Peabody State Rep. Thomas Walsh Calls For Mass Save Program Audit

PEABODY, MA — State Rep. Thomas Walsh (D-Peabody) is among those calling on the state to investigate the Mass Save energy program amid ongoing reports of inefficiencies in the surcharge-funded program the promises rebates to those who upgrade their home heating and cooling systems with more modern, environmentally friendly options.

Walsh said he sent a letter to State Auditor Diana DiZoglio formally requesting the audit to ensure what he called "the integrity of this program."

"As we remain committed to our 2050 Net Zero carbon emission goals and to a greener future, it is incumbent upon us to ensure the public's trust in the integrity of this multi-million-dollar energy efficiency program," Walsh said in the letter, which his office provided to Patch. "Recent reporting by the Boston Globe and local TV news outlets have spotlighted alarming incidents of theft, shoddy workmanship by program vendors, a lack of accountability, and bureaucratic unresponsiveness in the Mass Save program.

"In light of the aforementioned news reports, the dozens of consumer complaints filed with the Massachusetts Attorney General faulting the Mass Save program, and from personally hearing from numerous disgruntled program participants, I respectfully request your office conduct a comprehensive audit of the Mass Save energy efficiency installation program.:

CBS Boston this past fall reported on multiple residents who installed expensive upgrades based on the promise of rebates they were still waiting for months after paying for the work.

The program, which began in 2008, runs off surcharges that every gas and electric ratepayer pays and that add up to billions. But the program has come under criticism that much of that money goes toward administrative costs and advertising over the types of rebates that are meant to push residents into more climate-friendly energy options.

"Massachusetts ratepayers should have confidence that their green energy surcharges are being spent wisely and effectively by the Mass Save program," Walsh said in a statement to Patch. "Participants deserve bang for their buck, and ensuring the integrity of this program, which plays a critical role toward achieving our clean energy goals, is important to me and serves the public's interest."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)