Sustainability & Energy Commission

Mission Statement

The Sustainability and Energy Commission (SEC) was created as a means for implementing aspects of the Master Plan and approved by Town Meeting to serve as a forum to promote high levels of energy efficiency, energy and natural resource sustainability and to guard against the effects of energy and natural resource disruption/depletion and climate change.

  • The SEC has engaged with town departments encouraging reduced energy use, preparedness for joining the Commonwealth's Green Communities grants program, and general awareness around the topic of Sustainability.
  • We presented our work, goals, and vision at the Know Your Town program on 10/11/18

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members

  • Matthew Roth, Chair
     Term Expires: 2023
  • John Howard, Clerk
     Term Expires: 2023
  • Robert Salthouse, Associate Chair
     Term Expires: 2024

Energy Saving Program Links


South Hadley Electric Light Dept. (SHELD) Incentives

https://www.sheld.org/ 413-536-1050

  • Energy Audit 

    • Phone (888) 333-7525. This audit covers electrical appliances and HVAC devices not covered by the Mass Save energy audit which is only for Eversource customers.

  • Tools

    • Electric lawn mower $100, Leaf Blower $25, Trimmer $2, Electric Bicycles $200, Electric Service Upgrades $200. For Details see: https://www.sheld.org/pages/forms/greenhouse-gas-reduction-rebates/

  • Peak Demand Devices

  • Connected Homes

  • Energy Star Appliances

    • Air Source Heat Pump or Mini-Split $250- $500. For Details see: https://www.sheld.org/pages/forms/cool-homes-rebate/
    • Air Purifier, Room Air Conditioner, Clothes Dryer (Electric), Freezer, Dehumidifier, Dishwasher, Clothes Washer & Refrigerator $25 for Standard. Freezer, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Clothes Dryer (Electric) & Clothes Washer $100 for Most Efficient. Variable Speed Pool Pump $200 for Standard. Heat Pump Clothes Dryer $500 for Standard. Heat Pump Water Heater $500 for Standard. Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat $100 for Standard. For Details see: https://www.sheld.org/pages/forms/energy-star-appliance-rebate/
    • Air Source Heat Pump or Mini-Split $250- $500. For Details see: https://www.sheld.org/pages/forms/cool-homes-rebate/

  • Home Efficiency

    • Blower Door Test & Air Sealing, Energy Star Rated Heating System, Insulation & Duct Sealing 50%, up to $500.

  • Other Offers:

Massachusetts Incentives

Federal Tax Credits


  • The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Makes tax incentives possible for non profits, cities and towns. Whole Home Energy Reduction $8,000, Heat Pump Water Heater $1,750, Mini Split heat pumps up to $8,000, Electric Stove $840, Heat Pump Clothes Dryer $840, Electric Panel $4,000, Basic Weatherization $1,600, Electric Wiring $2,500. Starting in 2023 the Act will offer funding for heat pumps (average cost  is $5,000-$6,000). Depending on household median income the rebate for air to air heat pumps (mini splits) is up to $8,000. See: Making “Cents” of Incentives: MassSave Incentives & IRA Tax Credits  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2N5ywp8LDo  30% tax credit for solar PV and home battery storage which can be taken over several years.
  • Up to $7,500 for new EVs with restrictions on foreign cars and batteries. There is also a $4000 tax credit for purchasing a used EV. Available later in 2023 an extra $1,500 for low-income residents and an extra $1,000 if you turn in a gas-powered car with your EV purchase. Point of sale tax credit is scheduled to start in 2024. Which cars are eligible is an evolving process involving the IRS. This will be adjusted over the coming year. The treasury department ruled that some leased cars are eligible for $7,500 rebate.
    • For Details see:  Alternative Fuels Data Center: EVs with Final Assembly in US https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/electric-vehicles-for-tax-credit Leased EVs https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/us-treasury-says-consumer-leases-can-qualify-ev-tax-credits-2022-12-29/  Inflation Reduction Act Links

      Tax Credits for Homeowners 22 –  IRA Heat pump Incentives 22 – EPA Green   Green Bank https://www.ncelenviro.org/resources/green-banks-and-the-inflation-reduction-act-issue-brief/

  • Energy Star Clothes dryers $50, https://www.energystar.gov/
  • Energy Star Appliances air source Heat Pumps $300, Air Conditioners $300, Hot Water Heaters $300, Biomass Stoves $300, Home Air Sealing (Materials Only) 10% up to $500, metal or asphalt Roofs (Materials Only) 10% up to $500, Windows, Doors & Skylights (Materials Only) 10% up to $500. For Details see: https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal_tax_credits/non_business_energy_property_tax_credits
  • Room Air Conditioner, Clothes Dryer (Electric) $50, Freezer, Dehumidifier, Dishwasher, Clothes Washer & Refrigerator $25 for Standard. Freezer, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Clothes Dryer (Electric) & Clothes Washer $100 for Most Efficient. Variable Speed Pool Pump $200 for Standard. Heat Pump Clothes Dryer $500 for Standard. Heat Pump Water Heater $500 for Standard. Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat $100 for Standard. For Details see: https://www.energystar.gov/ & https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal_tax_credits/non_business_energy_property_tax_credits

  •  30% for Geothermal Heat Pumps, Small wind turbines (residential) and Solar Energy Systems (including solar water heaters) For Details see: https://energystar-mesa.force.com/ENERGYSTAR/s/article/What-tax-credits-are-available-1600088465189?topicId=0TOt00000008fI9GAI&topicName=Tax%20Credits