Baker-Polito Administration Awards Municipal Energy Technical Assistance Grants to 75 Communities
Grants Allow Municipalities and Water and School Districts to Advance Clean Energy Goals
BOSTON – September 12, 2016 –The Baker-Polito Administration today awarded $518,645 in grants to 75 cities and towns across the Commonwealth to develop clean energy projects. The Department of Energy Resource’s (DOER) Municipal Energy Technical Assistance (META) grants, which are utilized by designated Green Communities or municipalities in the designation process to better inform their clean energy decision-making, are awarded to Massachusetts municipalities, regional school districts, and water/wastewater districts to aid in the management of projects or the performance of studies to support the development of energy projects.
“The goals of reducing energy costs, meeting our emissions reductions targets, and building a clean energy future are shared across the Commonwealth by our municipal and ratepayer partners,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “META grants lay important foundations for the municipal and regional bodies to develop and implement critical clean energy projects as Massachusetts continues to move towards our shared clean energy future.”
“The Commonwealth’s cities, towns, and regional planning authorities are on the front line of Massachusetts’ clean energy revolution and our administration is pleased to be assisting in their efforts,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “DOER’s Green Communities program continues to be a crucial partner for our municipal partners as they adopt clean energy and energy efficiency policies and practices.”
Open to all 351 cities and towns, as well as regional planning authorities, META grants fund the services of expert consultants and contractors to assist with a diverse array of local energy projects. Applicants in the grant round that opened in June were eligible to apply for grants of up to $12,500. A function of DOER’s Green Communities Division, the grants are funded through proceeds from Alternative Compliance Payments under the Massachusetts Renewable Portfolio Standard.
“Energy projects are often complicated endeavors that require expertise that many municipalities don’t readily have access to,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “META grants provide critical resources that can move cities and towns closer to realizing new clean energy projects that reduce energy costs and emission.”
“DOER is committed to partnering with Massachusetts municipalities to spur clean energy innovation on the local level, allowing ratepayers to more directly benefit,”said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Judith Judson. “We consistently hear that META grants provide the catalyst needed to get local energy projects out of the starting gate and moving toward the finish line.”
The awarded funding for projects will be undertaken by the following communities and public entities:
“As the growth of the clean energy sector continues to expand at an accelerated rate, investing in clean energy technology is a critical part of meeting our region’s diverse energy needs,” said Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst). “These vital grants are an encouraging step forward to reach our renewable energy and technology goals in the Commonwealth and help us meet our commitment to clean energy under the Global Warming Solutions Act.”
“I am thrilled to know communities in my district are working to reduce energy costs and increase efficiency on the local level, and I congratulate them on receiving this grant funding,” said State Senator Don Humason (R-Westfield). “I also appreciate the Baker-Polito Administration’s direct support for communities working towards this worthwhile goal.”
“The META grant will be extremely beneficial for Westfield,” said State Representative John Velis (D-Westfield). “This grant will enable the city to continue moving towards our goals of providing access to clean, affordable energy.”
“As our towns strive to reduce energy costs and emissions, I'm thankful that programs such as this are available across the Commonwealth,” said State Representative Susannah Whipps Lee (R-Athol). “I'm very happy to see three towns of the Second Franklin District on the list of grant recipients.”
“I am pleased that the Lynnfield Water District has been awarded a META Grant which will help reduce the Town’s energy consumption and costs, as well as thoughtfully plan for energy efficient projects in the future,” said State Senator Thomas M. McGee (D-Lynn). “This investment will improve the quality of life for the residents of Lynnfield and the Commonwealth.”
“The Baker-Polito Administration has been at the forefront of efforts to promote clean energy projects across Massachusetts,” said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading). “This latest round of META grants will help further those efforts by providing our cities and towns with the funding and support they need to successfully implement these types of projects on both a local and regional basis.”
“These META grants are critical to helping Massachusetts meet its commitment to reduce emissions and develop more clean energy sources,” said State Representative Donald Wong (R-Saugus). “I’m proud to join the Baker-Polito Administration in supporting this important program, which will provide communities with the resources needed to implement energy efficient projects throughout the Commonwealth.”
Projects and studies receiving funding will support the performance of solar photovoltaic site evaluation, heating system replacements, ASHRAE Level II audits, technical analysis of energy use at drinking water and wastewater facilities and technical assistance with Green Community reporting and application.
