To fight the climate crisis, we need to develop new sources of renewable energy AND reduce energy consumption across the state, and we can’t afford to leave any community behind. That’s why Clean Water Fund Massachusetts is a Mass Save® Community First Partner! We are working in five South Coast communities (Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, Attleboro, and Westport) to expand outreach to the Mass Save programs - connecting neighbors to no-cost and low-cost energy efficiency upgrades by fostering relationships with grassroots organizations, city officials, and residents.
The Mass Save Sponsors offer neighbors an opportunity to take control of the wellness of their home while also lowering carbon emissions and cutting down on the cost of their energy bill long-term. Residents who participate receive a no-cost Home Energy Assessment where an energy efficiency expert offers on-the-spot improvements that can save them energy and money. These professionals also prepare a list of additional no-cost and low-cost upgrades offered by the Sponsors of Mass Save. These improvements range from swapping to more efficient devices like programmable thermostats to improving home insulation to keep warm air in and cold air out this winter.
Everyone in Massachusetts is already paying for these amazing benefits through their utility bill. Our goal is to make sure that the benefits reach every community, not just the wealthier neighborhoods already participating at higher rates.
Foodshed
Step one is making sure neighbors KNOW about the programs. Our Energy-Efficiency Outreach Specialist, Shay Brooks, has been tabling at community events over the last year, finding unique ways to grab residents' attention with tools such as a hand crank light bulb and an energy-efficient dollhouse. For example, while the kiddos explore the dollhouse’s insulated walls and LED light bulbs, their parents explore the different rebates and incentives offered by the Sponsors of Mass Save.
The hand crank is a big success, too, and piques residents' curiosity while demonstrating how energy efficiency works. As you turn the crank to power each light bulb -- from LED to fluorescent to the standard lightbulb -- there is a clear difference in strength and energy needed to light each one. The LED is the easy choice! It’s a great way to show neighbors how little changes, like swapping to LED lightbulbs, can reduce the amount of energy their home uses and reduce their utility bills!
Our work has been supported by our two awesome interns, Luisa Raymundo and Yobenny Tejeda. They joined our team with the curiosity to learn more about energy-efficiency work and both brought different Environmental Justice backgrounds. They helped facilitate outreach, translated materials, and led on-the-ground interpretation. Luisa also had local connections in New Bedford that opened the door to our team working more closely with organizations like Community Economic Development Center and Mujeres Victoriosas, who already have the trust of many English-Isolated residents.
presentation on MassSAVE
In addition to in-person outreach, Clean Water has sent mailers to residents in partnership with city officials, and we’re also working with trusted community organizations to build awareness in each city. Our partner, HomeWorks Energy, will soon be canvassing in Taunton and New Bedford to remind residents about the Mass Save Programs, answer any questions they may have, and assist them through the sign-up process. Look out for your HomeWorks canvasser wearing similar gear to the ones pictured below! By using multiple strategies of outreach, we’ve already been able to reach hundreds of families with information about making their home more energy efficient and safe!
Clean Water supports climate justice which means ensuring that everyone benefits as the state works to move away from pollutants like fossil fuels. We’re advocating with our union partners to bring family-supporting clean energy jobs to the state, and we’re making sure working families can have comfortable homes with affordable energy bills. Let’s build the clean energy future we want to see!
To sign up and make your Home Energy Assessment appointment today, follow the link: hwe.works/cleanwater or call (781)-305-3319.
Clean Water Fund is participating in the Mass Save® Community First Partnership, sponsored locally by Eversource, Liberty Utilities and National Grid, to increase participation in energy efficiency programs.
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