The rebate provides an added incentive for eligible businesses to seek energy savings, by reducing the cost of energy efficiency equipment installed through National Grid’s energy efficiency Direct Install Program. The main elements of Lowell’s $5 million grant program will be to provide incentives for more comprehensive energy audits and a grant and loan program for larger projects achieving deeper energy savings. Further program details and a Request for Proposals will be announced shortly. The city has already received over 50 Letters of Interest from building owners and businesses seeking assistance for energy efficiency projects.

DOE’s goals for the BetterBuildings grant program are to achieve substantial reductions in building energy demands through energy efficiency retrofits including insulation and weatherization, updated HVAC equipment, occupancy sensors, automated controls and other demand reduction measures. BetterBuildings also seeks growth in green jobs, an important element in the new economy. Projects must be replicable, creating a national framework of successful approaches to making buildings across the country more sustainable in their use of energy.

This rebate from the City of Lowell’s BetterBuildings Program is limited to currently occupied buildings within the Downtown Lowell Historic District. Businesses not eligible for the rebate may still be eligible for the National Grid energy efficiency Direct Install Program which provides a no-cost audit and project proposal identifying energy efficiency measures and savings. National Grid provides 70% of the project cost, including providing the materials, installation, labor and recycling services.

For additional information, call:

• City of Lowell BetterBuildings Program:  BetterBuildings Project Manager Amy Janovsky at 978-446-7200.
• National Grid energy efficiency Direct Install Program: 800-332-3333.