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Note: The 2013 Three Year Efficiency Plans have not yet been approved. The process is underway. For the latest draft plan, review the Massachusetts Energy Efficiency Advisory Council [http://www.ma-eeac.org/3%20Year%20Draft%20Plan%20November%202012.htm web site]. This summary will be updated once the Three Year Efficiency Plans have been approved in early 2013.

In April 2007, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick signed Executive Order 484, titled “Leading by Example: Clean Energy and Efficient Buildings.” This order establishes numerous energy targets and mandates for state government buildings under control of the executive office. These include the following:

In Massachusetts, businesses may deduct from net income, for state excise tax purposes, expenditures paid or incurred from the installation of any "solar or wind powered climatic control unit and any solar or wind powered water heating unit or any other type unit or system powered thereby," including labor expenditures. The installation must be located in Massachusetts and used exclusively in the business or trade of the business.

Massachusetts law exempts any "solar or wind powered climatic control unit and any solar or wind powered water heating unit or any other type unit or system powered thereby," that qualifies for the state's [http://dsireusa.org/library/includes/incentive2.cfm?Incentive_Code=MA03F... excise tax deduction] for these systems from the tangible property measure of the state's corporate excise tax.

Columbia Gas of Massachusetts offers its multi-family, commercial and industrial customers rebates and assistance for energy efficiency improvements to eligible facilities. The program will perform a free energy assessment study and provide the customer with an “offer sheet report”, listing energy-saving measures that are qualified for incentives. If the customer decides to make any of the recommended improvements, Columbia Gas will help find the customer a contractor and provide the predetermined rebate.

Columbia Gas of Massachusetts participates in energy efficiency programs that reward eligible residential natural gas customers for utilizing energy efficient equipment or measures. The program pays residential customers 75% of the cost of recommended weatherization measures, up to $2,000. Columbia Gas of Massachusetts will perform a free energy assessment and provide its customers with a report listing energy-saving measures that qualify for incentives. If requested, the program can also provide their customers with a pre-approved independent installation contractor.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and Paradigm Partners are offering a solar hot water financing program in order to meet MassCEC's objective of growing the commercial solar hot water industry in Massachusetts. Commercial and non-profit building owners can use the financing program to install solar hot water systems that heat water for the building's domestic, space or process heating needs.

Note: This program reopened March 15, 2013. There is $1,200,000 available for Round 5; applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted. See the program web site for application materials.

*All program solicitations are closed. Please check with MassCEC in 2013 for program updates.
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) offers a Commonwealth Organics-to-Energy grant program. Organics-to-Energy grants support the use of anaerobic digestion and other technologies that convert source-separated organic wastes into electricity and thermal energy.

'''''Note: Applications for the OHH Change-Out Pilot Program will be accepted through February 22, 2013. After this time, check the program web site for information regarding future solicitations.'''''