The GC Division provides:
- Local support from Regional Coordinators
- Education on benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy
- Guidance and technical assistance for local energy questions and projects
- Funding opportunities for clean energy projects
The Green Community Designation and Grant Program has designated two hundred ninety-eight cities and towns as Green Communities. These energy leaders have accessed designation grants of over $54 million for energy projects.
The latest group of 3 towns designated in November 2024 have has committed to an energy savings that represents a greenhouse gas emissions reduction of 2,465 tons, the equivalent of taking 519 gasoline-powered cars off the road.
Benefits of Being a Green Community
- Cut municipal energy costs and strengthen the local economies
- Access grants for clean affordable and resilient energy projects; economic development benefits for the city or town and the Commonwealth
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Promote energy-efficient building construction that drives the market for better built and lower cost homes
- Foster renewable energy and clean energy technologies
- Become a clean energy leader and a better place to live, work, and play
Division Established by Legislation
Section 10 of Chapter 25A, which establishes the Green Community Division and Designation and Grant Program requires a specific path forward for municipalities served by municipal light plants that adopt the renewable energy charge to participate in the Program. Municipalities served by BOTH a municipal light plant and an investor-owned electric utility ARE eligible to apply for and become a designated Green Community. DOER is considering ways to maximize participation by all cities and towns in the Program that yields a mix of reduced energy costs and the environmental and economic development benefits.