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

  • Jennifer DeForge, Member
     Term Expires: 2022
  • Karl Hidden, Chair
     Term Expires: 2022
  • John Howard, Clerk
     Term Expires: 2023
  • Srinivasan Raghavan, Associate Chair
     Term Expires: 2023
  • Vacant Position, Member
     Term Expires: N/A

Energy Saving Program Links


Incentives from SHELD

Residential Renewables

https://www.sheld.org/pages/community/renewables/

Residential Rebates

https://www.sheld.org/pages/residents/energy-rebates/

Commercial Rebates

https://www.sheld.org/pages/businesses/commercial-rebates/


Free Energy Audits for South Hadley Residents


Eversource (Formerly Columbia Gas) Customers

https://www.masssave.com/

or call Mass Save at 1-866-527-7283 for information.


Not an Eversource (Fomerly Columbia Gas) customer 

https://munihelps.org/rebates-incentives/south-hadley-electric-light-department/

 or call 1-888-333-7525 for a SHELD Home Energy Audit.


Electric Vehicles (EV) Incentives


SHELD reduced price on Nissan Leaf ($14,000) and Chevy Bolt ($12,000)

https://www.sheld.org/uploads/south-hadley-bolt-11-2020.pdf


Free level 2 Charger 

https://munihelps.org/mmwec-ev-program/ev-charger-program/


MA Drive Green Program amount varies with Dealer 

https://www.massenergy.org/drivegreen


MA State Rebates (up to $1,500) 

https://mor-ev.org/


IRS 30% credit

https://www.edmunds.com/fuel-economy/the-ins-and-outs-of-electric-vehicle-tax-credits.html


Photovoltaic Solar (PV) Incentives


SHELD

https://www.sheld.org/pages/community/renewables/

Or call SHELD for information 413-536-1050


MA Income Tax Credit (up to $1,000) & no sales or real estate tax

https://www.energysage.com/solar-panels/solar-rebates-incentives/ma/


MA Solar Loan Program

 http://www.masssolarloan.com/

State pays (based on income) off 10%-30% of loan plus low interest rate


IRS Tax credit (click how to apply) 

https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal_tax_credits/2017_non_business_energy_property_tax_credits


Mini Splits (air source heat pumps) Incentives


SHELD ($500) 

https://www.munihelps.org/rebates-incentives/south-hadley-electric-light-department/


MASS rebates

https://www.masssave.com/en/saving/residential-rebates/electric-heating-and-cooling/


IRS ($300) 

https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal_tax_credits/air_source_heat_pumps