Energy and Environment
Green Communities
The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) calculates community funding allocations using a formula that provides each community with a $125,000 base grant plus additional amounts based on per capita income and population. The “Green Community” designation also makes municipalities eligible for special initiatives such as electric vehicle charging stations and additional competitive grant rounds subsequent to the initial Green Communities grant
There are currently six communities in the Northern Middlesex region that are designated Green Communities: Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Lowell, Pepperell, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough and Westford. Collectively, these communities have received over $1 million in funding through the program which has been used to install solar panels at schools, retrofit streetlights and implement energy efficiency improvements in municipal buildings.
NMCOG strongly supports the Green Communities Program and assists municipalities in our region with the Green Communities Designation application process. We believe becoming a Green Community produces significant energy improvements and cost savings for municipalities. Such action also demonstrates the community’s commitment to green energy and environmental protection. If you are interested please contact Daniela Garcia Moreno at dgarciamoreno@nmcog.org or 978-454-8021 x 124.
For more information on the Green Communities Program Visit: www.mass.gov/eea/energy-utilities-clean-tech/green-communities/
The Green Communities Designation and Grant Program helps municipalities become designated as a “Green Community” and provides funding to qualified municipalities for energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives. The Program is open to all communities served by investor-owned utilities and those served by municipal light plants that adopt the renewable energy charge.