Skip to main content
Official City of Worcester Seal Image

City of Worcester, MA

Eric D. Batista
City Manager

City of Worcester Awarded Second Mass Save Community First Partnership Grant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8/27/2026 4:17 pm

WORCESTER, Mass. – The City of Worcester announced Thursday the municipality was awarded a 2025–2027 Mass Save Community First Partnership grant, one of 58 awarded statewide by Mass Save sponsors, National Grid and Eversource. The grant will continue to fund Worcester’s Smart Energy Advice program, which is run through the Department of Sustainability and Resilience.

“We're excited to keep this program going, especially with energy costs so high these past few years,” said Chief Sustainability Officer John Odell. “Whether you’re a homeowner trying to make your house more efficient, someone who needs help paying your bill, or a small business owner looking for ways to cut costs and improve your bottom line, it’s a great place to turn to for help or advice.”

Since launching in 2023, Smart Energy Advice’s Energy Advocate has engaged more than 1,000 individuals and helped over 450 low- and moderate-income households improve the efficiency, comfort, and health of their homes.

The program is a free resource for residents, small businesses, landlords, renters, and non-profits – including individuals who speak languages other than English. Residents can meet with the municipality’s Energy Advocate by phone, email, or in person, or find the program at community events, for help with:

  • Scheduling a Mass Save energy assessment and getting upgrade recommendations
  • Applying for Mass Save incentives, rebates, and the 0% HEAT Loan
  • Understanding their energy bill, including electricity supplier options, income-based discount rates, and payment plans
  • Exploring rooftop or community solar
  • Pursuing heat pumps, including how to get started and what to work through with contractors
  • Connecting to related resources, including the Worcester Community Action Council, Worcester Community Housing Resources, and the Worcester Lead Abatement Program

To get started, call 508-456-5752, email energyadvice@worcesterma.gov or visit Mass Save | Community First | Worcester

Mass Save incentives are income-based. In 2025, Worcester became an official Designated Equity Community, which means even more incentives for residents who live in the city – including 100% off insulation and air sealing, no-cost or discounted heat pump upgrades, and 0% financing for certain projects. Additional programs cover larger buildings, new construction, commercial projects, EVs, and appliances. Details can be found at masssave.com.

Letters explaining the program will be mailed to property owners in the coming months. 

To learn more about the Smart Energy Advice program and make a no-cost appointment to get energy advice and help, visit worcesterma.gov/energyadvice. 

###