Benefits of Energy Efficiency for Renters/Tenants:
- Energy efficiency can help renters that pay their own utility bills save money on energy. Utility bill savings can come from “instant-saving” energy efficient products installed “in-unit”, such as LED light bulbs, advanced power strips and efficient thermostats, as well as from “whole building” upgrades that must be authorized by the landlord such as weatherization and equipment/appliance replacement.
- Energy efficiency can also help renters by improving comfort and indoor air quality. Certain energy efficiency improvements, such as weatherization and heating/cooling equipment upgrades, help make indoor space more comfortable and improve indoor air quality.
- Reduced energy costs associated with energy efficiency may allow landlords to make other needed building improvements.
Most energy efficiency technologies require landlord permission in order to implement them. Renters can maximize benefits from energy efficiency by referring their landlord to Mass Save or other applicable efficiency programs. Energy efficiency programs offerings are based on the number of units the buildings. Select the appropriate housing type below to learn more about offerings that may be available, including special programs that cover the full cost of recommended efficiency improvement based on your household income:
1-4 Units
Mass Save Market Rate Program
- Mass Save provides a no-cost energy assessment and installation of recommended in-unit instant savings products, including LED light bulbs, advanced power strips, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and efficient thermostats. The assessment also provides a custom home energy report with tips on how to save energy.
- However, tenants cannot authorize upgrades like weatherization or equipment/appliance replacement without landlord permission. To unlock additional potential savings, tenants should refer their landlord or property manager to Mass Save for Landlords.
- To get started, call Mass Save at 1-866-527-7283 to schedule a home energy assessment. Or, refer your landlord or property manager to Mass Save for Landlords
Mass Save Income Eligible Program
- The Mass Save Income Eligible Program provides a no-cost energy assessment and no-cost installation of recommended in-unit instant savings products, including LED light bulbs, advanced power strips, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and efficient thermostats. The assessment also provides a custom home energy report with tips on how to save energy.
- Based on your household income, your home may be eligible for no cost weatherization or equipment/appliance replacement. However, tenants cannot authorize upgrades like weatherization or equipment/appliance replacement without landlord permission. To unlock additional potential savings, tenants should refer their landlord or property manager to the program.
- Income eligibility is determined based on the Annual Household Incomes below:
| Number of Household Members | Annual Household Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $37,360 |
| 2 | $48,855 |
| 3 | $60,351 |
| 4 | $71,846 |
| 5 | $83,341 |
| 6 | $94,837 |
- To get started, contact your local Community Action Program (CAP). The CAP Agency for Berkshire County Residents is Berkshire Community Action Council. Or, refer your landlord to your CAP agency.
Multifamily (5+) Units
Mass Save Multifamily Program
- Renters in multifamily properties with 5 or more units should refer their landlord or property manager to the Mass Save Multifamily Program. Mass Save will conduct a no-cost energy assessment for the property to identify recommended efficiency upgrades and associated incentives or rebates. Recommendations may include, but are not limited to, energy efficient lighting, occupancy sensors, insulation, programmable thermostats, heating/cooling or hot water system replacements, and ENERGY STAR certified appliances.
- To get started, refer your landlord or property manager to the Mass Save Multifamily Program.
Low Income Energy Affordability Network (LEAN) Multifamily Program
- Multifamily properties where at least 50% of households are income-eligible should refer their landlord or property manager to the LEAN Multifamily Program. Households with incomes at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI) are considered income-eligible. LEAN will conduct a no-cost energy assessment and install recommended upgrades at no cost. Recommendations may include, but are not limited to, energy efficient lighting, occupancy sensors, insulation, programmable thermostats, heating or hot water system replacements, and ENERGY STAR certified appliances.
- Income-eligible renters can request an individual audit of their housing unit and receive recommended in-unit “instant savings products” that do not require landlord/owner permission (e.g., high efficiency LED bulbs, advanced power strips, low-flow showerheads, etc.).
- To get started, contact LEAN through the chat option or webform on the bottom of the LEAN Multifamily website. You can also refer your landlord or property manager to the LEAN Multifamily Program.