We can help you make your home more energy-efficient and connect you to services that provide assistance in covering utility costs. Working with Mass Save energy efficiency professionals, you can replace inefficient appliances, lighting, and heating/cooling equipment, insulate your building, and identify other ways to save. Most energy upgrades are no-cost and create savings as well as increase your comfort and health. We also connect you to services that can help you cover utility costs if you are struggling to pay your bills.
If your household is eligible for Fuel Assistance, you also qualify for a Discount Utility Rate, can request a FREE home weatherization assessment, and get emergency heating system repair and replacement.
Fuel Assistance*:
Low-income individuals and families can get help paying for heating bills during the winter season through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
The amount of fuel assistance benefits you will get depends on your income, your housing status, and your heating costs.
Low-income renters and condo/homeowners can check to see if they qualify and apply at:
www.cambridgema.gov/DHSP/programsforadults/fuelassistance or by calling 617-349-6252.
Homeowners Rehab Home Improvement program (HIP):
HIP provides financial and technical assistance to eligible Cambridge homeowners, helping renovate more than 500 units for low-and moderate-income homeowners. HIP participants maintain their residency, revitalize their homes, and help stabilize their community.
The HIP program provides services including: performing rehab inspections; estimating costs; establishing a rehab plan; managing and monitoring the rehab; assisting with a loan application for financing; obtaining a rehab loan; counseling on property management and maintenance issues; and working with tenants to assure that their rent is affordable.
Go to HIP’s website to learn more.
Check out their brochure here.
Free Weatherization Assessment:
If your gross annual income does not exceed 60% of the estimated state median income or you already receive Fuel Assistance through LIHEAP, you may qualify for free weatherization services.
An Energy Specialist will visit your home to perform your scheduled assessment and will recommend FREE weatherization services like insulation for your attic and walls, sealing cracks, wrapping your water heater and pipes, and other energy-saving improvements. A weatherized home could save you up to 20% or more a year in fuel costs.
Low-Income Discount Utility Rate:
Eversource offers a Discount Rate for residential customers who receive Fuel Assistance as well as other income-eligible benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The discounts on your gas and electric bills range from 10-25% on the distribution charges.
Click here to learn more about Eversource’s program.
Heating System Repair and Replacement (HEARTWRAP):
If you qualify for Fuel Assistance, you are eligible for the Heating System Repair & Replacement Program (HEARTWRAP). It is an emergency-based heating system repair program that helps eligible homeowners pay to repair or replace defective or unsafe heating systems.
SunWealth Community Solar:
Sunwealth is as program for low- and moderate-income households. Income-eligible Cambridge residents can save money on clean energy through Community Solar Program. Apply if you are interested in saving 25% on solar energy credits applied to your monthly electricity bill. Learn more about the program or sign up here.
*If your household is eligible for Fuel Assistance, you also qualify for a Discount Utility Rate, can request a FREE home weatherization assessment, and get emergency heating system repair and replacement.
To sign up or learn more about any of these programs contact Cambridge Fuel Assistance:
Phone: 617-349-6252
51 Inman Street (Basement Level)
Cambridge, MA 02139
Financing Options for Affordable Housing Properties:
Blue Hub Loan Fund
Blue Hub Loan Fund provides financing for affordable housing, education, healthcare and economic and environmental vitality.
For more information, please visit Blue Hub Capital.
The Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP)
MHP provides permanent financing for affordable and mixed-use developments. With Fannie Mae and FHA multifamily programs as well as MHP’s direct lending programs, they offer a wide range of financing solutions.
For more information, please visit MHP Loan Programs.
To learn more you can also contact:
Director of Business Development, Nancy McCafferty: nmccafferty
mhp
net (nmccaffertymhpnet) or 857-317-8556.
Senior Relationship Manager, Alma Balonon-Rosen: almabrmhpnet (almabrmhpnet) or 585-764-6963
L.E.A.N. Multifamily Energy Upgrades
Facilities owned by public housing authorities and non-profit organizations with income eligible residents can apply for the Low Income Multi-Family Program. Non-institutional facilities with 5 or more units owned or operated by a non-profit or public housing authority can qualify. LEAN helps applicants manage the project from start to finish. Contractors are paid, through utility funded grants, for all effective measures, providing residents free energy efficient upgrades.
For more information, please visit the Low-Income Energy Affordability Network (LEAN).
