Press Release

Press Release  State Energy Officials Recognize Energy Efficiency Day in Fall River

Massachusetts Continues to Lead the Nation in Energy Efficiency and Provides No-Cost Energy Audits and Other Resources for Residents
For immediate release:
10/05/2022
  • Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources
  • Energy Efficiency Division

Media Contact   for State Energy Officials Recognize Energy Efficiency Day in Fall River

Lauren Diggin, External Affairs Manager

BOSTONThe Baker-Polito Administration today recognized Energy Efficiency Day, which is celebrated on the first Wednesday in October every year, at Medeiros Auto Body in the City of Fall River. Medeiros Auto Body worked with Mass Save® Sponsors Liberty Utilities and National Grid to access lighting and weatherization incentives to provide energy and cost savings to the small business. The business will realize a projected annual gas savings of 18% and projected net lifetime electric savings of 29 MWh as a result of its participation in the program. Since the Baker-Polito Administration took office in 2015, more than $5.5 billion has been invested in energy efficiency programs through Mass Save®, generating more than $19 billion in benefits for Massachusetts ratepayers. In conjunction with Energy Efficiency Day, the Administration also highlighted resources, such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), to help residents save money on heating and electricity bills as Massachusetts heads into the winter season. Globally, experts are forecasting a significant increase in costs for heating fuels and electricity compared to last year.

“The Baker-Polito Administration continues to raise awareness of ways to reduce energy demand through efficiency measures and other programs like the ones offered through Mass Save, which provides direct benefits to customers, the environment, and the state’s economy,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “Energy efficiency measures are some of the most cost-effective options for homeowners and businesses to lower energy bills, and we encourage everyone to consider having a no-cost energy audit conducted before this winter season.”

“As we approach the winter months, the Commonwealth encourages businesses and residents to explore existing programs that can help address rising fuel and electricity costs to save money this season,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “Among other programs, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) remains an invaluable resource in helping eligible households pay their winter heating bills.”

Massachusetts’ 2022-2024 Three Year Energy Efficiency Plan of the Commonwealth’s electric and gas distribution companies sets energy saving targets and budgets for the Mass Save programs, and represents a transformational shift of the Mass Save programs to better align with the Commonwealth’s ambitious climate requirements and focus on equitably serving residents and businesses. The combined electric energy and gas efficiency plans are expected to deliver 845,000 tons of emissions reductions towards the Commonwealth’s 2030 greenhouse gas emissions limit, and the 2022-2024 Plan is estimated to provide nearly $9 billion in economic benefits to the state. The 2022-2024 Plan is the first in Massachusetts to establish specific equity targets that include increased investments and benefits for historically underserved communities – specifically including renters, language-isolated customers, Environment Justice communities and small businesses.

“Massachusetts has nation-leading energy efficiency programs that cut energy costs through modern heating technology, smart thermostats, and weatherization,” said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Patrick Woodcock. “No-cost home energy assessments through the Mass Save program are available to participating electric and gas utility customers to identify low-to-no cost upgrades that will reduce winter heating bills and collectively reduce our vulnerability to high energy pricing and severe cold temperatures. These investments not only will reduce energy bills, but also collectively save the Commonwealth’s total demand of expensive imported fossil fuels.”

“Energy efficiency is the most cost-effective tool for lowering energy bills and fighting climate change.  As we prepare for this upcoming winter, customers will be faced with high energy costs,” said Department of Public Utilities Chairman Matthew Nelson. “As we have already seen, energy prices are increasing globally, and we are working to protect consumers by ensuring that the utilities are continuing efforts to alleviate the financial burden of these increases on Massachusetts customers.”

The Baker-Polito Administration is working closely with the Commonwealth’s electric and gas distribution companies to ensure customers are aware of the expected high costs and the resources available to them. The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) have been working closely with the Sponsors of Mass Save, and in coordination with the Attorney General’s Office (AGO), to increase Mass Save program access for residents and businesses. Interested residents and business owners should visit www.MassSave.com to learn more and to begin the process of participating in its many programs and services.

Mass Save is a collaborative managed and delivered by the electric and natural gas utilities and energy efficiency service providers working in coordination with DOER and DPU to provide services and programs to help residents and businesses across Massachusetts save both money and energy. Mass Save programs and services can assist residents and businesses with:

  • Free home energy audits for residents, and up to 100% incentives for weatherization depending on income;
  • 100% weatherization incentives for small rental properties;
  • 100% weatherization and heating system upgrades for low income customers through local Community Action Program (CAP) Agencies;
  • Energy efficiency incentives for small businesses including new weatherization incentives up to 100% for qualified small business renters; and,
  • Additional incentives include heating system upgrades and other energy efficiency measures for residences, and business and commercial & industrial customers.

“As it starts to feel more and more like winter, now is a great time to pay attention to energy efficiency,” said City of Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan. “Residents and business owners need to know that there are countless resources and tools out there that can save you money on your heating and electricity bills this winter. Focusing on energy efficiency is a win-win- it makes life better for our residents, and their wallets, and helps us be more green as a city and state.”

“I applaud John and Brian Medeiros for stepping up and being a part of MassSave’s great program,” said State Representative Paul A. Schmid III (D-Westport). “Medeiros Auto Body will provide an example to many other small businesses in Fall River and, thanks to their efforts, will save tremendously this winter while improving conditions for employees.”

“As Sponsors of Mass Save®, Liberty and National Grid share a common goal to help residents and businesses across the Commonwealth reduce their energy consumption, lower their energy costs and lessen their greenhouse gas emissions. Managing energy bills this winter will be critically important and we want to ensure that every small business, like Medeiros Auto Body in Fall River, has access to the help that they will need, including by taking advantage of the Mass Save energy efficiency program offerings. We know that this winter will be challenging for many customers, and we want to do our part in managing costs and providing assistance,” said Liberty Manager of Energy Efficiency & Customer Solutions Stephanie Terach and National Grid Director of Customer Energy Management, Chris Porter.

Additionally, energy assistance is available to eligible residents through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which is an annual program that helps pay for a portion of household energy costs from November 1 to April 30. Households interested in learning more about the program and to apply can do so by visiting the Department of Housing and Community Development’s LIHEAP client portal webpage. Furthermore, DOER and DPU have created lists of resources and information to help consumers lower their energy use and access assistance if needed. Resources for consumers are also made available at the Department of Housing and Community Development, the DPU, DOER, and the Attorney General's Office websites.

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Media Contact   for State Energy Officials Recognize Energy Efficiency Day in Fall River

  • Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources 

    DOER helps create a clean, affordable, equitable and resilient energy future for the Commonwealth.
  • Energy Efficiency Division 

    Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources' Energy Efficiency Division develops, implements, and oversees energy efficiency activities in the Commonwealth in conjunction with other state and federal agencies.
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