Smart Energy Advice

Is your home or small business too cold in the winter or too hot in the summer? Do you want to save money on your energy bills? Want to solve those problems AND help Worcester go green? Worcester's Smart Energy Advice program can help.

Small Business Energy Efficiency Initiative - Short Term Offer (Extended to December 1)!

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The City has partnered with the Sponsors of Mass Save, Eversource and National Grid, for the Main Streets energy efficiency initiative from September 23 to October 4, offering local businesses (both building owners and renters) a great opportunity to save on energy costs, improve comfort for employees and customers, and achieve sustainability goals.

Until December 1, Eversource will cover up to 90% of project costs - increase from the typical up to 70% off - for approved upgrades!

Energy experts will be in the community for 2 weeks, providing no-cost energy assessments and expert advice on upgrades like efficient lighting, smart thermostats, refrigeration controls and insulation. Some improvements can even be made on the spot. Bigger projects may qualify for large incentives and financing through Mass Save®.

Get started today - schedule your assessment in advance by going to Eversource.com/MainStreets, calling (833) 237-2677 x 199, or emailing mainstreets@cescorp.com.

Participate in Our Fall 2024 Energy Savers Raffle

We're hosting a Fall 2024 Energy Savers Raffle, running until December 31! Take action and Enter to Win one of three $100 Visa gift cards in our grand drawing at the end of December.

To enter, choose one or more of the following actions:

Place a Yard Sign: Spread the word to your neighbors by placing a yard sign in your lawn for one month. To sign up, fill out our Yard Sign Form.
Schedule a Home Energy Assessment: Sign Up Online or call us at 508-372-8389 to schedule.
Attend Our Events: Join us at one of our upcoming events or presentations to learn more about energy efficiency.
Share Your Experience: Complete the Exit Survey and/or Provide a Testimonial.

If you've already participated in one of the above four actions, you're eligible for the raffle.

Energy Advocate

You can talk to the City's Energy Advocate (over email, phone or in person) about your energy questions and get advice about how to access energy saving programs*. Whether you own or rent – you can get your questions answered about the process and learn how to:

Sign up for a no-cost energy assessment that will also provide recommendations.
If you decide to implement the recommendations - apply for Mass Save incentives and rebates, and the 0% HEAT Loan.
Understand your energy bill including the Green Worcester ElectriCITY Aggregation Program. If you're income-eligible, how to get the discount rate.
Get started with solar (both rooftop and community options).
Access related resources as needed: Worcester Community Action Council, Worcester Community Housing Resources, and Worcester Lead Abatement Program.

To get started, visit this website (Mass Save | Community First | Worcester) or call the city’s Energy Advocate at 508-372-8389.

*Massachusetts is one of the most energy-efficient states in the nation, due in large part to the Mass Save® programs, which are supported by a utility energy efficiency charge that we all pay on our gas and electric bills. Through Smart Energy Advice, we help residents and small business owners access programs funded by these fees.

Energy Efficiency Incentives & Rebates

(Depending on income level)

Mass Save incentives and rebates are income based. Check out the income chart to figure out which of the three income categories apply to you. They incentives and rebates may include:

Insulation: 75%-100% off approved insulation upgrades (and no-cost air sealing improvements) that improve year-round comfort and reduce your heating and cooling costs by an average of 20%.
Heating/Cooling: No cost (for income-eligible residents) and up to $16,000 in rebates for heat pumps per dwelling that heat and cool your home.
0% financing: Up to $50,000 for qualifying projects (depending on the lender and project type)
No-cost energy-saving products: programmable thermostats, water-saving devices and advanced power strips.

Residents (owners or renters) who qualify as low-income (below 60% of the median income in the state) may be eligible for additional programs and utility bill assistance through the Worcester Community Action Council website or by calling 508-754-1176 (not via the main Mass Save website).

Energy Efficient heat pump

The federal government also offers home energy tax credits and rebates for projects like updating your HVAC systems, installing new efficiency windows, weatherization work and much more. This website has a great tool for calculating your personalized incentives (both federal rebates and tax credits) based on your income and household size.

Solar - Know Where To Start

Are you interested in powering your house with a cleaner source of electricity but don't know where to start? As part of Worcester's Smart Energy Advice program, you can get multiple solar quotes for free from pre-vetted, reputable installers servicing Worcester through our partner, EnergySage. This can help simplify the process for both homeowners and renters. By going through the EnergySage portal:

You could save up to 20% on total system cost compared to market rate (if purchasing the panels).
You'll get assigned a dedicated EnergySage Energy Advisor to answer your questions with no high-pressure sales tactics.
You'll be able to compare all your quotes in a side-by-side, apples-to-apples comparison format.
You don't need to enter a phone number when registering for quotes.

Residential Brick House with Solar Panels on Roof

While renters do not control the property where they live, they can participate in the solar energy market in addition to saving 5-15% on their electric bills annually (up to 25% for income eligible participants) by signing up for a local community solar farm (via virtual solar energy credits).

Learn more about solar:

For more information about Smart Energy Advice, email us at energyadvice@worcesterma.gov.

Resources

Contact Information

Sustainability & Resilience
City Hall Room 108
455 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01608

Accessible via WRTA Bus Line. View Schedules

Phone: 508-799-8324
Email Us

Office Hours:
By Appointment: Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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