ReBuild Program Announced

Boston – The Patrick-Murray Administration announced the program details of more than $8 million to help building owners affected by the June 1 tornadoes rebuild using energy efficiency practices and renewable energy technologies. Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr. made the announcement as part of the Patrick-Murray Administration’s commitment to help communities rebuild and recover from tornado damage.
The department of Energy and Environmental Affairs announced its new call center telephone number of (800) 628-8413 and website at www.mass.gov/energy/rebuildwesternma, provided additional program details and named the banks participating in the ReBuild Western Massachusetts program, which was previously announced in August.
Adding to existing services and incentives offered by gas and electric utilities, ReBuild Western Massachusetts incentives for homeowners include zero-interest loans in collaboration with Monson Savings Bank and Country Bank, and grants for building with energy efficient windows, doors, attic and wall insulation, and heating equipment.
The program will also offer $1 million in incentives for solar PV and solar thermal systems. In combination with other federal and state incentives, the program will allow impacted residents to offset substantially more than 50 percent (in some cases up to 80 percent) of the total installed cost for renewable systems.
Offerings developed later this year will include energy efficiency for commercial buildings up to $60,000, and up to $100,000 for municipal buildings affected by tornado damage.
Eligible participants include those who can document damage caused by the June 1 storms, and who own buildings in communities in Hampden and Worcester Counties, including: Agawam, Westfield, West Springfield, Springfield, Wilbraham, Monson, Brimfield, Southbridge and Sturbridge.