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The Challenge: Help Residents Navigate Decarbonization Programs & Projects
Massachusetts residents pursuing electrification, efficiency and renewable energy projects must navigate a complex landscape of programs and incentives. Additionally, many of these programs have historically underserved renters, low- and moderate-income residents, and non-native English speakers. Residents need customized, ongoing support to help them navigate these programs based on their unique interests and needs.
About the Home Modernization Navigator
The Home Modernization Navigator program will assist owners and occupants of one- to four-unit residential buildings in reducing their homes’ greenhouse gas emissions through electrification, efficiency, and renewable energy projects. The program will launch in Springfield and Lowell, MA, focusing on equitable customer outreach and support, particularly for underserved groups, such as renters, low- and moderate-income residents, and Environmental Justice Populations. MassCEC intends for the program to expand statewide after the initial launch.
Program Priorities
The Home Modernization Navigator will be a centralized, customer-focused program to connect customers with available clean energy opportunities—a priority in the state’s Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2050. The program will provide decarbonization support on technical questions and help customers navigate available incentives and financing. Massachusetts is also dedicated to ensuring a just energy transition for all residents; the Navigator will support landlords/renters, low- and moderate-income residents, and Environmental Justice populations to ensure equitable access to decarbonization customer support. Through the program, MassCEC hopes to gather insights into the effectiveness of these services and understand residents’ common questions and obstacles to improve future customer support efforts.
Project Team
MassCEC is excited to partner with Abode Energy Management and All In Energy as the Home Modernization Navigator. Abode is a Massachusetts-based energy management and consulting firm with expertise in residential building science, energy efficiency, and decarbonization. All In Energy is a non-profit with deep experience working with underserved communities. Both organizations have a proven track record of offering decarbonization customer support and are involved in many of the other residential decarbonization efforts in Massachusetts.
Program Timeline
Process step | timing |
---|---|
Program Launch in Springfield & Lowell | November 2024 |
Phase 1: Springfield & Lowell | Through Summer 2025 |
Potential Statewide Expansion | TBD |
Priority Audiences
Owners and occupants of 1-4 unit residential buildings in Springfield, MA and Lowell, MA.
Questions with Answers
Last updated June 26, 2024.
Additional Funding Opportunities
Decarbonization Pathways Pilot
$10,000 - $30,000, subject to income qualification
Triple Decker Retrofit Pilot
Affordable Housing: $160,000; Market-Rate: $70,000-$125,000 depending on project scope
EmPower Massachusetts
- $150,000 (Implementation)
- $25,000 (in some cases up to $50,000) (Innovation and Capacity Building)
Innovation and Capacity Building: Open
Implementation: Open