‘Stoughton Saves’ Campaign Promotes Energy Efficiency; Helps Residents Lower Energy Costs

The following is a press release from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC):

Stoughton has launched its new “Stoughton Saves” campaign, which will help connect Stoughton residents to the MassSave Program through National Grid and Columbia Gas. 

MassSave provides residents with a no-cost home energy assessment that can help save hundreds of dollars through energy efficiency investments.

This campaign is being made possible through the town’s partnership with Next Step Living, a residential energy efficiency and renewable company that offers no-cost energy services. 

Qualified residents who sign up for the Stoughton Saves campaign will receive a complete review of their home’s energy  consuming equipment by an Energy Specialist from Next Step Living, as well as the installation of compact fluorescent bulbs and low-flow showerheads and/or faucet aerators. The Energy Specialist will also provide residents with estimates for additional energy efficiency work, if applicable, and available rebates and incentives for such work.

The “Stoughton Saves” campaign is one of many strategies recommended in Stoughton’s Local Energy Action Plan, which provides a blueprint for how the town can help achieve significant community-wide energy reductions across the municipal, residential, and commercial sectors. 

The Energy Plan, which was drafted by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) in Boston, was recently approved by Stoughton’s Board of Selectmen. The plan will equip Stoughton with new energy goals and action strategies to advance the community’s clean energy efforts.

The Selectmen signed a memorandum of understanding with Next Step Living to establish them as the principal lead to coordinate MassSave assessments and to help the town achieve the residential clean energy goals for laid out in the Energy Plan.

To educate interested residents about the Stoughton Saves campaign, and to show how energy efficiency is beneficial for residents, Next Step Living will be hosting a kick-off event on Sunday, March 24 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Great Hall of Stoughton’s Town Hall.

“Our Outreach Workshop demonstrates what a no-cost home energy assessment is, and shows how insulation is installed when existing levels are determined to be below standards,” said Tim Humphreys, outreach program manager for Next Step Living. “While the assessment is paid for already through our utility bills, any insulation needs that are noted on the report will be 75 percent off, up to $2,000.”

“The MassSave program represents a great opportunity for residents to discover ways of making their homes more energy-efficient,” said Ani Krishnan, an energy planner with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). “In setting up a partnership with Next Step Living and developing the Stoughton Saves program, the town of Stoughton has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring that residents are taking advantage of these key resources.”

“I endorsed the partnership and program after going through the process myself,” said Stoughton Selectman John Anzivino. “The Next Step Living representative was on time, professional, and very thorough in his assessment. He replaced 37 light bulbs and installed a programmable thermostat at no cost to me the day of the assessment. He recommended adding 8 inches of insulation in the attic, plus an insulated cap for the pull-down stairs opening."

“I only paid $366 for the $1,452 project and the contractor did excellent work,” Anzivino said. “I expect the savings on my gas and electric bills to pay back my cost in a short period of time.”

To participate in the Challenge, Stoughton residents can call 866-867-8729 or sign up online at http://nextstepliving.com/stoughton/.

For more information on the Stoughton Saves program, contact Holly States of the Stoughton Energy Committee at hstates@massasoit@mass.edu. For more information on the Next Step Living audit process, contact Margie McNally at Margie.mcnaly@nextsteplivinginc.com.