Committee backs $256,500 Mass Save expansion to hire energy advocate and boost outreach
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Summary
The committee recommended a three‑year expansion of Mass Save funds totaling $256,500 to fund a city energy advocate and outreach to residents and landlords. Staff said Eversource and National Grid will contribute and that the program requires no city appropriation; final details and reimbursements will be worked out with utility partners.
The Budget & Finance Committee on Nov. 24 voted to forward to the full council a request to authorize $256,500 in Mass Save funds over three years to fund an energy advocate position and community outreach in Lawrence.
Planning Director Dan McCarthy (presenting as the city’s Green Communities agent) said the energy advocate would help residents and small businesses enroll in energy‑efficiency programs, complete applications, and navigate program requirements; the city would not perform technical assessments or installations. Adeel Navkal, special consultant on energy and sustainability, said Mass Save is a ratepayer‑funded program administered through utilities and that Eversource and National Grid have committed portions of the funding and will support events and outreach. McCarthy said the funds would not cost the city directly and would be used for staffing, outreach and events to enroll landlords, renters and small businesses.
Committee members had no substantive objections and the item was recommended to the full council. Staff said some final program details and event reimbursements were still being finalized with utility partners and that the city will proceed with HR steps to create and advertise the advocate position if the council approves the authorization.