Berkshire Communities Awarded Mass Save Municipal Energy Manager Grants
BOSTON, Mass. — As part of their commitment to energy efficiency for cities and towns throughout Massachusetts, the Sponsors of Mass Save today announced the recipients of the inaugural Mass Save Municipal Energy Manager Grant program.
The funding will be used to hire 24 energy managers across the state, each of whom will lead efforts to reduce energy use and cut carbon emissions in municipal buildings.
In Berkshire County, Becket, Dalton, Lanesborough, North Adams and Williamstown were awarded funding.
As a dedicated resource to help each municipality receiving funding become more energy efficient and lower their carbon footprint, the energy managers will leverage Mass Save programs and incentives for energy efficiency projects with a particular focus on K-12 school buildings.
Furthering the Sponsors' commitment to delivering programs and incentives that all can access, the 24 energy managers will support 63 municipalities and four regional planning authorities across the Commonwealth. Out of the 24 energy managers, 22 will support designated environmental justice census blocks and seven will represent designated Gateway Cities. By working with these communities, the Sponsors will drive participation in energy efficiency and building decarbonization projects that will bolster the municipalities' role in delivering the Commonwealth's climate goals.
"This grant is an incredible opportunity for cities and towns from Hampden to Barnstable Counties to invest in their communities while simultaneously pushing Massachusetts to a more energy-efficient future," said Christopher Porter, Director of Customer Energy Management at National Grid. "The work of these energy managers will provide resources to create healthier and more sustainable schools and municipal buildings across the state."
To ensure that the needs of each community receiving funding are appropriately met, the Sponsors will be working with four regional planning authorities to train the energy managers and share services around planned use and economic development. In Berkshire County, this organization is the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission.
Grant recipients will also receive:?
- Financial incentives for building energy upgrades
- Technical assistance to identify building energy improvement opportunities and support capital planning
- Hands-on training and professional development
- Training and clean energy curriculum for K-12 teachers and students
"Residents and businesses throughout Massachusetts will benefit from increased energy efficiency that these 63 municipalities will experience through this impactful program," said Tilak Subrahmanian, Vice President of Energy Efficiency and Electric Mobility at Eversource. "We are committed to working with participating communities over the next three years to complete projects that immediately lead to energy savings and improved sustainability of community fixtures like schools, fire departments, and public spaces."
