With Mass Save® Ending Natural Gas Energy Efficiency Rebates and Incentives, Berkshire Gas Encourages Customers to Apply Prior to August 31st Deadline

Equipment must be purchased and installed by August 31, 2024 and all necessary documentation submitted by September 30, 2024 to receive a rebate


PITTSFIELD, Massachusetts — July 17, 2024 — In accordance with state regulatory decisions, Berkshire Gas Company, a subsidiary of Avangrid, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) and a sponsor of Mass Save® Energy Efficiency Program, today announced the discontinuation of rebates, incentives, and financing for equipment powered by natural gas. Customers who are currently purchasing or planning to replace their natural gas equipment must complete installations by August 31, 2024 to be eligible for applicable rebates. This change does not apply to income eligible customers. All necessary documentation must be submitted to Mass Save® no later than September 30, 2024 to receive the rebate.

"Approximately 50% of Massachusetts households rely on natural gas for home heating, which is why we strongly encourage our customers to take advantage of the benefits being offered by Mass Save® Energy Efficiency Program before August 31, if they have not done so already," said Sue Kristjansson, President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Berkshire Gas. "Especially for those with aging natural gas systems nearing the end of their lifespan, now is the time to consider investing in a high-efficiency gas boilers, furnaces, or water heaters. These upgrades not only enhance energy efficiency but also lead to significant financial savings. We look forward to helping assist eligible natural gas customers in enrolling for incentives and rebates before the upcoming deadline."

As of August 31, 2024 Berkshire Gas Company residential customers will no longer qualify for rebates when purchasing high-efficiency natural gas boilers, furnaces, and water heaters, though this change will not impact Income Eligible customers. Furthermore, beginning January 1, 2025 Berkshire Gas Company will no longer be allowed to support spending on incentives, programs or support for systems, equipment, workforce development or training as they relate to new carbon-emitting equipment unless such spending is for low-income households, emergency facilities, hospitals, a backup thermal energy source for a heat pump, or hard to electrify uses, such as industrial processes. The company remains committed to promoting energy efficiency through various measures including insulation, air sealing, barrier mitigation, Wi-Fi or Smart thermostats, aerators, and process improvement.

For Commercial and Industrial customers, rebate incentives for high-efficiency gas boilers, furnaces, and water heaters will also no longer be available after August 31, 2024. However, this change will not impact “hard-to-electrify” equipment or customers who use industrial process equipment, high-pressure steam equipment, and other equipment in “hard-to-electrify” processes. Additionally, measures that enhance the efficiency of existing gas equipment which includes controls, system optimization, insulation, weatherization, heat recovery, and steam traps will continue to be supported.

"As natural gas energy efficiency incentives come to an end in Massachusetts, it presents an opportunity for customers and businesses to explore the other tools and resources offered by the Mass Save® Energy Efficiency Program," said Hammad Chaudhry, Senior Manager of Conservation & Load Management at Berkshire Gas. "The program will continue to provide energy efficiency solutions through insulation, air sealing, and Smart Thermostats, which are all effective ways for customers to reduce their long-term energy usage. As we navigate this transitional period for natural gas incentives, our team remains committed to promptly supporting our customers’ needs and providing solutions that promote sustainability and affordability in the years ahead.”

For more information on available weatherization programs and other energy efficiency initiatives, please visit Mass Save®. 

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