Prioritizing Underserved Communities in the Push for a Sustainable Future
As a seasoned expert in water and sanitation services, community engagement, and advocacy, I’ve witnessed firsthand the critical role energy efficiency plays in promoting sustainable and equitable communities. In Massachusetts, the proposed $5 billion statewide energy efficiency plan for 2025-2027 presents both opportunities and challenges in ensuring the benefits of these programs reach the populations that need them most.
Addressing Historical Inequities in Energy Efficiency
Massachusetts has long been considered a national leader in energy efficiency, consistently ranking at the top of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy’s annual scorecard. The state’s flagship Mass Save program, a partnership between gas and electric utilities, has provided a wide range of services to help residents and businesses save energy and reduce their environmental impact.
However, a 2020 study revealed that communities with lower incomes, higher proportions of residents of color, and more renters were far less likely to have utilized Mass Save services. This troubling finding highlighted the need to address historical inequities in energy efficiency programming.
The 2022-2024 Mass Save plan took steps to remedy this, including a 50% increase in the budget for income-eligible services, financial incentives for utilities to serve lower-income households, and grants to community organizations to help connect residents with program information. These efforts were widely praised by advocates as a positive step towards a more equitable approach.
Continuing the Push for Equity
The proposed 2025-2027 Mass Save plan builds on this progress, with several provisions aimed at further enhancing equity and accessibility. Key elements of the plan include:
Increased Funding for Low- and Moderate-Income Households
The plan increases the budget for services to income-eligible households (those with incomes below 80% of the area median) from roughly $600 million to nearly $1 billion – the highest level ever proposed.
Simplified Access in “Equity Communities”
The plan identifies 21 “equity communities” – municipalities where more than 35% of residents are renters and more than half of households qualify as low or moderate income. Residents in these communities would be eligible for no-cost weatherization and electrification, often without income verification, and rental properties would be able to receive low-cost services.
Expanded Community Outreach and Partnerships
The plan would further expand the Community First Partnership program, which provides funding to nonprofits and municipalities to conduct targeted outreach and education about Mass Save’s offerings, leveraging their deep knowledge of local communities and populations.
Challenges and Calls for Bolder Action
While these initiatives are commendable, advocates argue that the plan could still do more to ensure equitable distribution of energy efficiency benefits. Some key concerns and recommendations include:
Inadequate Funding Levels
The plan’s budget for low- and moderate-income services is around 19% of the total, even though nearly half of the state’s households fall into that category. Advocates suggest the funding should be proportional to the population in need.
Heat Pump Installation Targets
The plan calls for 115,000 heat pump installations during the 2025-2027 period, with only 16,000 in low- and moderate-income households. Advocates argue this target is far too low and should be increased to at least 30,000 for these underserved communities.
Prioritizing Fuel Switching for Highest-Emitting Households
When promoting heat pump adoption, the plan should focus on households currently using high-emissions and high-cost fuels like heating oil or propane, as these customers are more likely to see immediate cost savings and greenhouse gas reductions.
Strengthening Community Partnerships
While the expanded Community First Partnership program is a positive step, advocates are concerned that the funding levels may still be insufficient to attract and retain qualified staff to effectively engage with local communities.
The Path Forward: Toward a More Equitable Energy Future
As Massachusetts works to finalize its 2025-2027 energy efficiency plan, it is clear that equity must remain a central focus. By investing proportionally in low- and moderate-income households, simplifying access in underserved communities, and strengthening community-based partnerships, the state can ensure that the benefits of energy efficiency are distributed fairly and effectively.
Ultimately, the success of the state’s energy efficiency efforts will be measured not just by the aggregate energy savings or greenhouse gas reductions, but by the tangible improvements in the lives of those who have historically been left behind. Through a continued commitment to equity and community engagement, Massachusetts can lead the way in creating a more sustainable and inclusive energy future for all.
Leveraging Community Partnerships for Equitable Energy Efficiency
One of the key pillars of the proposed 2025-2027 Mass Save plan is the expansion of the Community First Partnership program, which provides funding to local nonprofits and municipalities to conduct targeted outreach and education about the program’s offerings. This approach recognizes the critical role that trusted community organizations can play in connecting underserved populations with energy efficiency services.
Tapping into Local Expertise
Community-based partners often have deep insights into the unique needs, barriers, and cultural nuances of the neighborhoods they serve. By empowering these organizations to lead outreach and engagement efforts, the Mass Save program can better understand and address the specific challenges faced by low-income residents, renters, and communities of color.
