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Welcome to our July newsletter!
This month, we're highlighting how partnerships are helping accelerate climate action across Massachusetts—from expanding community-led heat pump programs in the east and west of the state to securing new funding that will empower the next generation of climate leaders through the Youth Climate Solutions Challenge.
I hope you’ll take a few minutes to explore this month’s stories, upcoming events, and resources — and, as always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if there are ways MassEnergize can help support climate action in your community.
As more Massachusetts communities look to accelerate the transition to clean energy, they're recognizing that success depends on more than rebates and technology – it depends on trusted local engagement.
That's why MassEnergize is excited to announce two new partnerships that will expand our heat pump work across both Eastern and Western Massachusetts.
Working alongside the City of Watertown, the HeatSmart Alliance, and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC), we're supporting communities to build the local knowledge, partnerships, and outreach needed to make heat pump adoption more accessible – particularly for renters and lower-income households.
Supporting Renters in Watertown
Through the Electrify Watertown initiative, MassEnergize is partnering with the City of Watertown and the HeatSmart Alliance to reduce the social and economic barriers that often prevent renters from accessing clean heating and cooling.
The project combines community outreach, landlord engagement, multilingual communications, and the training of local Heat Pump Coaches who will provide trusted, one-on-one guidance to residents as they explore their options.
MassEnergize is leading the community engagement strategy, helping connect residents with trusted information while building a model that other Massachusetts communities can replicate.
"We're excited to make the energy transition more accessible for renters and lower-income households. By partnering with MassEnergize and the HeatSmart Alliance, we're combining our expertise to create a program that best serves our community. We believe fostering a network of local resident Heat Pump Coaches is a fantastic way to make transitioning to heat pumps as approachable as possible." — Em Schule, Energy Advocate, City of Watertown
Expanding Our Reach in Western Massachusetts
At the same time, MassEnergize is partnering with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) through a Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Regional Energy Planning Assistance (REPA) grant.
This partnership marks an exciting expansion of our work into Western Massachusetts while strengthening our collaboration with the HeatSmart Alliance. Through shared training, regional partnerships, and community engagement, we're helping municipalities build the capacity to support heat pump adoption long after the grant has ended.
"This is what makes the work sustainable," said Fabiane Gonçalves, Program Manager, MassEnergize. "By training local partners side-by-side with the HeatSmart Alliance, we're not just running a program – we're building capacity that stays in these communities long after the grant ends. That's how residents get the consistent, high-quality guidance they can actually trust."
Together, these projects represent more than two new grants - they reflect a growing recognition that community engagement is essential to accelerating the clean energy transition. By connecting residents with trusted local support, empowering community leaders, and building partnerships that last, MassEnergize is empowering communities across Massachusetts to turn climate goals into meaningful local action.
Interested in Bringing a Similar Program to Your Community?
These projects are just the beginning. If your municipality or community organization is interested in building a community-led heat pump program, we'd love to start the conversation. Email us here: hello@massenergize.org
Stay subscribed to the MassEnergize Express for updates on these initiatives, opportunities to get involved, and stories from communities leading the clean energy transition.
Earmark funding for Youth Climate Solutions Challenge 2026-2027
We're excited to share that MassEnergize has been awarded $100,000 for the 2026-2027 Youth Climate Solutions Challenge. This grant was received from the Massachusetts Fair Share Fund and sponsored in the state budget by Senator Michael Barrett. This support will allow us to expand this highly impactful youth climate leadership program to more communities across the state - empowering more students to take action and to lead the way toward a more just and sustainable future.
Welcome to our Summer Intern!
Welcome Oceana Ding, our new Climate Communications Associate!
This summer, Oceana will be supporting our Social Media Magic Toolkit, creating engaging content for communities, assisting with communications that help power local climate action, and contributing to the ongoing redesign of the MassEnergize website. Welcome, Oceana!
Join Green Energy Consumers Alliance’s upcoming webinars to learn how you can earn money while supporting a cleaner, more resilient electric grid. By enrolling your battery storage system or smart thermostat in ConnectedSolutions, you can receive payments from National Grid or Eversource for reducing electricity use during peak-demand on hot summer days.
You’ll learn what these technologies are, how they work, available incentives and rebates, and key considerations if you’re thinking about installing one at your home or small business.
The Pepperell Community Garden is officially opening this month. The Garden is a community-built, climate-friendly space right here in the heart of town. Come celebrate with your neighbors. All residents are welcome.
This event is part of Energize Acton’s Climate Café summer series. This celebration of EVs and all things electric is a chance for you to talk with local EV drivers and other experts and see a variety of electric vehicles.
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