Energy Efficiency
Weatherization
Weatherization is the practice of protecting a building from the elements, and of modifying a building to reduce energy consumption and optimize energy efficiency.
An Energy Audit is an assessment of what your home needs.
A good overall guide for energy saving information is available from Attorney General Martha Coakley’s office Click here.
MASS SAVE®. offers free energy assessments and rebates sponsored by Massachusetts’ gas and electric utilities and energy efficiency businesses. It includes Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, The Berkshire Gas Company, National Grid, New England Gas Company, and Western Massachusetts Electric Company.
MASS SAVE can provide 75% of cost of insulation and weatherization, energy efficiency upgrades, up to $2000. Or, the program can provide a 0% interest loan for a new heating system that is up to 97% efficient. Call MASS SAVE HOTLINE: 1- 866-527-7283 or www.masssave.com
(In some cases Franklin County Home Care can provide the 25% matching money for insulation jobs. Check with Info & Referral at 413-773-5555 or 978-544-2259.)
Sandri Company works with MassSave. They provide free home energy assessments, air sealing and rebates. Inquire about their 3-step Energy Efficiency Program at 800-628-1900 or go to www.sandri.com.
Local Energy Committees
Each town in Massachusetts has an Energy Committee that works to promote energy efficiency. Some groups, such as Greening Greenfield are very active and have information to help you save money. Contact your town office for information.
Coop Power, a Franklin county membership network conducts energy audits, organizes “sweat equity” installations of solar hot water heaters, discounts on heating appliances and discounted bulk oil purchases. Call 413-772-8898 or 877-266-7543; www.cooppower.coop email: info@cooppower.coop
Fuel Assistance programs
If you are eligible for fuel assistance, and you own your home, you can also get help with heating system repairs or replacement through the Heating Energy Assistance Retrofit Task Weatherization Assistance Program (HEARTWAP). Your fuel assistance agency will refer you to the HEARTWAP program if you qualify. In Franklin County call Community Action, 413-774-2310 or http://www.communityaction.us/home-energy-assistance.html. In Hampshire County, 1-800-370-0940. In Worcester County to apply for Fuel Assistance contact the New England Farm Workers Union at 978-342-4520 or http://www.partnersforcommunity.org/default/index.cfm/fuel-assistance/.
Alternative Fuel information is available at the Massachusetts Division of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Call 317-626-1000 or go to Click here to go to the website.
Wind Energy information can be found through the Massachusetts Dept. of Energy and Environmental Affairs at Click here to go to the website .
Solar Energy technologies are broadly characterized as either passive solar or active solar depending on the way they capture and convert it. Click here for more information
Bio-Mass (such as Woodstove and Pellet Stove) Installations. Information about heating your home with a wood burning appliance is available at their website. In Franklin County contact Bernardston Farmer’s Supply, 413-648-9311; Sandri Companies, 413-772-2121; Coop Power Cooperative, 877-266-7543.
Rebates and Incentives
MASS SAVE®. offers rebates sponsored by Massachusetts’ gas and electric utilities and energy efficiency businesses. It includes Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, The Berkshire Gas Company, National Grid, New England Gas Company, and Western Massachusetts Electric Company. Call MASS SAVE HOTLINE: 1- 866-527-7283 or go to www.masssave.com
DSIRE is a website funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. It is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Go to http://dsireusa.org/. If you need help doing a computer search, contact the Benefits Counseling program at FCHCC or phone 800-732-4636; 413-773-5555; or 978-544-2259.
Utility Programs offer discount programs. You automatically qualify for discounts if you receive food stamp benefits, Masshealth, SSI, fuel assistance, veterans'services. These discounts can save you 20 -35% on each bill. Look on your utility bill for the Customer Service number. You may also call the Consumer Division of the Department of Public Utilities at 1-877-886-5066.
State Sponsored Rebates and Incentives can be found through the Massachusetts Division of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Call 317-626-1000 or click here to go to their website