Belmont Light Reports on Success of Energy Efficiency Grant Program

Belmont Light is pleased to announce that over 200 residents have participated in its Energy Efficiency Grant Program since the program’s launch in October 2014. Program participants receive no-cost weatherization reviews and opportunities for big savings on energy efficiency products and services. Funding is still available for customers who act quickly. 

According to Communications Coordinator Becca Keane, over 60% of the grants originally available through the program for weatherization services have been claimed. She also explained that the energy savings potential for participating customers is substantial. Residents who have been through the weatherization program can expect to save between 10% and 30% on their heating and cooling costs annually. Oil-heated homes that installed heat pumps will reduce their heating oil use by hundreds of expensive gallons per year. Keane also reminds customers that the energy efficiency measures they take in their own homes can lead to economic and environmental benefits for the wider Belmont community, like lower electricity costs and reductions in air pollution. 

General Manger Jim Palmer is likewise excited about the progress of the program and its benefits to customers. He reported that over 10% of the oil heated homes in Belmont have participated in the program, a participation rate that Palmer says is impressive for energy efficiency initiatives. 

The Energy Grant Program also allows residents access to energy efficiency funds that have never been available through Belmont Light before -- at a time when many customers need it most. "Energy costs in New England have escalated significantly over the past few years," Keane stated. Opportunities like the Energy Grant Program help customers better manage increasing costs.  "Taking energy efficiency measures now will help save money when higher winter energy costs eventually return, so we are encouraging even the busiest of customers to sign up," she added.

The Energy Efficiency Grant Program provides Belmont Light customers with two savings opportunities:

Weatherization Grants (35 still available) that provide residents with $1,500 worth of weatherization products and services for a co‐pay of just $299.  Homes must be heated with oil, electricity, propane, pellets, or other fuels to qualify (homes heated with natural gas are eligible for weatherization benefits through their gas provider and the Mass Save® program).

Heat Pump Grants (32 still available) ranging between $500 and $1,500 are available for Belmont residents to put toward high efficiency heating and cooling heat pump systems. These grants are available for homes currently heated with any fuel type.

Grants are allocated on a first‐come, first‐served basis and require a pre‐approval. Grants will remain available until they are all claimed. All Belmont residents who are interested in the program should visit www.BelmontLightEnergyGrant.com or contact Sagewell, Inc., the program administrator, at 617‐963‐8141 or support@sagewell.com.

Belmont Light received energy efficiency funding from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources through a competitive grant process. The award from the state will also fund the installation of 100 new LED streetlights in Belmont.