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Milton committee warns $1B MassSave cut could curb outreach and local programs
Summary
The CAPC discussed a Massachusetts House energy affordability bill that would cut about $1 billion from MassSave funds, potentially reducing outreach to low‑income communities; DOER said immediate Climate Leader funding would not be affected but longer‑term impacts are unclear.
At the March 19 meeting of the Climate Action Planning Committee, Municipal Energy Manager Kai Mueller warned that a recently passed Massachusetts House energy affordability bill includes a roughly $1 billion reduction to MassSave funding within the current three‑year cycle, lowering remaining program funds from about $2.2 billion to $1.2 billion.
Mueller told the committee that the bill also contains a provision to redirect money from the Alternative Compliance Payment (ACP) Fund, a revenue source used by programs tied to municipal Climate Leader awards. He said DOER confirmed the same day that immediate Climate Leader funding would not be cut, but he expressed uncertainty about longer‑term effects on program eligibility and outreach.
"I am particularly concerned that proposed cuts characterized as reducing 'advertising' may in practice curtail outreach to lower‑income communities," Mueller said, noting outreach is a known weakness of MassSave that the program has been trying to address. He also disclosed that his own position as Municipal Energy Manager is funded through MassSave and, while told it is low on the list for potential cuts, the possibility has not been entirely ruled out.
Chair Alex Hasha observed there is time to engage the local state senator before the Senate acts; Avante Grady flagged a legislative breakfast on April 9 at the State House as an opportunity for municipal stakeholders to raise concerns.
What happens next: Committee members were encouraged to engage individually with state lawmakers ahead of Senate consideration and to raise the issue at the April 9 legislative breakfast.
