ReBuild Western Massachusetts Grant Program

NOTE: The below information is for reference only; this program is no longer available. Massachusetts communities Brimfield, Monson, Southbridget, Springfield, Sturbridge, and Western Springfield were devastated by tornadoes on June 1, 2011.  In an effort to help tornado victims rebuild using energy efficient technologies and practices, the Department of Energy Resources developed an $8 million program.  Both grants and zero-interest loans are available.  The grants will be available through the end of April 2012, while loans will be available through the end of 2012. For minor repair work, residents may be eligible for grants for energy efficient windows, doors, space and water heating equipment, and insulation.  If a homeowner requires a rebuild or major renovation ("gut" renovations), he/she will have to work with a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) company throughout the project reconstruction planning and implementation. Homes that achieve better HERS scores are eligible for higher incentives. In addition, rebuilds (new homes) are required to meet Massachusetts base energy code. Under any scenario, the homeowner will have to contact program administrators to pre-qualify. Businesses and municipalities may also be eligible for incentives for space heating, water heating, insulation, as well as doors and windows. In addition, ReBuild Massachusetts will provide partial funding for engineering studies to identify opportunities for significant energy efficiency upgrades in the reconstruction or rebuild of non-residential buildings. Finally, ReBuild Massachusetts is providing a "Natural Disaster Relief Adder" to the Commonwealth Solar II program.