Energy Efficiency Incentives in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is an attractive destination for many families to move to – you have the Atlantic Ocean, famous fall foliage and great sports teams all in one small state. What's more, the state is a leader in energy efficiency, making it a prime destination for people who want to minimize their environmental footprint and save on their utility bill. Massachusetts' reputation as one of the foremost states in the nation when it comes to conservation is well-earned – in fact, it's been ranked number one for energy efficiency by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy for eight years in a row, and counting.

Aggressive Emission-Cutting Goals

The Massachusetts Legislature as well as state regulatory bodies continue to be active in promoting efficiency. The state recently approved a three-year efficiency plan that lays out benchmarks for utilities to encourage further cutbacks in energy consumption and commensurate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, shooting for 2.7 percent annual reductions in electricity sales and 1.25 percent drops for natural gas in addition to launching lifetime savings goals for propane and oil usage.

In addition, last year the state passed An Act to Advance Clean Energy, which aims, among other goals, to remove obstacles to residential solar installation, expand offshore wind production, allow new technologies to qualify for energy efficiency programs and achieve a benchmark of 1,000 MWh of energy storage by 2025.

What Does Massachusetts' Efficiency Mindset Mean for Me?

Consumers benefit from Massachusetts' focus on conservation in the form of lower utility bills in their mailbox every month, while the state's overall drop in emissions will help mitigate our long-term impact on the climate.

Massachusetts is also shooting to reach a goal of net zero-energy for new construction of residential and commercial buildings. For older homes, there are a plethora of resources available to beef up efficiency and keep lost and wasted energy to an absolute minimum.

Massachusetts Energy Grants, Tax Credits and Efficiency Programs

The state offers a number of tools and incentives to help residents unlock maximum efficiency from their homes:

Discover the Tricks to Sealing Up Your Home

• The Department of Energy Efficiency provides an Online Home Energy Assessment to identify areas where your house does well in meeting efficiency goals and where it falls short.
• In-home assessments to guide you toward the next steps to upgrading your home infrastructure and systems are also available.

Find Energy Grants and Loans for Your Efficiency Upgrades

• Home Energy Market Value Performance loans with zero interest for seven years help you invest in efficiency upgrades such as insulation, air sealing, new heating and cooling equipment, smart thermostats and more.
• HEAT Loans are an option for new HVAC equipment, hot water heaters, insulation and windows.
• A Weatherization Assistance Program for low income families helps finance insulation and air sealing to improve retention of treated air.
• Solar loans are available to assist homeowners in affixing electricity-generating panels to their roofs or elsewhere on their property.
• Rebates are also available for drivers who purchase or lease electric vehicles.

Unlock Tax Credits by Investing in Wind and Solar:

• Massachusetts offers a 15 percent credit on state income taxes to encourage the purchase of new renewable energy systems.
• If you use solar or wind as the primary or auxiliary source of power for your home, you could be eligible for up to 20 years of local property tax exemption.

Resources to Find Even More Renewable Energy Programs:

• A number of other incentives and programs are available on the MASS Save website, run by the state's utilities and service providers.
• Don't miss the energyCENTS site, aggregating yet more detail from the Department of Energy Efficiency about a wealth of additional rebates and incentives available to residents, businesses and other stakeholders.