Energy costs are increasing at record levels.

Why is energy more expensive?

Like many of the necessities we rely on every day, the cost of energy is also increasing. And due to global demand for energy and lagging production, these increases are expected to last through the winter and into the future.

Bills are likely to increase, but you can lessen the impact

The spikes we typically see on bills during the winter and summer when we use more energy to heat and cool our homes will be higher because of the increased energy costs. However, the Sponsors of Mass Save are working hard to keep costs low for customers while offering other avenues of relief.

You can further lessen the impact if you take steps to reduce your energy consumption, apply for financial assistance, or enroll in billing programs.

The Sponsors of Mass Save are committed to providing relief

We know this will be a tough time for many, so we are here to provide you with numerous ways you can minimize the impact of energy cost increases, by offering rebates and incentives on energy-saving upgrades, providing you with no- and low-cost tips to reduce consumption, and guiding you toward billing assistance programs.

Three steps you can take to minimize the impact of cost increases

1. Explore your billing and payment options
   

   You may be eligible for financial assistance. Information about State and Federally funded payment assistance programs that provide relief on winter heating bills is available on your utility’s website. Local Community Action Agencies may also provide bill assistance and financial assistance toward home improvements. Even if you’ve never applied for payment assistance before, it is still worth looking into to see if you do qualify.

   Enroll in a budget or balanced billing plan. Look into budget or balanced billing plans in which you pay the same amount each month for energy. Based on an estimate of your energy usage for the year, your utility will bill you in 12 equal increments. This will allow you to have a more predictable bill and spread out the winter and summer spikes in energy usage over the course of the year.
   
   

2. Make energy efficiency improvements to save money now and in the future
   

   A no-cost home or business energy assessment is a great way to discover your energy savings opportunities – or take the online assessment for your home or business. You may learn things about your home or business and the equipment in it that you didn’t know before. Plus, you may qualify for weatherization upgrades that can reduce the amount of energy used while enhancing your comfort. This could include air sealing at no cost, insulation at 75% - 100% off the installed cost, and upfront incentives to help cover the cost to address barriers to the recommended weatherization upgrades.

   Whether you start with a no-cost assessment or you know which upgrades you want to make, the Sponsors of Mass Save offer a variety of rebates and incentives on qualifying equipment, as well as instant discounts on energy- saving products at participating retailers and the Mass Save Marketplace. You’ll save on upfront costs, then save on your bills in the future.

   Income eligible customers may be eligible for enhanced rebates and no-cost upgrades.
   
   

3. Practice wise energy saving habits every day with no- and low-cost changes
   

   You can reduce your energy consumption every day this winter with some low cost, low effort steps and improvements.

   • Schedule an inspection and tune up of your space heating and water heating equipment. A professional will ensure your equipment is operating most efficiently. If your equipment needs replacing, make sure to take advantage of Mass Save rebates on eligible energy efficient equipment.
   • Adjust your thermostat. Turn your thermostat down a few degrees whenever you are not at home or when you go to bed at night and when your business is closed. If your schedule is predictable, you can program temperature setbacks on a programmable or smart thermostat. Be sure to avoid setting it too low so your pipes do not freeze.
   • Turn down your water heater. Most water heaters are factory set at 140 degrees, but 120 degrees is sufficient for average household use and is less likely to cause scalding.
   • Replace furnace filters every month. A dirty filter will result in inefficient operation of your heating equipment, thus using more energy.
   • Wash clothes in cold water. You’ll save on water heating expenses. Always wash full loads.
   • Install low flow showerheads and faucet aerators to cut back on water usage.
   • DIY weatherization. Though comprehensive weatherization improvements completed by a professional are more effective at reducing drafts and air leaks, there are low-cost improvements you can make yourself. Installing storm windows can reduce heat loss by up to 33%. Seal up windows and doors with caulking and weatherstripping and by installing plastic film to cover windows inside to reduce energy leaks to the outside.

   Find more no- and low-cost energy saving tips here. 

Get in touch with the Sponsors

We are here to help. For questions about billing assistance, visit the website or call the customer care line of your Mass Save Sponsors below.