For example, Susan Olshuff, a town liaison with Ener-G-Save, a Community First Partner organization in western Massachusetts, has firsthand experience navigating the complexities of the program. She notes that the current funding levels can make it challenging to attract and retain qualified staff, as the resources may only support a part-time energy efficiency coordinator position.
Strengthening Collaboration and Trust
By investing in community-based partnerships, the Mass Save program can build trust and credibility within historically underserved populations. These local organizations often have established relationships and communication channels that can be leveraged to effectively disseminate information and encourage participation.
Moreover, community-based partners can serve as valuable intermediaries, helping to bridge the gap between program administrators and residents. They can provide critical feedback, advocate for the needs of their communities, and work collaboratively with the Mass Save team to design more inclusive and accessible services.
Achieving Equitable Outcomes
Meaningful community engagement is essential for ensuring that energy efficiency programs truly benefit those who have been left behind. By empowering local organizations to lead outreach and education efforts, the Mass Save plan can foster a more equitable distribution of resources and empower residents to take advantage of the available services.
As the state finalizes the 2025-2027 plan, it will be crucial to allocate sufficient funding and resources to strengthen these community-based partnerships. By investing in the expertise and networks of local organizations, Massachusetts can make significant strides towards a more inclusive and impactful energy efficiency future.
Prioritizing Heat Pump Adoption in Underserved Communities
One of the key components of the proposed 2025-2027 Mass Save plan is the focus on heat pump installations, with a target of 115,000 units across the state. However, advocates argue that the plan’s target of 16,000 heat pumps for low- and moderate-income households is far too low, and that a more ambitious goal of at least 30,000 is needed to truly address equity and affordability concerns.
The Benefits of Heat Pump Adoption
Heat pumps offer a range of benefits that can be particularly impactful for underserved communities. By replacing less efficient and higher-emitting heating systems, such as oil or propane furnaces, heat pumps can significantly reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions for households.
Additionally, heat pumps can provide improved indoor air quality, which is especially important for populations that may be more susceptible to respiratory issues or other health concerns related to poor air quality. This can have a meaningful impact on the overall well-being and quality of life for residents.
Addressing Barriers to Adoption
One of the key challenges in promoting heat pump adoption for low- and moderate-income households is the potential for increased energy costs, particularly in areas where electricity rates are high. To ensure affordability, the Mass Save plan should prioritize targeting households currently using the highest-emitting and most expensive heating fuels, such as heating oil or propane.
By focusing on these households, the plan can maximize the potential for cost savings and greenhouse gas reductions, while also addressing the more significant energy burdens faced by lower-income residents.
Equitable Heat Pump Deployment
Advocates argue that the Mass Save plan should set a more ambitious target for heat pump installations in low- and moderate-income households, aiming for at least 30,000 units during the 2025-2027 period. This would represent a significant increase from the current 16,000 unit target and would help ensure that the benefits of heat pump technology are more equitably distributed.
Additionally, the plan should consider providing targeted financial incentives, simplified enrollment processes, and multilingual support to make heat pump installations more accessible for underserved communities. By addressing the unique barriers and needs of these populations, the Mass Save program can help drive widespread adoption and unlock the full potential of this transformative technology.
Conclusion: Embracing Equity in Energy Efficiency
As Massachusetts continues to refine its 2025-2027 energy efficiency plan, it is clear that a renewed focus on equity and inclusivity must be at the forefront. By investing proportionally in low- and moderate-income households, simplifying access in underserved communities, and strengthening community-based partnerships, the state can ensure that the benefits of energy efficiency are distributed fairly and effectively.
The proposed plan represents a positive step forward, but advocates argue that more can and should be done to address historical inequities and ensure that every resident, regardless of their socioeconomic status or zip code, has access to the resources and support they need to participate in the clean energy transition.
By embracing a truly equitable approach to energy efficiency, Massachusetts can not only meet its ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals but also uplift and empower the communities that have been marginalized and underserved for far too long. This is a critical moment for the state to demonstrate its leadership and commitment to creating a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.
Through continued collaboration with community stakeholders, bold policy decisions, and a steadfast dedication to equity, Massachusetts can set a powerful example for the rest of the nation, showing that the benefits of energy efficiency must be accessible to everyone, not just the privileged few. The path forward may not be easy, but the rewards of a more just and sustainable energy system are well worth the effort.
