Utility Rebates

2024 Mass Save Residential New Construction Rebates

For 2024 the Mass Save RNC program has changed dramatically, aligned with the Stretch Code update for projects starting after July 1, 2024. The updated Stretch Code requires <45 HERS for all electric homes. (down from 55).

Electric only, no gas

Per a MA legislative mandate, the Mass Save program will no longer provide any rebates/incentives to homes with gas. In MA, building with electric heatpumps is the MOST COST EFFECTIVE way to meet the updated Stretch Energy code. The Mass Save incentives further the cost effectiveness of proven cold climate heatpump technologies in new homes. We will happily debate this with any hvac contractor or builder, though prepare for a short conversation…..

3 Tiers of Incentives - from fairly easy to …. very involved.

Reference the table above

BASE - $7,500+
Meeting this rebate level is easy for all electric code compliant houses. Meeting the required >15% savings over the baseline utility home (calculated by our HERS Rating software) , is very manageable for a <45 HERS code compliant all electric home.

ENERGY STAR - $15,000+
This rebate requires Energy Star Next Gen Certification with additional over-code ‘performance requirements’ as listed. Energy Star Certification is not very stringent over code, but requires careful coordination of the entire project team. The 45L federal tax credit offers $2500 for Energy Star certified homes. We have a detailed overview of Energy Star Certification here.

PASSIVE HOUSE - $25,000+ .
Passive House Certification (PHIUS typically) is for optimal building performance and includes serious verification and quality assurance. It can’t be ‘backed into’ , and starts with a robust design process. The 45L federal tax credit offers $5,000 for ZERH Certified homes, which is included with PHIUS certification. Note that the PHIUS Prescriptive path is an acceptable approach, which has less soft costs associated with it.

We are here to help with Certification and rebates

Each of the three ‘tiers’ of rebate, requires different levels of HERS Rater involvement. The Energy Star and Passive House paths, are best lead by the commitment of the owner and builder, with the Rater providing limited technical support and the required verification and quality assurance. The Base rebate, requires less technical support, assuming the home design specifications (architecture, enclosure, HVAC) are aligned with the <45 HERS code requirements.

For all rebate paths, we can contribute as needed, to ensure the construction plans and design specifications are on target for the project targeted building performance and Mass Save New Construction rebate preferred ‘tier’ .

Using our extensive energy consulting experience and energy modeling tools, we can help you spec your insualtion, window, and mechanical system approaches on the way to a more efficient, healthy and comfortable home.

We offer the following optional services, often a good fit for high performance projects:

• Advanced design support - beyond a simple plan review, building science consulting to inform enclosure and HVAC design

• Heating / cooling load calculation - Manual J sizing calculation

• Midpoint airbarrier diagnostics - Midpoint blower door test to ensure the airleakage rates are on target

• Ventilation design - distribution, layout, and system selection

• Ventilation commissioning - balancing and commissioning at the end of the project

Mass Save Renovations & Additions (R&A)- existing buildings, 1>4 units

The R&A program is changing Jan 1, 2025 with expected IMPROVED, less complex program design, in order to leverage all existing building heatpump rebates AND the R&A program rebates. Details are pending..

Currently, the R&A program provides rebates, up to $10k, based on the modeled energy savings between two energy models: The existing home (pre addition and/or renovation) and the Final home (final as built conditions) . Our experience has demonstrated that significant rebates are eligible if major insulation upgrades are made, AND old mechanical systems are upgraded.

This program is not ‘free’, like the flagship existing home weatherization Mass Save program. Our R&A Raters service costs and in return you get real value from an energy consultant, focused on your needs and home performance upgrade goals

The R&A rebate program requires that we document the old mechanical equipment and insulation. Detailed photos may suffice. Take lots of photos before and during demolition.

Mass Save R&A Terms and Conditions (2023 application)

Whole House Heat Pump Rebates

For our R&A clients, we can help to streamline this prescriptive Mass Save rebate for converting from fossil fuels to heatpumps. For a nominal administrative fee, upon verification that the house is ‘ready for heatpumps’ (no health and safety issues, insulation is up to standard), we will provide you with the documentation needed to directly submit for this rebate.

Mass Save WHHP Verification form

Mass Save Heat Pump rebate form

Are we a good fit for your renovation project?

If you are committed to hiring an energy consultant involved in your major renovation and addition project, we’re a likely a good fit.

If you are just looking for rebates for a small or modest re-insulation project without changing the energy performance of your home, we are likely not a good fit. Our capacity is limited, and we are committed to working with clients that will get the most from our expertise.

MA Stretch Code Renovation HERS requirement

The 2021 IECC MA Stretch Code specify that major renovations trigger a HERS rating requirement for existing homes. The entire home must receive a HERS rating of 53/55 or lower. Due to this , most of our R&A projects will also receive a HERS ratings for code. It is not our responsibility to enforce code, so get a clear direction from the building official before starting.

DOER current Stretch Code community state map

Mass Save Multi Family rebates - 5+ units per building

The 2024 Rebate structure is in the table below. Note this is for both low and high rise buildings.

Each apartment unit in multi family residential projects, is eligible for a rebate through the Mass Save Multi Family program. We will handle all of the administrative requirements. Be in touch with a plan set and we will get you a proposal for code compliance, and will present rebate projections based on the designed specifications. Early energy modeling can firm up a projected rebate package. Additional value we bring our multi family clients include:

• Plan review and markup relating to thermal enclosure details - professional review to avoid surprises mid construction and ensure the performance targets are on track.

• Compartmentalization strategies - unit to unit air barrier design and execution support

• Mock unit testing - midpoint blower door testing

• Scenario energy modeling - to assess code and rebate implications of various design choices

• Training and team support - design phase and during construction

• Over code certification - ZERH for tax credits etc.