Massachusetts Communities Rewarded for Energy Efficiency Efforts

National Grid's Community Initiative supports municipalities with energy efficiency outreach

WALTHAM, MA. – National Grid is recognizing five Massachusetts communities for exceeding goals set through the company’s Community Initiative, a grant program that supports municipalities in their efforts to become more energy efficient.

Chelmsford, Malden, Newburyport, Salisbury and Shirley will be presented with awards on Nov. 4 at National Grid’s local U.S. headquarters, 40 Sylvan Road, Waltham, for their work to increase energy efficiency in their communities. National Grid provides both electricity and natural gas service in these towns.

“Our Community Initiative gives municipalities the opportunity to team up with National Grid to reach residents who may not otherwise take advantage of the energy efficiency programs available to them. It’s a great way for local government to help residents save money on their energy bills,” said Marcy Reed, president, National Grid, Massachusetts.

National Grid launched its Community Initiative in 2013 with Medford, and then expanded the program in 2014 to include Chelmsford, Malden, Newburyport, Salisbury and Shirley. The program rewards communities for increasing the number of home energy assessments that their residents do, as well as the number of further measures installed, such as insulation, air sealing, and heating systems. Each municipality is given goals based on past participation, and supported with start-up funding, training, education, and outreach materials. Municipal staff join regular calls, where they share outreach techniques and lessons learned with their peers.

National Grid has awarded a combined total of more than $115,600 to these communities in recognition of their achievements. The communities are receiving grants for achieving the following:

Chelmsford

• Exceeded audit, air sealing and heating system goals
• Received a grant for energy efficiency items for residents and a sustainability scholarship fund at Chelmsford High School

Malden

• Exceeded audit, air sealing and insulation goals
• Received a grant for LED streetlights and other energy efficiency upgrades

Newburyport

• Exceeded audit, insulation and hot water system goals
• Received a grant for a behavior-based school energy conservation program at the high school

Shirley

• Exceeded audit, air sealing and insulation goals
• Received a grant to be used toward a new athletic park

Salisbury

• Exceeded audit, air sealing and insulation
• Received a grant for beautification projects

National Grid will present each community with the National Grid Shining Community Award and a choice of installations commemorating the achievement (a public water station or public sculpture) at the Nov. 4 ceremony. Municipalities interested in getting involved with future Community Initiatives can contact Dilena Diaz at 401-784-7448, or via email at Dilena.diaz@nationalgrid.com.