WMGLD: Energy Audits Required Before Rebates

The following is an announcement from Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Dept:

Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department (WMGLD) residential customers are reminded that an energy audit must be done before they receive an incentive rebate for specific energy improvements through the Home Energy Loss Prevention Service (HELPS) program. All work reimbursed by the WMGLD incentive program must come from a recommendation made in the energy audit.

The WMGLD incentive program offers money back for specific energy efficient improvements made only after an energy audit is performed in cooperation with the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC) Residential Conservation Services (RCS) program.  Audits are performed at no cost to the customer.

Incentive rebates of 25%, up to $300, are awarded when specific audit-recommended improvements have been made. This program is open to residential customers only and only one rebate and incentive per customer account will be awarded each year.

Customers must call a toll-free hotline (888) 333-7525, or access the website at www.munihelps.org to obtain information about energy efficiency, renewable energy, and specific information about their own home’s performance. They will be asked questions to help determine which information, assistance and services will best address the particular needs of the individual customer. If energy improvements are needed, the customer is advised to have an energy audit at which time an appointment may be scheduled. 

If the customer does not need an audit, they receive information about energy efficiency, the energy usage of appliances, and simple ways to save energy in and around the home.

            “Residential customers will only be eligible to receive an incentive rebate for specific energy improvements after an audit has been performed,” WMGLD General Manager Pete Dion said. “There will be no exceptions.”

Customers who do any of the following improvements can save 25% of the total cost of energy improvements up to a cap of $300:

Attic insulation

Basement insulation

Rim joist insulation

Wall insulation

Pipe insulation

Heating system

Weatherstripping windows

Weatherstripping doors

Energy efficient windows/storm window replacement

Energy efficient doors/storm door replacement

Copies of the audit (pre-and post-installation) must be submitted along with a copy of the contract or proposal before any incentive rebate will be given. This incentive is available to the customer of record once every 12 months. Once the available money is spent, the program will end for the year.

             This is a separate from the appliance and programmable thermostat rebate program which does not require an audit. The residential rebate program enables eligible customers to receive a rebate when they purchase a qualified Energy Star-rated appliance or themostat. To be eligible for the rebate, customers must show proof of Energy Star rating, and include a copy of the Energy Star label, along with a copy of the sales receipt. All appropriate materials must be submitted before a rebate will be given to the customer. There will be no exceptions.

Informational materials on both the incentive rebate and rebate programs are available by calling the WMGLD at 781-246-6363 and on the website at www.wmgld.com.