Sustainability & Energy Commission

Mission Statement

The Sustainability and Energy Commission (SEC) was created as a means for implementing aspects of the Master Plan and approved by Town Meeting to serve as a forum to promote high levels of energy efficiency, energy and natural resource sustainability and to guard against the effects of energy and natural resource disruption/depletion and climate change.

  • The SEC has engaged with town departments encouraging reduced energy use, preparedness for joining the Commonwealth's Green Communities grants program, and general awareness around the topic of Sustainability.
  • We presented our work, goals, and vision at the Know Your Town program on 10/11/18

Upcoming Events


SEC Talk - Wednesday, Sept. 27 South Hadley Public Library on Canal Street 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 27: South Hadley's Sustainability and Energy Commission is sponsoring "What Might Climate Change Mean for South Hadley?" The talk will include basics on how climate change works, what we can expect for our town and our region, what South Hadley can do to adapt and to help prevent the worst impacts of climate change, and how those efforts can benefit us. Our presenter Dr. Sue Donaldson is retired and now takes the planet as her patient and is a full-time climate activist. The talk is from 6:30 - 7:45 at the South Hadley Public Library on Canal Street in the Trustees Room by the main entrance. Bring your questions and ideas!

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members

  • Matthew Roth, Chair
     Term Expires: 2026
  • John Howard, Clerk
     Term Expires: 2026
  • Robert Salthouse, Associate Chair
     Term Expires: 2024
  • Mary Jane Else, Member
    Term Expires: 2026

Energy Saving Program Links

Summary

Start by plugging your zipcode into Rewiring America’s website and clicking on their calculator (www.rewiringamerica.org). Some incentives are based on your household income, so you will need to enter that as well. The calculator gives you an estimate of the total amount of money available to you through combined federal and state programs. You will find that tens of thousands of dollars are available to you for items such as heat pumps, induction stoves, heat-exchanger water heaters, EVs, and more. This is in addition to the money you will save on energy bills. Energy experts advise mapping your goals for the next ten years so you take maximum advantage of the savings available. Some of these opportunities are listed below.


Don’t leave money on the table! You can save thousands of dollars on purchases and reduce your energy costs. Rewiring America and Energy Sage are two nonprofits that are ready to help, as are state program staff, SHELD, and MassSave. 


Massachusetts Commonwealth EV incentives:


  • Purchase or lease a new eligible vehicle with a purchase price less than $50,000. Receive up to $3,500 for a new battery or fuel cell electric vehicle, and up to $1,500 for a new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. For details see: https://mor-ev.org/

  • Rooftop solar -  tax credit of $1,000 through the Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit. This can be combined with a 30% federal tax rebate. For details see a reputable solar installer.



            


South Hadley Electric Light Dept. (SHELD) Incentives

Rebates are available for SHELD customers for electric lawn equipment, e-bikes. EV chargers, and home batteries. Home energy audits are available as well.  See SHELD’s website or call (413) 536-1050 - https://www.sheld.org/ 

  • Energy Audit 

    • Phone (888) 333-7525. This audit covers electrical appliances and HVAC devices not covered by the Mass Save energy audit which is only for Eversource customers.

  • Tools

    • Electric lawn mower $100, Leaf Blower $25, Trimmer $2, Electric Bicycles $200, Electric Service Upgrades $200. For Details see: https://www.sheld.org/pages/forms/greenhouse-gas-reduction-rebates/

  • Peak Demand Devices

  • Connected Homes

  • Energy Star Appliances

    • Air Source Heat Pump or Mini-Split $250- $500. For Details see: https://www.sheld.org/pages/forms/cool-homes-rebate/
    • Air Purifier, Room Air Conditioner, Clothes Dryer (Electric), Freezer, Dehumidifier, Dishwasher, Clothes Washer & Refrigerator $25 for Standard. Freezer, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Clothes Dryer (Electric) & Clothes Washer $100 for Most Efficient. Variable Speed Pool Pump $200 for Standard. Heat Pump Clothes Dryer $500 for Standard. Heat Pump Water Heater $500 for Standard. Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat $100 for Standard. For Details see: https://www.sheld.org/pages/forms/energy-star-appliance-rebate/
    • Air Source Heat Pump or Mini-Split $250- $500. For Details see: https://www.sheld.org/pages/forms/cool-homes-rebate/

  • Home Efficiency

    • Blower Door Test & Air Sealing, Energy Star Rated Heating System, Insulation & Duct Sealing 50%, up to $500.

