Residential Energy Assistance Program

STEP 1: REVIEW THE PROgram requirements

To get started, review the specific requirements your project needs to meet in order to qualify as well as the program terms and conditions (both located on this webpage). 

STEP 2: FREE ENERGY AUDIT

Many REAP-eligible projects require that you receive a home energy audit first, which is a free service that provides you with recommendations for various energy efficiency projects tailored to your home and will help you understand which projects are most cost-effective. To schedule an audit, call our partner MuniHELPS at 1-888-333-7525. 

STEP 3: RECEIVE A QUOTE FROM A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

You will need to submit this with your application. The quote must be itemized by system or service. The quote (or other documentation from your installer) must include the manufacturer and model number (if applicable) so we can confirm that the equipment being installed or services being performed meet the project-specific requirements of this program.

Please provide your installer with the project-specific requirements before they create a proposal for you so they know what requirements the project needs to meet in order to qualify. Before applying, please ensure that your installer possesses the required licenses and/or permits for the installation.

It will take at least 3 weeks for you to receive the REAP payment after the work is performed. Therefore, it is recommended that you review your installer's payment requirements to help ensure you have the necessary funds.

Gas-related projects only: Please note that you will need to include the input capacity (Btu/h) of your new gas system and the input capacity of the system(s) being replaced in your application. Ask your installer if they can help provide you with this information when you receive the quote from them.  

If you are installing heat pumps, mini-splits, a central air conditioner or electric hot water heater: Consider reviewing our Connected Homes program, where you can receive a $5-$8/month incentive for allowing a qualifying smart/WiFi thermostat, heat pump controller, or electric hot water heater to be remotely adjusted a few times each month. Only certain models are eligible to enroll. Click here to learn more about the Connected Homes Program and to review the eligible devices. 

STEP 4: OBTAIN THE DEED TO YOUR PROPERTY

You will need to submit this with your application. Holyoke residents can locate the property deed by going to the search database on Hampdendeeds.com. On this page, under 'property address', enter your street number and the street name, under 'document type', select 'deed' and under 'towns' select 'Holyoke'. (It it often easier to search for a specific address if only the first name of the street is included in the search field (For example, enter "34 State" instead of "34 State Street")). 

If you have trouble locating your deed on Hampdendeeds.com, try searching for your deed's book and page number at https://holyokema.mapgeo.io/ (On this webpage, search for your address and click on the address that appears in the column on the right. Then, in the column on the left, additional property details should appear. The deed's book and page number are located under the section called 'valuation'. Once you know your deed's book and page number, you can access your deed on this hampdendeeds webpage using that information.

STEP 5:  REVIEW AVAILABLE REBATES

If rebates are available through HG&E, they will be listed under the project-specific requirements section. Please review the rebate eligibility requirements to determine whether you will be eligible to receive a rebate upon completion of your project and to help determine the amount of assistance you would like to request. You will not need to submit a separate rebate application; your rebate payment will be processed at the same time as your REAP payment (except for thermostat rebates).

Thermostat rebates only: If you would like to receive a rebate for a 7-day programmable or WiFi smart thermostat, you will need to submit this separately along with a receipt which lists the cost of the thermostat separately. (Click here for thermostat rebate details and rebate application). 

STEP 6: SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• Quote from your contractor
• Deed to your property
• Gas related projects only: You will need to include the input capacity (Btu/h) of your new gas system and the input capacity of the system(s) being replaced. (Your installer should be able to help provide you with this information.)

STEP 7: SECURE THE ASSISTANCE & RETURN your SIGNED CONTRACT

We will review your application within approximately three business days and will contact you if any additional information is needed. If your application is approved, we will mail you a contract to sign and return. 

STEP 8: PROVIDE POST-INSTALLATION FORM TO INSTALLER AND COMPLETE THE IMPROVEMENT(S)

After the project has been completed, your installer will need to submit a post-installation form to HG&E. Please provide your installer with the post-installation form before the service is complete to ensure all necessary information is obtained. We need this form back from the installer after the project has been completed in order to process your payment. 

