1. The Green Communities Division Partnering with Massachusetts
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Charles D. Baker, Governor
Karyn E. Polito, Lt. Governor
Matthew A. Beaton, Secretary
Judith Judson, Commissioner
The Green Communities Division
Partnering with Massachusetts
Cities and Towns
Neal Duffy
Northeast Regional Coordinator
NSPC Meeting
September 14, 2017

2. Green Communities Division
The energy hub for all Massachusetts cities and towns, not just designated “Green Communities.”
this group is more up to speed than many others in terms of the Commonwealth’s clean energy initiatives, so I won’t spend a lot of time on the background of the Green Communities Division.
Important to note a few things though – including that, although the Division is most often associated with the designation of official Green Communities (such as the one we are meeting in tonight), we actually serve as a central clearinghouse for all things energy for all 351 cities and towns.

3. Green Communities Division
The energy hub for all Massachusetts cities and towns, not just designated “Green Communities.” $

5. Designation and Grant Program
Green Communities
Designation and Grant Program
Up to $20M/yr in grants and loans to qualifying communities
Grants fund energy efficiency initiatives & renewable energy, innovative projects 5

6. Designation and Grant Program
Designation grants based on $125K base plus a population/per capita income formula
Range $130,725 in Hatfield to $1M (max award) for Boston
Competitive grants available annually up to $250,000 per applicant for Green Communities that have expended all prior grant funds
Over $81M awarded in designation and competitive grants
Projects include building EE measures, LED streetlights, solar PV, incremental costs for electric vehicles, and more
$28.8M in designation awards to 155 Communities
$2.42M in competitive awards of June 2012 to 18 communities – ACP funds
$3.56M in competitive awards of June 2013 to 20 communities
$7.6M in competitive awards of July 2014 to 42 communities
$8.9M in competitive awards of July 2015 to 51 communities
Of Total GC Funds (D $28,781,573, C $22,514,648) $51,296,221
Primary focus has been EE – Have ERPs to meet! 20 percenters: Arlington, Belchertown, Cambridge, Natick, Palmer, Springfield and Sutton 6

7. Designation and Grant Program
Green Communities
Designation and Grant Program
Qualification Criteria - Designation
Adopt as-of-right siting for RE/AE generation, R&D, or manufacturing
Adopt expedited permitting process
Create an Energy Reduction Plan to reduce energy use by 20% in 5 years
Purchase only fuel-efficient vehicles
Minimize life cycle cost in new construction  adopt the Stretch Code 7

8. Designation and Grant Program
Green Communities
Designation and Grant Program
Qualification Criteria – Designation
THE MLP path – Municipal Light Plant communities need to add a .0005/kWh Renewable Energy Charge to become eligible for the program. 8

9. Designation and Grant Program
Green Communities
Designation and Grant Program
Qualification Criteria – Designation
THE MLP path – Municipal Light Plant communities need to add a .0005/kWh Renewable Energy Charge to become eligible for the program.
THE MLP “Loophole” – If an MLP community can identify ONE Investor Owned Utility (IOU) customer within their borders - they qualify. 9

10. Green Communities Benefits
Another tool in facilities management toolbox
Energy savings can be applied to core services
Comfortable buildings = happier employees = better services
Increased coordination and communication between departments
Higher awareness of other programs and incentives
A more comprehensive understanding of your operation and cost drivers

11. Leading By Example Awards
Recognize state agencies, public colleges and universities, municipalities, and public sector employees or volunteers for outstanding efforts in implementing policies and programs that result in measureable environmental and energy benefits.
Applications due September 26th.
For more information contact:

12. Contact Information
Neal Duffy– Regional Coordinator
(978)
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