4 Town Climate Programs You Should Know

Hey Danvers! This month, we’re featuring four Town programs that you can utilize to take climate action and help us meet our Resilient Danvers goals. Check them out: 

1. Smart Savings Program 

 

The Smart Savings Program, run by the Town in partnership with Danvers Electric, helps you save on your energy bills while supporting community resilience during peak energy use times. The program allows residential and small business customers who own (or are interested in purchasing) a qualifying connected thermostat to receive incentive payments for their reduced energy usage, helping the community be more sustainable. By signing up, you're agreeing to participate in Community Energy Hours, during which SmartSavings will make small adjustments to your thermostat during peak hours on any day of the week between May 1 and September 30. 

Danvers Electric customers are eligible for a rebate of $50 for qualified Wi-Fi thermostatswith an additional $60 for Nest thermostat users. Click here for the rebate application.  

Get paid to save energy! Sign up for the Smart Savings program this summer. 

 

2. Residential Solar Program 

 

The Town wants to make it as accessible as possible to install solar panels on your property. To that end, Danvers Electric is pleased to offer qualifying system installations with the below prescriptive rebate: $1.20 / watt for the first 3.75kW AC installed capacity ($4,500 max rebate) 

 (Please note that the Danvers Electric Interconnection Application 10 kW or Less (PDF) process for all qualified MLP Solar or other Distributed Generation facilities must be completed and filed with the Danvers Electric Division separately. DE will review and approve interconnection under the terms and agreements of the department's interconnection policy.) 

Interested in applying? Here are the requirements: 

  • Applicant's electric account must be in good standing 

  • Applicant must be either the installer or property owner 

  • The solar panels must be installed by a professional, licensed contractor 

  • The solar project must meet technical, installation, and equipment requirements outlined in the Program Manual and DE Appendix E - Net Metering Policy 

  • Danvers Electric limits residential solar installations to 10kW AC 

  • Be interconnected to Danvers MLP's distribution system 

  • Cannot have received a Statement of Qualification under the Solar Carve-out II Program 

Applications for new solar arrays must be filed with and approved by DE prior to installation. The technical review process will ensure your PV system meets the important industry and Danvers Electric engineering criteria for safe interconnection to our system. 

Learn more here and apply today! 

 

3. In-Home & Online Energy Assessments through Energy New England (ENE) 

 

ENE provides free Home Energy Assessments for residential Danvers Electric customers. Their highly trained and experienced Residential Energy Advisors will assess your home’s energy efficiency to identify heating, lighting, and weatherization opportunities that can save money on your utility bills. 

The program has three steps: 

  • Preparation 

  • Complete the online intake form to start the scheduling process and ENE will email or call you with available appointment times. If you’re unable to complete the intake form, email them at hea@ene.org or call them at 888-772-4242, and they’ll assist you. When the Energy Advisor visits your home, please provide them with: 

  • Your concerns (drafty rooms, high bills, old appliances and heating/cooling equipment) 

  • A 12-month heating fuel usage history from your gas, oil, propane or wood supply company. If you don’t have fuel usage information, please let your Energy Advisor know. 

  • Full access to your home, including the attic and basement 

  • A stable ladder (if possible) 

  • Home Visit 

  • The Energy Advisor conducts a walk-through of your home, inputting information into their energy-efficiency software, SnuggPro. When there is a 20-degree temperature difference, your energy advisor will use Flir, thermo-imaging camera, to identify air leaks. Your Energy Advisor will assess and discuss potential energy savings linked to: 

  • Insulation 

  • Appliances 

  • Heating/cooling 

  • Water heating 

  • Efficient lighting 

  • Windows and door weather-stripping 

  • Window and door replacement 

  • Post Visit 

  • You’ll receive a Home Energy Assessment Report that analyzes your home’s energy usage, identifies home improvement projects that can lower your energy costs, and links to Danvers Electric rebates and incentives. 

Schedule your home energy assessment today! Click here. 

 

4. Danvers Drives Electric Program 

 

Danvers Electric has partnered with Energy New England to offer Danvers Drives Electric, an outreach program to inform electric utility customers about the savings and benefits that come from choosing an electric car and charging it at home overnight. 

Check out the Danvers Drives Electric landing page to explore the services and resources the program offers. You can read testimonials, connect with EV Advisors and certified home charging installers, get the latest EV news, and more! Click here to learn more. 

 

Thanks for stopping by! 

Have questions about any of these Town programs? Reach Erica DeDonato at ededonato@danversma.gov or 978-777-0001 x3014