STEP 9: RECEIVE PAYMENT

HG&E will mail you a check approximately three weeks after your project is complete, and after we receive both the signed contract from you and the completed post-installation form from your installer.

Please complete the online application below or mail in a physical application.

RESIDENTIAL ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Borrower Eligibility

1. The HG&E Residential Energy Assistance Program (REAP) is available to residential customers for owner-occupied properties with 4 units or less (with the exception of condos), and to Holyoke residents who own non-owner occupied residential investment properties with 4 units or less. 

2. Applicants must receive approval from HG&E of this application in order to be eligible. Assistance is not granted to tenants renting or leasing the property. It is recommended that customers apply for the REAP prior to starting project to verify eligibility.

3. Applicant's accounts must be in good standing with HG&E, (6- 12 month history of satisfactory payments) and there shall be no Municipal tax liens on the property. For homeowners with no prior HG&E billing history, Applicant may submit a letter of credit from their previous utility provider.

4. Applicant’s building must receive gas or electric service from HG&E. In the case of heating, water heating and cooling equipment installations, the building in question must purchase the required fuel from HG&E.

Term & Level of Assistance

1. The maximum repayment term for the assistance is 36 months for projects up to $2,000, 60 months for projects between $2,001 and $20,000, and 120 months for Solar PV $10,000.

2. All assistance requests which exceed $20,000 must be approved by the HG&E Commission at a scheduled monthly meeting.

3. The maximum assistance for a project is as follows:
        • Properties with 1 unit: $10,000
        • Properties with 2 units: $15,000
        • Properties with 3-4 units: $20,000
        • Solar - Photovoltaic (PV) $10,000 per residential dwelling
•Properties installing qualifying heat pumps are eligible for the following higher levels. Weatherization work included as part of the project may also qualify for assistance:
        • Properties with 1 unit: $15,000
        • Properties with 2 units: $20,000
        • Properties with 3-4 units: $25,000
Notes:
-In order to receive the maximum level of assistance for properties with multiple units, the eligible equipment must serve all units of the property.
-Customers may receive assistance for multiple qualifying measures as long as the entire amount of assistance does not exceed the aggregate limits defined above.
-A multi-family property for purposes of this program is considered a property with 4 or fewer apartment units.

4. Applicants who previously took advantage of the Residential Energy Assistance Program (REAP) are eligible under the following conditions:
 a. If the previous REAP balance is completely paid off, then the assistance levels listed above shall apply.
 b. If there is an outstanding balance on the previous REAP assistance, the new assistance will be limited to the levels listed above minus the current balance.
 c. The assistance limits defined above per property type shall be the maximum level of assistance offered to a single customer at any time.

5. Any new assistance will be billed as a separate line item on the Applicant's HG&E bill.

General Conditions

1. Assistance is granted at 0% interest.

2. Applicants are required to pay a $100 dollar administrative fee to participate in the program. This fee will appear on the same HG&E bill as the first Assistance Program re-payment.

3. HG&E will bill Assistance payments on the existing HG&E customer bill, and the HG&E prompt payment discount does not apply to Assistance repayment.

4. HG&E will only grant assistance for products installed within 90 days of signing HG&E agreement. All work must be completed within 12 months of application.

5. The Applicant must sign an agreement that allows for a municipal lien to be placed on the property where the work is being performed.

6. Program benefits do not apply to new home or building construction, including gut-rehabs. (Note: PV, electric vehicle charging station infrastructure, air source heat pumps and electric hot water heaters exempt from exclusion).

7. The total amount of assistance granted to customers in any year may be limited by HG&E.

8. Applicant must provide evidence of equipment installation including a dated receipt/invoice, a completed post-installation form specifying prior and new equipment, and documentation from the installer that confirms the equipment being installed meets the energy efficiency requirements of this program. If multiple services are being performed at the same time or multiple systems are being installed, the installation quote must be itemized by system or service.

