Residental FAQs

What is CEA doing to help Cambridge residents?

The Cambridge Energy Alliance aggregates financial resources and energy services to help businesses and homes access the help they need to reduce their energy use and save money. For residential buildings, how this happens will vary, depending on whether you own or rent, what kinds of efficiency opportunities your building has, and whether it makes sense for you to pay outright for measures or finance them through a loan.

How can I find out how much energy I use?

Go to NSTAR’s website to read your bill.  NSTAR’s website provides sample gas and electric bills to understand charges and use on your bill. Also included is your customer billing rights and ways you can quickly get answers for your billing questions.

How much can I save?

The best way to find out is to sign up for an energy assessment that can provide you with an analysis of your building’s need and cost effective strategies to reduce your energy use and bills. Try NSTAR’s Home Energy Calculator to get a feeling on how much you can save.

A homeowner investing in a cost-effective package of measures addressing heating, cooling, insulation, water use, and lighting can typically achieve 20-30% savings of his or her current utility bills. For a homeowner spending $3,000 annually for electricity, gas, oil and water, the annual savings would be $600-1,000.

How do I get a free home energy assessment?

Simply sign up. Please note that free energy assessments are not available for every residential building. There may be a nominal fee for larger multi-unit buildings.

Who is Conservation Services Group and what is their relationship to CEA?

CSG conducts the Mass Save energy assessments for NSTAR. The assessment includes an evaluation of building envelope, insulation, and other building needs such as windows. More information is available at Mass Save.

Who is Next Step Living and what is their relationship to CEA?

Next Step Living conducts enhanced energy assessments through NSTAR. They provide additional blower door, thermal imaging, and air sealing services for a fee.

I am thinking about installing renewable energy.  What should I do?

Consider pursuing energy efficiency first. Although a new hot water heater or extra insulation are not as glamorous as solar panels, they are far more cost effective. In addition, should you then choose to pursue renewable energy options a much smaller system will be required. The combination of efficiency and renewables is a great way to save money over time and reduce your carbon emissions.

Massachusetts receives a fair amount of sunlight, even during overcast winter days. However, in our climate you may be better served by solar thermal equipment rather than solar electric (photovoltaic cells). Modern solar thermal equipment exists to heat your home, or provide hot water.

The City of Cambridge is not a site for large scale wind farms, but new wind technology has made available small wind turbines that might be applicable.

Read more about your renewable energy options.

Does CEA help install solar panels?

Our recommended energy efficiency service providers can conduct a preliminary assessment of your property and make recommendations for renewable energy contractors.

A directory of local installers is available at the Solar Energy Business Association of New England’s website.

What kinds of rebates and incentives am I entitled to?

CEA does not offer direct grants at this time, but your energy efficiency improvements may qualify for a wide range of rebates or tax deductions from NSTAR, Massachusetts, and the federal government. The Cambridge Energy Alliance also offers assistance in obtaining financing to make the program especially easy and affordable for homeowners.

Does CEA provide financing to help with the cost of energy efficiency installations?

CEA has arranged for a simplified loan process with pre-selected banks. Once any loans are repaid, you pocket the utility bill savings. Since energy costs are likely to continue to rise in the long term the benefits from taking action are likely to rise as well. Loans can be structured so that the amount saved on electricity, heating, or water bills will cover the loan payments.

Can I take a loan out from my bank or do I have to use CEA’s financing?

You are welcome to use your own bank, or apply for a loan from one of our pre-selected banks. More information. Additional financing is available through the MassSave Heat loan program that provides customers the opportunity to apply for a 0% loan from participating lenders to assist customers with the installation of qualified energy efficient improvements in their homes.

Have Additional Questions?

If you have any other questions, please contact the CEA Energy Advisor