The residential energy efficiency pilot program called the Oil Heat Efficiency Program (OHEP) is financed through American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funds and is meant for homeowners with low to moderate incomes.
Under OHEP, rebates of up to $4,000 will be provided for the installation of new, high efficiency oil-fired heating equipment such as forced hot water boilers, warm air furnaces and water heaters for about 500 homes in Massachusetts that use heating oil for space heating.
CSG and MOC are working in cooperation to train dozens of oil heating service technicians in energy efficiency and the ‘house-as-system’ approach. They are also working closely with the Massachusetts Low Income Energy Affordability Network (LEAN) to qualify candidates for eligibility.
Michael Ferrante, president of MOC, said: “Many of the state’s homeowners with older, inefficient heating equipment are paying only the most essential bills in this tough economic climate, so upgrading their heating system may not be a priority.
“Fortunately, this innovative and timely program will enable hundreds of residents to reap the benefits of higher efficiency equipment. They’ll see their energy bills go down, because they’ll use less fuel without compromising comfort.”
