Sponsors of Mass Save Grant to Support Energy Efficiency Education

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BOSTON — The Sponsors of Mass Save announced that applications are now open for the fourth round of the Mass Save Community Education Grant, an initiative that serves to increase access to and awareness of energy efficiency programs through educational and culturally relevant opportunities for residents in Environmental Justice Communities (EJCs).

This continued effort by the Sponsors aims to equitably reduce carbon footprints across communities and help the commonwealth reach its net zero goals.?? 

For one year, all grant applicants must participate in an annual program progress evaluation and carry out a number of activities, which include collaborating with participating Mass Save Sponsors and creating initiatives to help engage residents in energy efficiency education and programs. While the application is open to all organizations that meet eligibility requirements, priority will be given to EJCs with a particular focus on renters, landlords, English isolated customers, K-12 student organizations and income-eligible individuals. 

Selected grant recipients may receive:? 

  • Funding that can range from $5,000 to $25,000 per year depending on project proposals (awarded in two cycles) to support project costs 
  • Mass Save branded collateral to assist in marketing efforts of the grantee 
  • Assistance planning local events 
  • Pre-recorded training sessions by content experts on energy efficiency offerings and best practices 
  • Access to a utility company account manager to maximize energy efficiency opportunities in municipal buildings 

Since 2022, the Mass Save Community Education Grant has delivered more than $1M in funding statewide to 48 recipients. A critical component of the upcoming 2025-2027 Three-Year Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization Plan, the Sponsors will continue to provide this funding opportunity twice a year for community-based organizations, helping to bring energy efficiency awareness and education to residents in EJCs.  

To apply for the grant, visit the online application on MassSave.com. The deadline to apply is Nov. 15, 2024. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend the informational session on Nov. 6, 2024 from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.?To register for the webinar, reach out to Kaira Fox at kaira.fox@eversource.com

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Pittsfield Council OKs Berkshire Carousel Committee

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council has voted to create a committee that handles the Berkshire Carousel offer — but not without debate on procedural details.

Last month, a conveyance and donation of the $267,000 property owned by James Shulman came to the council.  A 2025 operational model and budget put forward by the donors costs about $61,000 annually and brings in the same amount of money, with a $25,000 income from rides alone if they cost one dollar.

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren wanted more intel before the committee's first meeting in January, specifically the condition of any state grants received for the project, a reasonable list of operations, and an informal quote for the cost of removal.

"Everybody wants to do this. There's no doubt about it," Warren said. "The issue is whether it's feasible and whether we have a financial wherewithal to do that."

Ultimately, his motion to amend the referral with these conditions did not pass. Councilors agreed that there are a lot of red flags in the contract but trust that they will be addressed in the process.

"I thought I was clear of setting up a committee to figure out how to save the carousel, not who was going to own it, what the contract was," Mayor Peter Marchetti said.

"Because, quite frankly, I'll be blunt, the members of the Finance Committee punted it back to me without saying, 'Here are the conditions that we don't like.'"

Warren thought the committee would assist in negotiations with Shulman, who does not live in the area. He explained, "I don't want to ask the committee. I want us to know and these are things we can find out."

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