Boston Climate Action Network’s Executive Director Hessann Farooqi joined a panel of climate advocates to testify in support of S. 2103 An Act Relative to Mass Save Assessments before the Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change in a virtual hearing on March 5 and urge the transformation of the Mass Save program to equitably reduce building emissions. The panel of climate experts called for common-sense reforms that will eliminate financial barriers for residents to adopt energy efficient heat pumps, improve customer service programs and accelerate workforce development in green jobs.
“Mass Save is just not reaching all of the people that it needs to reach,” said Farooqi. “We also could really use a one-stop-shop for up-to-date, easily accessible information on the financing options and rebates and tax credits. And a lot of this can be done digitally. So a technology investment plan that’s comprehensive is really critical. But I really can’t emphasize enough — it’s a complicated program.”
Why Does Mass Save Need Reform?
Mass Save’s mandate expanded from energy efficiency to overall decarbonization as a result of the historic “Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind” redefining Massachusetts’ ambitious climate goals for 2050 and beyond. The program’s 2022 -2024 plan included new heat pump rebates, electrification targets and weatherization support designed to help residents transition their homes away from fossil fuels and improve energy efficiency. The Department of Energy Resources and Energy Efficiency Advisory Council will offer a draft proposal for the 2025 – 2027 plan of the program by April 1. Now is the time for officials to consider how this vital program can be improved by hearing the concerns of community members.
Installing heat pumps and clean energy technology homes are proven cost-effective solutions to reduce emissions, clean air and save residents money on energy bills. A record number of heat pumps were installed throughout the Commonwealth in 2023, but Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer noted the program is falling behind its target metrics. Gov. Maura Healey is currently considering reform to the program while joining eight states to ensure heat pumps reach 90% of all HVAC sales by 2040.
How Has BCAN Been Involved?
Boston Climate Action Network has been a key player in coalition efforts to raise awareness of Mass Save. BCAN has surveyed hundreds of residents and landlords in the Boston neighborhoods of Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan, Hyde Park and East Boston, and found that only a quarter of renters had heard of Mass Save. Just 7 percent of renters had had an energy assessment done even though 69 percent of tenants had complained to their landlords about energy issues. Information gaps also extend to property owners, as 72 percent of landlords did not know if they qualified for the program. BCAN has also hosted Mass Save workshops in Jamaica Plain and Allston-Brighton to engage residents and help them utilize the program’s benefits.
Armani White, co-founder of Reclaim Roxbury and a valuable coalition partner, spoke about the potential for the growth of Mass Save to make a meaningful difference in communities. “We firmly believe that the Mass Save program represents a sound investment in our community’s future. By facilitating energy efficiency and reducing utility costs, it not only benefits individual residents and businesses but also contributes to broader environmental goals and economic stability” White said. “Therefore, we urge you to prioritize the full funding and expansion of the Mass Save program, ensuring its continued success in Roxbury and beyond.
BCAN’s advocacy was also a crucial driver allowing residents of environmental justice communities to share their stories in multiple languages to the public.
Reina Reyes, an East Boston community leader, offered testimony in Spanish which was translated by Valinda Chan, a member of the Core Team at Mutual Aid Eastie. “We cannot continue to ignore the struggles of residents who are forced to choose between basic needs and staying warm during winter months or staying cool and safe during summer months,” Reyes said. “As a community leader, I urge the Committee to prioritize the needs of tenants and take decisive action to ensure that every resident has access to fair utility services tied to income and affordable, just housing.”
Valinda Chan delivered remarks centered around the importance of including equity in the conversation. “East Boston is an environmental justice community. It is also a historically working-class, immigrant neighborhood. Half my neighbors were born outside of the U.S. and identify as Latino/a; about half of all families in the neighborhood live below the official poverty line. Many more are financially struggling and always on the edge.”
BCAN 