Seven cities receive grants for their energy efficiency efforts
NORTHBOROUGH—The town of Quincy achieved enough in energy savings to power 334 homes for a year. In Melrose, it was 235 homes, and in Lowell, 171.
The impressive statistics earned those communities and four others recognition from National Grid for their outstanding energy efficiency efforts. The communities received a combined $224,000 in grants from the utility and can use their financial awards for future energy projects. Natural gas energy efficiency measures were part of the program goals.
“We’re recognizing communities that are making energy efficiency a priority,” National Grid spokesperson Amie O’Hearn told American Gas. “They help their residents reduce their energy use, save money and be more comfortable in their homes. Because community leaders know their residents so well, they can tailor the messaging and the methods of communication and be more effective than the broader marketing that we can do. And the feedback we get from them helps to make our programs better.”
National Grid has been operating the program in the state since 2013. The utility rewards communities for increasing the number of home energy assessments that local residents complete and the number of energy efficiency measures installed. Those measures can include heating system upgrades, insulation, air sealing and wireless thermostat installations. Each municipality was provided goals based on past participation. National Grid provided startup funding, training, education and outreach materials.
Along with Quincy, Melrose and Lowell, the other winning communities for 2017 were Newton, Somerville, Swampscott and Winchester.
“We are proud of these cities and towns for their commitment to saving energy and being true energy efficiency leaders,” said John Isberg, vice president of customer solutions at National Grid. “They know that starting with small changes can evolve into large results that play an integral part in securing a sustainable future for our families and the communities where we live and work.”