  • Other Offers:

Massachusetts Incentives

Eversource/MassSave:  MassSave is a state-mandated program that offers generous rebates, free energy audits, assistance with insulation projects, financing and low-income programs, and more. You must be an Eversource customer to be eligible. 


Call MassSave at 866-527-7283 for a free home energy audit. You may be able to upgrade your insulation for a 75%-100% discount. MassSave also offers rebates on certain appliances to Eversource gas customers.


MassSave incentives (partial list):

  • Heat pump water heaters: up to $600

  • Induction Stove: up to $500  

  • Programmable thermostats: free with audit 

  • Heat pump home heating and cooling system: up to $10,000


Federal Tax Credits


Federal Efficiency and Electrification Incentives:


In late 2023 or 2024, point-of-sale rebates will be available. Tax credits and rebates are in force now. The figures below are estimates of your savings.


  • Whole Home Energy Reduction retrofit: $8,000

  • Heat Pump Water Heater: $1,750

  • Mini-split heat pumps: up to $8,000

  • Induction Stove: $1,340

  • Heat Pump Clothes Dryer: $840

  • Electric Panel: $4,000

  • Basic Weatherization: $1,600

  • Electric Wiring: $2,500.


Solar electric, battery storage, and ground-source heat pumps:


The 30% IRS tax credit for residential solar PV, home battery storage, and ground-source heat pumps will be available for the next ten years. Reputable, locally-owned installers can help.

      

EV tax credits:      

  • New:: $7,500  (restrictions on foreign cars and batteries)

  • Used: $4000   

Additional Information:

  • The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Makes tax incentives possible for non profits, cities and towns. Whole Home Energy Reduction $8,000, Heat Pump Water Heater $1,750, Mini Split heat pumps up to $8,000, Electric Stove $840, Heat Pump Clothes Dryer $840, Electric Panel $4,000, Basic Weatherization $1,600, Electric Wiring $2,500. Starting in 2023 the Act will offer funding for heat pumps (average cost  is $5,000-$6,000). Depending on household median income the rebate for air to air heat pumps (mini splits) is up to $8,000. See: Making “Cents” of Incentives: MassSave Incentives & IRA Tax Credits  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2N5ywp8LDo  30% tax credit for solar PV and home battery storage which can be taken over several years.
  • Up to $7,500 for new EVs with restrictions on foreign cars and batteries. There is also a $4000 tax credit for purchasing a used EV. Available later in 2023 an extra $1,500 for low-income residents and an extra $1,000 if you turn in a gas-powered car with your EV purchase. Point of sale tax credit is scheduled to start in 2024. Which cars are eligible is an evolving process involving the IRS. This will be adjusted over the coming year. The treasury department ruled that some leased cars are eligible for $7,500 rebate.
    • For Details see:  Alternative Fuels Data Center: EVs with Final Assembly in US https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/electric-vehicles-for-tax-credit Leased EVs https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/us-treasury-says-consumer-leases-can-qualify-ev-tax-credits-2022-12-29/  Inflation Reduction Act Links

      Tax Credits for Homeowners 22 –  IRA Heat pump Incentives 22 – EPA Green   Green Bank https://www.ncelenviro.org/resources/green-banks-and-the-inflation-reduction-act-issue-brief/

  • Energy Star Clothes dryers $50, https://www.energystar.gov/
  • Energy Star Appliances air source Heat Pumps $300, Air Conditioners $300, Hot Water Heaters $300, Biomass Stoves $300, Home Air Sealing (Materials Only) 10% up to $500, metal or asphalt Roofs (Materials Only) 10% up to $500, Windows, Doors & Skylights (Materials Only) 10% up to $500. For Details see https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome
  • Room Air Conditioner, Clothes Dryer (Electric) $50, Freezer, Dehumidifier, Dishwasher, Clothes Washer & Refrigerator $25 for Standard. Freezer, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Clothes Dryer (Electric) & Clothes Washer $100 for Most Efficient. Variable Speed Pool Pump $200 for Standard. Heat Pump Clothes Dryer $500 for Standard. Heat Pump Water Heater $500 for Standard. Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat $100 for Standard. For Details see: https://www.energystar.gov/ & https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal_tax_credits/non_business_energy_property_tax_credits

  •  30% for Geothermal Heat Pumps, Small wind turbines (residential) and Solar Energy Systems (including solar water heaters) For Details see: https://energystar-mesa.force.com/ENERGYSTAR/s/article/What-tax-credits-are-available-1600088465189?topicId=0TOt00000008fI9GAI&topicName=Tax%20Credits