State makes $875,000 available for heating and cooling systems
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) today announced a new $875,000 grant program designed to help residents take advantage of cost-saving renewable heating and cooling technologies.
“Clean energy comes in many shapes and forms, and these technologies will allow residents across the Commonwealth to take advantage of the environmental and economic benefits of moving away from fossil fuels,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan, who chairs the MassCEC Board of Directors.
The Commonwealth Home Heating and Cooling program will provide grants of up to $10,000 to residents who upgrade their heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to high-efficiency, inverter driven air- and ground-source heat pumps.
While traditional heating systems burn fuel to create heat, a heat pump instead takes advantage of the outside temperature or ground water to move heat or cool air into or out of a building, making it very efficient. A modern, inverter-driven heat pump can provide three units of heating or cooling energy for every unit of electrical energy put in.
“Building on the tremendous success we have seen in residential adoption of solar energy, this exciting new program will allow homeowners to install proven renewable energy solutions to reduce the costs of heating and cooling, which are amongst a homeowner’s highest,” said MassCEC CEO Alicia Barton.
These grants are part of $32.5 million in funding the Patrick Administration has focused on reducing heating and cooling costs, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating clean energy jobs across Massachusetts. The majority of that amount is from Alternative Compliance Payments (ACP) that are paid by electric retail suppliers if they have insufficient Renewable or Alternative Energy Certificates to meet their compliance obligations under the Renewable and Alternative Portfolio Standard programs. DOER establishes the plan for use of these funds to support clean energy development in the Commonwealth.
“Massachusetts is a national clean energy leader in large part because the Patrick Administration sends strong policy signals and supports new technology with incentives that can make a difference for residents and businesses,” said DOER Commissioner Mark Sylvia. “It’s always exciting when we can make clean energy technologies more accessible across the Commonwealth.”
When replacing oil, propane or electric heat, high-efficiency heat pumps can save up to 50 percent or more on heating and cooling bills.
To learn more about the program, including information about how to apply, visit www.masscec.com/homeheatingandcooling.
About MassCEC
Created by the Green Jobs Act of 2008, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is dedicated to accelerating the success of clean energy technologies, companies and projects in the Commonwealth—while creating high-quality jobs and long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts. Since its inception in 2009, MassCEC has helped clean energy companies grow, supported municipal clean energy projects and invested in residential and commercial renewable energy installations creating a robust marketplace for innovative clean technology companies and service providers.
About DOER
The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) develops and implements policies and programs aimed at ensuring the adequacy, security, diversity, and cost-effectiveness of the Commonwealth’s energy supply within the context of creating a cleaner energy future. DOER is an agency of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
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