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The eligibility criteria for incentives and programs offered by the Mass Save Energy Program can vary depending on the specific program or service being utilized. However, in general, residents, businesses, and municipalities in Massachusetts are eligible to participate in various aspects of the Mass Save program.

Here are some general guidelines for eligibility:

• Residential Customers: Homeowners, renters, landlords, and property managers are typically eligible for residential energy efficiency programs. Specific eligibility may depend on factors such as income, type of residence, and current energy usage.
• Commercial and Industrial Customers: Businesses, institutions, municipalities, and other organizations can usually participate in energy efficiency programs tailored to commercial and industrial settings. Eligibility may vary based on factors such as the size of the facility, industry sector, and energy consumption patterns.
• Income-Eligible Customers: Some programs within Mass Save offer enhanced incentives and support for customers with lower incomes. These programs are designed to help make energy efficiency upgrades more accessible to households and individuals who may face financial barriers.
• Electric and Gas Utility Customers: Customers of participating electric and gas utilities in Massachusetts are generally eligible to participate in Mass Save programs. These utilities include companies such as Eversource, National Grid, Unitil, and Cape Light Compact.
• Renewable Energy Incentives: Eligibility for incentives related to renewable energy installations, such as solar panels, may depend on factors such as the type of system installed, system size, and compliance with program requirements.

It’s important for individuals and organizations interested in participating in the Mass Save Energy Program to check the specific eligibility requirements for the programs and incentives they are interested in. This information can typically be found on the Mass Save website or by contacting the program directly. Additionally, eligibility criteria may evolve over time as new programs and incentives are introduced or modified.

A Mass Save Energy Assessment, also known as a Home Energy Assessment, typically takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete.

The assessment involves several steps aimed at identifying opportunities to improve energy efficiency in the home and providing recommendations for cost-effective upgrades.
Here’s an overview of what’s involved in a Mass Save Assessment:

• Scheduling: The homeowner contacts Mass Save or a Home Performance Contractor such as Weathervane Home Services to schedule an appointment for the assessment.
• Preparation: Before the assessment, it’s helpful for the homeowner to gather information about their home, such as utility bills and information about heating and cooling systems, such as primary fuel source of heat.
• On-Site Inspection: A trained energy specialist, typically BPI Certified, visits the home at the scheduled time. The specialist will conduct a thorough inspection of the home’s energy usage, including:
  • Evaluation of heating and cooling systems, including furnaces, boilers, air conditioning units, and ductwork.
  • Assessment of insulation levels in walls, attics, and floors.
  • Examination of windows, doors, and other potential areas of air leakage.
  • Inspection of other energy-consuming devices.
  • Discussion with the homeowner about any specific concerns or issues related to energy usage.
• Diagnostic Testing: The energy specialist may perform diagnostic tests to assess the home’s energy performance and
• Combustion safety testing: Ensuring that combustion appliances (e.g., furnaces, water heaters) are operating safely and efficiently.
• Recommendations: Based on the findings of the assessment, the energy specialist provides the homeowner with a personalized report outlining recommended energy-saving measures. These recommendations may include:
  • Air sealing and insulation upgrades.
  • Upgrades to heating and cooling systems.
  • Recommendations for renewable energy systems, such as solar panels.
• Incentives and Rebates: The energy specialist also explains any available incentives, rebates, or financing options to help offset the cost of energy-saving upgrades.
• Follow-Up: After the assessment, the homeowner can choose to proceed with implementing the recommended upgrades. Mass Save or a Home Performance Contractor, such as Weathervane Home Services may follow up with additional assistance or support as needed.

Overall, a Mass Save Energy Assessment is a valuable opportunity for homeowners to identify ways to improve energy efficiency, save money on energy bills, and make their homes more comfortable and environmentally friendly.

Mass Save offers a variety of incentives and savings for homeowners who have insulation work performed through their program.

These incentives are designed to encourage energy efficiency improvements and help offset the cost of insulation upgrades.
Here are some of the potential incentives and savings available:

• Rebates for Insulation Upgrades: Mass Save may offer rebates for installing insulation in key areas of the home, such as attics, walls, and floors. The rebate amount can vary depending on factors such as the type and amount of insulation installed. Homeowners may qualify for 75% – 100% OFF insulation.
• Instant Discounts: In some cases, Mass Save may offer instant discounts on insulation materials or installation services, reducing the upfront cost for homeowners.
• Energy Savings: Improving insulation levels in the home can lead to significant energy savings over time by reducing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. This can result in lower heating and cooling bills, providing ongoing savings for homeowners.
• Increased Comfort: Proper insulation helps maintain more consistent indoor temperatures throughout the year, leading to increased comfort for occupants. Homes with upgraded insulation are often warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, creating a more comfortable living environment.
• Home Value: Energy-efficient upgrades such as insulation improvements can enhance the value of a home. Potential buyers may be attracted to homes with lower energy costs and improved comfort, potentially increasing resale value.
• Environmental Benefits: By reducing energy consumption, insulation upgrades contribute to environmental sustainability efforts by lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production.
• Financing Options: Mass Save may offer financing options to help homeowners cover the upfront cost of insulation upgrades. These financing options typically feature 0% interest rates up to 84 months.

It’s important for homeowners to check the current incentives and savings available through Mass Save, as they can vary over time and may depend on factors such as the type of insulation installed and the scope of the project. Additionally, homeowners should work with a participating Mass Save contractor such as Weathervane Home Services to ensure eligibility for any available incentives and to maximize the benefits of insulation upgrades.

Mass Save typically allows homeowners to receive a Home Energy Assessment once every two years. This frequency is recommended to ensure that homeowners have the opportunity to regularly assess their home’s energy efficiency and identify any changes or updates that may be needed.

However, it’s essential to note that the specific policies and guidelines regarding the frequency of Home Energy Assessments may vary slightly depending on the participating utility company and any updates or changes to the Mass Save program.

If you’ve had a Home Energy Assessment within the past two years and are interested in having another assessment, you may want to check with Mass Save or your participating utility company to confirm your eligibility and any applicable guidelines. Additionally, if there have been significant changes to your home or energy usage since your last assessment, it may be beneficial to schedule a new assessment to reassess your energy efficiency needs.

Mass Save^® is funded through a combination of sources, including utility ratepayer funds, government grants, and contributions from participating energy efficiency service providers.
Here’s a breakdown of how Mass Save is typically funded:

• Utility Ratepayer Funds: A portion of the funds collected from utility customers’ energy bills is allocated to support energy efficiency programs like Mass Save. These funds are typically collected through a surcharge or fee included on utility bills. The surcharge is often referred to as the “Energy Efficiency Charge” or a similar term. These funds are used to finance energy efficiency programs and incentives aimed at reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainability.
• Government Grants and Incentives: Mass Save may receive grants and incentives from government agencies at the federal, state, or local levels to support its energy efficiency initiatives. These grants can help supplement utility ratepayer funds and expand the reach of energy efficiency programs.
• Contributions from Energy Efficiency Service Providers: Participating energy efficiency service providers, such as contractors and vendors involved in implementing energy-saving measures, may contribute financially to support the operation of Mass Save. These contributions can help cover administrative costs and program expenses.
• Rebates, Incentives, and Financing: Mass Save offers rebates, incentives, and financing options to encourage homeowners, businesses, and municipalities to invest in energy efficiency upgrades. While these incentives represent costs to the program, they are also designed to stimulate participation and drive energy savings over the long term.

Overall, Mass Save operates as a collaborative effort among Massachusetts’ natural gas and electric utilities, energy efficiency service providers, government agencies, and ratepayers to promote energy efficiency and sustainability across the state.