Somerville Awarded Grant to Develop Clean Energy Projects

Somerville was chosen as one of 37 communities across Massachusetts to receive part of $455,000 in Municipal Energy Technical Assistance (META) grants to develop clean energy, state officials announced Wednesday.

“We are committed to helping Massachusetts communities reduce energy costs and meet their energy challenges through clean energy,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “These local technical assistance grants will help municipalities develop clean energy projects while creating local jobs, lowering energy costs and reducing the Commonwealth’s carbon footprint.”

The Department of Energy Resources’ META grants are awarded to Massachusetts municipalities, regional school districts, and water/wastewater districts. META grants fund the services of expert consultants and contractors to aid in the negotiation and management of projects, or the performance of studies to support the development of energy projects. The grants are funded through proceeds from Alternative Compliance Payments under the Massachusetts Renewable Portfolio Standard.

The projects and studies funded this round will support the performance of solar photovoltaic site evaluation, heating system replacements, ASHRAE Level II audits, and technical analysis of energy use at drinking water and wastewater facilities.

“DOER is pleased to offer these grants to Massachusetts cities and towns each year,” said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Judith Judson. “We consistently hear that they often provide the catalyst needed to get local energy projects out of the starting gate and moving toward the finish line.”