure costs for new EV charging stations in multi-unit buildings.
  • To get started, Eversource customers should review the Eversource enrollment process guide and application and National Grid customers should download the National Grid application to apply to become and EV charging station host site.
Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (EVIP)
  • Private, public or non-profit dwellings with 10 or more units may be eligible for the Multi-Unit Dwelling Charging Program. This includes 60% of the funding, up to $50,000 for EV charger hardware costs. Learn more on the MassEVIP website.
  • To get started, apply online. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
MLP EV Charging Incentives
  • Many MLPs have established discounts or rebates on residential EV chargers.
  • For MLPs that have partnered with MMWEC, customers can receive free or discounted Level 2 residential EV chargers when they sign on to the Scheduled Charging Program.  To get started, visit your MLP’s website to see what incentives may be available to you.
  • MMWEC-partnered utility customers should review the eligible charger models and select your MLP from the online list to learn more about offerings and download a charging agreement.
  • For MLPs that are partnered with ENE, review the available programs for your utility by selecting it on the ENE website.
Energy Bill Assistance
 
In addition to energy efficiency services, residents may be eligible for additional programs to help pay energy bills if household income is at or below the income guidelines shown below. Programs include:
 
  • Fuel Assistance: Fuel Assistance provides eligible households with help in paying a portion of winter heating bills. If you are already receiving Fuel Assistance, find your CAP Agency using information on the Mass Save website and contact them if you would like to receive energy efficiency services.
  • Utility Discount Rates: This offering includes discounted rates that lower actual charges for energy usage. If you qualify for Fuel Assistance or other income-verified programs, you will be referred to your local natural gas or electric utility for a discount on your utility bills.
  • Payment Plans or Arrearage Management Programs: Massachusetts natural gas and electric utility providers will work with customers on overdue portions of their bill. Some past due balances over a certain amount are forgiven if the customer adheres to a structured payment plan. If you have questions, please contact your gas or electric utility provider directly.
Number of Household Members
Annual Household Income
1
Up to $42,411
2
Up to $55,461
3
Up to $68,511
4
Up to $81,561
5
Up to $94,610
6
Up to $107,660
7
Up to $110,107
8Up to $112,554
9Up to $115,001
10Up to $117,448
If you are receiving assistance from one of the other programs listed below, you are likely eligible to receive Fuel Assistance, the Utility Discount Rate, and the energy efficiency services described here for 1-4 family homes and here for multi-family homes: 
  • Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC)
  • Food Stamps
  • Head Start
  • Mass Health
  • National School Lunch Program
  • Public Housing
  • School Breakfast Program
  • Supplemental Security Program
  • Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)
  • Veterans Programs (Chapter 115 benefits)
  • Veterans Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Surviving Parent
  • Veterans Affairs Non-Service Connected Pension (VANSCP)
  • Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program