By KENNEDY GRIFFIN
(Greenfield, MA) October is National Energy Awareness Month and the Greenfield Energy and Sustainability Department has offered some tips for saving on heating this winter as it is expected to be a cold and costly winter.
Energy and Sustainability Director Carole Collins said “Unfortunately, rising energy costs are likely to make keeping warm this winter a challenge for many families in our community. The good news is there are many generous programs and incentives to upgrade the energy efficiency of your home. For example, there’s up to a $10,000 rebate available to install air source heat pumps (mini-splits) in your home through Mass Save— and more incentives will become available starting in January thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act.”
Signing up for Greenfield Light & Power can amount to big savings for Greenfield residents. The current rate of 9.879 cents/kWh is guaranteed through 2023. Residents can enroll or find additional information at greenfieldlightandpower.com or by calling 1-844-483-5004.
Community Action Pioneer Valley can assist with home energy assistance, weatherization and heating services. Families of four can be eligible with incomes up to $81,561. Community Action can be reached at 1-800-370-0940.
Other tips include maintaining heating equipment (having systems serviced regularly and cleaning filters), closing curtains at night and opening during the day to let light in, and turning down the heat by seven to ten degrees while sleeping or away to save up to 10% on heating bills.