Helping Residents Save $$$ on Home Energy Bills Town of Chesterfield Green Communities Committee
Chesterfield Green Communities Program In 2011, Chesterfield Became a Designated Massachusetts Green Community! The Town took these steps to qualify as a Green Community: 1. As of Right Siting for Large-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Installations 2. Expedited Permitting for Renewable/Alternative Energy Facilities (Within 1 Year) 3. Energy Use Baseline Inventory & Reduction Plan (Plan to Reduce Town Building Energy Use by 20% in 5 Years) 4. Fuel Efficient Vehicle Purchasing Policy 5. Adopted Stretch Code to Minimize Lifecycle Costs I in Building Construction
Chesterfield Green Communities Program The Town Received a $140,000 Green Communities Grant to Reduce Energy Use $70,000 of the Green Communities Grant is being used to improve the energy efficiency of town buildings, including the Fire Station The remaining $70,000 is being used to provide grants to Chesterfield residents to help improve home energy performance The Town has partnered with WMECO, the Hilltown CDC, and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission to launch this new incentive program
Up to $1,000 per Household to Help Pay for Home Energy Improvements! The grant program is designed to supplement the Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECO) Mass Save residential incentive program The WMECO Mass Save incentive offers 75% up to $2,000 toward the cost of insulation and weatherization upgrades. The Chesterfield Grant offers up to an additional $1,000 to help residents pay the remaining project costs The Chesterfield Grant can also be used for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements that are not part of the WMECO Mass Save Program, such as Window upgrades Boiler/Furnace replacement Solar hot water systems Solar PV systems Microwind or geothermal systems Advanced insulation and sealing measures Do-It-Yourself home projects, e.g. window curtains, interior storm windows And more!!!
Program Steps 1. Fill out an application. Contact Bea at the Hilltown CDC at 296-4536 ext 115 on Mondays or Wednesdays. Or, email her at beavh@hilltowncdc.org Applications will be reviewed and funded on a first come first served basis 2. Call Mass Save at 866-527-7283 to schedule a free Home Energy Assessment 3. Implement the recommendations of the Mass Save Assessment (WMECO pays 75% up to $2,000) 4. Contact Hilltown CDC for reimbursement of additional expenses up to $1,000 We can also point you toward other available incentives, such as Rebates for efficient heating, appliances, solar hot water, PV and wind systems The Mass Save Heat Loan Program, a 0% loan up to $25,000 for energy efficiency upgrades and solar hot water systems Loans and incentives for renewable energy systems
How the WMECO Mass Save Program Works A Mass Save Energy Assessment is Required to Participate in the Chesterfield Grant Program Call Mass Save at 866-527-7283 to schedule an appointment. The energy assessor will examine your home, discuss recommended improvements, and may give you free CFL light bulbs, programmable thermostats and water saving devices. Use this time to discuss your energy improvement goals with the energy assessor. Within a few weeks, you will receive a WMECO contract to install energy efficiency improvements that are eligible under the Mass Save program, including insulation and air sealing measures. The WMECO Mass Save contract requires a down payment and signature. WMECO pays 75% of the cost up to $2,000. You pay the remainder, and the Chesterfield Grant can be used to reimburse you for up to $1,000 of that cost. You can choose not to complete the recommended Mass Save improvements, and to instead apply for the Chesterfield Grant Funds for other energy efficiency or renewable energy projects. Just call us to discuss your plans! We also encourage you to seek advice from your Mass Save energy assessor! Have Questions? See the FAQs Page of the Chesterfield Grant Program Application. Or Just Ask!
Additional Information Learn more about reducing energy use in Chesterfield! Visit www.townofchesterfieldma.com Applications available online at www.hilltowncdc.org Contact Bea at the Hilltown CDC at 296-4536 ext 115 on Mondays or Wednesdays. Or, email her at beavh@hilltowncdc.org