Energy Savings & Home Improvement Assistance
Helping Residents Access Energy-Saving Programs
Many Berkshire County residents could save money, improve home comfort, and reduce energy use through programs like Mass Save®, but understanding the process can be challenging.
BEAT’s Energy Savings Program helps residents navigate energy-efficiency programs, understand available incentives, and connect with resources that can make homes healthier, more comfortable, and less expensive to heat and cool. Through education, outreach, and our developing Community Chest program, we also work to help residents overcome barriers that can prevent them from accessing available energy-saving upgrades.
Our work focuses on increasing access to these programs among environmental justice communities, renters, landlords, low- and moderate-income households, and residents who may face language or other barriers to participation.
- Community Education
- BEAT provides workshops, presentations, and educational materials that help residents understand:
- How Mass Save works
- Who qualifies for available programs
- What happens during a Home Energy Assessment
- Available rebates and incentives
- Additional programs such as Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP), Weatherization Assistance, and financing options
- Common obstacles that can prevent projects from moving forward
- Mass Save Toolkit
BEAT’s Mass Save Toolkit was developed to guide residents through the process from initial Home Energy Assessment to completed upgrades; it is available in English and Spanish and is designed to make the process easier to understand and navigate.
- The toolkit explains:
- How to get started
- What to expect at each step
- How to interpret recommendations from contractors
- Where to find additional assistance
- What to do when projects encounter unexpected barriers
- Community Outreach
We work with local organizations, housing advocates, and community groups to connect residents with energy-saving opportunities. Through workshops, community events, partner organizations, and one-on-one conversations, we help ensure more Berkshire County residents can benefit from available programs.
Mass Save often provides free or discounted energy-efficiency upgrades, but contractors sometimes cannot begin work until other repairs are completed first. The challenge is that those repairs are often not covered by existing programs, and these barriers can prevent otherwise eligible households from receiving energy-saving improvements.
- Common examples include:
- Knob-and-tube wiring removal
- Vermiculite or asbestos remediation
- Moisture and mold issues
- Roof leaks
- Structural repairs
- Air sealing obstacles
- Accessibility issues in attics and basements
- Permit-related issues that prevent work from moving forward
To help address these challenges, BEAT is developing the Community Chest program.
The Community Chest is designed to provide targeted financial assistance for repairs that stand between a household and recommended energy-efficiency upgrades. By removing these barriers, small investments can unlock much larger energy-saving improvements.
Priority is given to projects that unlock significant energy savings and serve residents in Environmental Justice communities.
- Potential assistance may be available for:
- Electrical repairs
- Structural repairs
- Moisture and mold remediation
- Vermiculite or asbestos removal
- Clearing access for contractors
- Other repairs identified during the Home Energy Assessment process
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Together, we are working to reduce energy burdens, improve housing conditions, and expand access to clean energy programs. This work is supported through partnerships with:
- Berkshire Community Action Council (BCAC)
- Berkshire Regional Planning Commission
- Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity
- Language Justice Solutions
- And more local community organizations throughout Berkshire County