ICYMI: State Awards $8.9M in Clean Energy Grants to Communities

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts announced nearly $9 million in grants funding clean energy projects in more than 50 municipalities around the state, including the Town of Winchester.

A total of $8,894,583 will be distributed among 51 cities and towns in the Bay State to fund the clean energy projects.

“Our administration is proud to help Green Communities reduce their energy use so they can reinvest their financial savings in schools, police, fire, municipal infrastructure and other local initiatives,” Governor Charlie Baker said in a release. “Massachusetts’ leadership in energy efficiency continues to help municipalities around the state secure long-term energy savings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

According to the Commonwealth, the nearly $8.9 million is funded through proceeds from Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative auctions and Alternative Compliance Payments under the Massachusetts Renewable Portfolio Standard.

The grants will provide funding for numerous clean energy and sustainability projects, including high efficiency lighting, installation of insulation and energy management systems at municipal building and facilities, LED streetlights, oil-to-gas heating system conversions and more, state officials said.

The projects are estimated to result in an annual savings of more than $2 million or the equivalent the annual consumption of nearly 550 Massachusetts homes and greenhouse gas reductions equal to removing more than 1,100 cars from the road, according to the release.

“The Green Communities grants will allow municipalities to save a considerable amount in long-term energy costs, as well as to protect the environment and make progress toward the Commonwealth’s clean energy goals,” Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito said in the release. “These grants further reiterate the Commonwealth’s ability to work with cities and towns to ensure Massachusetts continues to be a leader in clean energy and energy efficiency.”

In addition to the Town of Winchester, DOER’s Green Communities Division awarded funding for projects in the following communities: Acton, Acushnet, Amesbury, Andover, Arlington, Athol, Auburn, Bedford, Belchertown, Beverly, Boston, Bridgewater, Brookline, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Easton, Gardner, Gloucester, Hanover, Harvard, Kingston, Lakeville, Lenox, Lexington, Lincoln, Lowell, Mashpee, Maynard, Melrose, Milton, Monson, Natick, Newburyport, Newton, Palmer, Provincetown, Revere, Rowe, Salem, Sherborn, Swampscott, Tewksbury, Topsfield, Truro, Watertown, Westford, Westwood, Winthrop and Woburn.