Massachusetts participating utility ratepayers get new opportunities to help meet greenhouse gas reduction targets on the path to climate neutrality

Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in supporting emissions reduction, electrification, and decarbonization efforts. 

Governor Charlie Baker recently signed the “Act Creating a Next Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy,” a three-year plan for 2022–2024, to promote energy efficiency in meeting the state’s greenhouse gas emissions targets. The program is managed through the Department of Public Utilities with funds administered through Mass Save.

Prioritizing electrification, equity, and workforce development, the plan spells out funding levels for different sectors and targeted reductions in energy and emissions.

Any ratepayer through a participating utility is eligible for incentive funding, which helps cover the costs of installing air-source heat pumps, VRF (variable refrigerant flow) systems, and ground-source heat pumps.

The utilities will soon release information about their specific incentive programs that align with the plan and support priorities.

What this means for Massachusetts colleges, universities, schools, and nonprofit institutions

Gas and electric ratepayers of eligible utilities (e.g., Eversource, National Grid) that are considering building heating and cooling upgrades and switching to an electricity-based system now have a strong financial incentive to do so. 

GreenerU has experience developing and installing such systems, which are not only more efficient than using traditional oil or gas for heating and cooling, but aid in the transition to electricity on the path to decarbonization—an essential step toward achieving climate neutrality.

We can help you take advantage of these incentives by upgrading your building systems to high-efficiency and clean heat pump technology, all while improving comfort, control, and cooling, and by minimizing impacts on the environment.

Case study: MSPCA Animal Medical Center

The Angell location of the MSPCA is housed in three connected buildings from different eras: the 1950s, 1970s, and 2000s. The buildings’ insulation and heating, cooling, and ventilation systems in its older buildings were badly in need of repair or replacement. GreenerU first helped MSPCA understand a range of options to address its failing heating systems (click for a fun video about our work there).

GreenerU developed and implemented a comprehensive modernization of the HVAC systems, including the installation of ductless electric VRF heat pumps, along with a package of energy-efficiency measures. Now, facilities management has greater control and diagnostics capability and the buildings’ overall energy and maintenance costs have been significantly reduced.

GreenerU leveraged more than $540,000 in utility incentives to help the MSPCA achieve energy-efficient, comfortable work environs for its people and patients. Ultimately, this project at the MSPCA has led to $264,000 in annual energy savings and 1,348 metric tons per year of carbon dioxide equivalent in greenhouse gas reduction, as well as alternative energy credit (AECs) payments through the state.

Contact GreenerU now to begin planning your transition to clean, renewable energy and more efficient heating and cooling.

  Back to Articles