Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards More Than $8 Million to Help Communities Lower Energy Costs and Modernize Public Buildings

Boston — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced more than $8 million to cities and towns across Massachusetts to fund energy efficiency and clean energy projects. The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) selected 57 municipalities to receive Green Communities Competitive Grants.

With today’s announcement, DOER will have awarded more than $208 million to Green Communities in Designation and Competitive Grants since 2010. These funds have helped reduce municipal energy costs by over $30 million annually and have reduced pollution.

“Our administration is committed to helping cities and towns lower energy costs and make public buildings more efficient,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These investments will reduce energy use, save money and help communities make the most of every taxpayer dollar.”

“Communities across Massachusetts are finding innovative ways to reduce energy use and lower costs,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants will help local leaders make practical upgrades that improve public buildings and deliver long-term energy savings.”

“Energy efficiency is one of the smartest investments a community can make,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “These grants will help cities and towns lower energy costs, upgrade municipal and school buildings and fleets, and reduce pollution, all while saving dollars that can be put toward other critical projects.”

"The important work of these 57 cities and towns demonstrate their commitment to clean energy initiatives that deliver lower costs and energy efficient, climate-resilient buildings for their residents, students and visitors,” said DOER Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. “We are proud to support our Green Communities with grants and assistance that help make local clean energy and energy efficiency projects possible.”

The projects are expected to save about $701,411 each year in energy costs and leverage $3.2 million in utility incentives. Annual energy savings of 28,141 MMBtus is equivalent to the energy use of 320 Massachusetts households. These projects also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1,634 metric tons annually, which is roughly equivalent to 3,783 barrels of oil consumed.

Eligible projects include installing high-efficiency lighting and building weatherization, upgrading to energy management systems, insulating pipes and attic spaces, and transitioning HVAC systems away from fossil fuels by installing air- or ground-source heat pumps.

Examples of how the grants will be used locally are:

• The City of Quincy will use its grant award to install a heat pump system at Snug Harbor School as part of the first phase of a decarbonization plan.
• In Lancaster, a roof top heat pump system will be installed at the library. 
• The Town of Dalton will install a heat pump system and attic insulation at the Senior Center.
• The City of Newburyport will install smart thermostats at the senior center, variable frequency drives at the high school, and implement a city-wide education and outreach program. 

Under the Green Communities Act, DOER’s Green Communities Designation and Grant Program can make available up to $20 million annually to qualified cities and towns. 

The following municipalities were awarded grants:

Cities and Towns in the Northeast Region

Cities and Towns in the Southeast Region

Cities and Towns in the Western Region

Cities and Towns in the Central Region

DOER accepts competitive grant applications in two blocks annually. Additional information on awarded projects and funding amounts can be found on DOER’s website.

###