Energy Efficiency FAQs

What is the Renew Boston Residential Energy Efficiency Incentive?

Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s Renew Boston initiative has partnered with NSTAR and National Grid to provide qualifying Bostonians with no-cost home energy efficiency assessments and generous incentives for energy efficiency improvements. The improvements offer residents and landlords a low-hassle way to lower their energy bills, increase the value of their homes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Qualifying residents may receive a range of no-cost efficiency services including a comprehensive home energy assessment and instant savings measures such as high-efficiency light bulbs and water savings devices. After receiving an energy assessment, residents can get 75% off – up to $2000 – for insulation and air sealing. Depending upon the results of the home energy assessment, customers may also qualify for a variety of other incentives for energy efficient products.

Who is qualified?

Boston renters and homeowners living in a single family home or a multi-family building with up to four units may be eligible for Renew Boston services. Landlords can also take advantage of Renew Boston services. Program eligibility is determined by the following:

  • Active interest in weatherization improvements,
  • Resident must live in a 1-4 unit building, and
  • Renters must have landlord approval for any efficiency improvements installed in the home.

Residents who qualify for Fuel Assistance due to their income should contact Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) at 617-357-6012 to learn more about no-cost weatherization and insulation.

What should I do if my total household annual income falls below 60 percent of State median Income?

If you believe your total household annual income is below 60% of state median income and/or you qualify for Fuel Assistance, you may be eligible for even greater incentives and assistance offered by Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD). ABCD offers several benefits including fuel assistance, discounted electricity and telephone rates, as well as heating system assistance. The first step is to apply for fuel assistance. You can contact your neighborhood ABCD office or call ABCD at 617-357-6012. Be sure to tell them that you were referred by the Renew Boston Program and you are interested in weatherization.

If you already have a Renew Boston assessment scheduled, you will need to cancel that visit. Please call Renew Boston at (617) 635-SAVE (7283) immediately to cancel your assessment. The representatives there will help connect you to ABCD to access their weatherization program.

What if I still have questions about whether or not I qualify?

If you have any questions about whether or not you qualify for the Renew Boston offer, please call Mass Energy Consumers Alliance, the nonprofit organization administering the incentive, at 617-524-3950, or email [email protected]. Clarissa, or another Mass Energy representative, is available from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday.

What happens if some units in my building qualify for Renew Boston and others for ABCD?

If 50% or more of the units in your building qualify for ABCD, then the whole building can be served through that program. If those that likely qualify for ABCD are unable or unwilling to be verified or served through that program, the units that qualify for Renew Boston or Mass Save can be served separately. However, it is best for everyone if the whole building is served at the same time, so every effort should be made to qualify for the ABCD program.

If less than 50% of the units are eligible for ABCD. The units will be served separately through the separate programs.

I am the owner of a building in which one the units is currently unoccupied. Can I qualify for Renew Boston?

Yes, but only if there is an active utility bill in your name for that unit.

I am the owner of a building in which one the units is occupied by temporary tenants that turnover frequently, can I qualify for Renew Boston?

Yes, but only if there is an active utility bill in your name for that unit.