9. Energy Audits are required for select projects. Free residential energy audits are available through MuniHELPS by calling (888) 333--7525. Please note, HG&E reserves the right to waive the energy audit requirement at its discretion.

10. Assistance for Solar-PV is only granted to customers who provide documentation that they shall own such system.

11. In the case of a natural gas moratorium, HG&E cannot accommodate conversions to natural gas from alternate fuel sources. For gas related projects, any gas service work determined to be required by HG&E must be performed by customer before assistance is received.

12. HG&E reserves the right to change, suspend, or modify the terms of this program at any time.

13. Customers must install the system/equipment/service that is listed on quote that is submitted with application. Any changes to system design from the quote submittal must be approved by HG&E in order to receive assistance.

Installation Information

1. HG&E is not responsible for the repair or service of any equipment installed under this program.

2. The Applicant is responsible for obtaining pricing, selecting a contractor, coordinating contractor scheduling and making payments to the contractor.

3. In most cases, the contractor will obtain the required City or County permits for the applicant. However, it is the customer's responsibility to ensure that the City or County inspection conditions are met. Payments will not be paid for installations made by installers who do not possess the required licenses or permits for the installation.

4. At HG&E's option, the completed installation may be inspected by HG&E personnel or its representative to ensure compliance with the terms of this program.

Payment

1. Payment will be processed once Applicant submits a signed contract and all other documentation and approvals required. A check will be mailed to Applicant in approximately 3 weeks of the receipt of all required documents.

2. Progress payments will not be made

Note: Additional requirements are based on the specific type of equipment installed or service performed. 

Project-specific requirements:

• Efficiency requirements*:
  • Non-ducted (Ductless)*: SEER2 ≥ 16, EER2 ≥ 9, HSPF2 ≥ 9.5, COP at 5°F ≥1.75
  • Ducted**: SEER2 ≥ 15.2, EER2 ≥ 10, HSPF2 (Region IV) ≥ 8.1, COP at 5°F ≥1.75
  • HCR ≥ 70% @ at 5°F/47°F (rated capacity) or ≥ 58% @ at 17°F/47°F (rated capacity)

• AHRI certificate
• The condenser and the evaporator coil must be new and replaced together
• Note: ASHP systems that qualify for HG&E's Whole-Home Air Source Heat Pump Program are also eligible.
• Costs covered: Service upgrades, equipment and labor costs

Additional Incentives Available:

(Click the links below for eligibility requirements and additional details)

Project-specific requirements:

• System must meet requirements listed on the Whole-Home Ground Source Heat Pump Program webpage

Additional Incentives Available:

(Click the links below for eligibility requirements and additional details)

Project-specific requirements:

• SEER2 ≥ 16, EER2 ≥ 12

*Meets Central AC CEE Tier 2 Specifications

Additional Requirements:

• AHRI certificate
• Customer must have an existing ducted heating or cooling system in place before installation.
• The condenser and the evaporator coil must be new and replaced together.

Additional Incentives Available:

(Click the links below for eligibility requirements and additional details)

Project-specific requirements:

• Efficiency Requirement: AFUE Rating ≥ 95%
• Input capacity of new system must be less than or equal to input capacity of current system
• Customer must complete any required upgrades to gas service as determined by HG&E
• Customer must confirm natural gas is available for the project prior to starting work
• Must have valid gas permit ID
  • Note: In order for a valid gas permit to be pulled, your installer will need to have the applicable required licenses. If you are unsure what license(s) your installer will need, you can contact the plumbing inspector. (Click here for the City of Holyoke's plumbing and gas inspector webpage.)

Project-specific requirements:

• Efficiency Requirement: AFUE Rating ≥ 82%
• Input capacity of new system must be less than or equal to input capacity of current system
• Customer must complete any required upgrades to gas service as determined by HG&E
• Customer must confirm natural gas is available for the project prior to starting work
• Must have valid gas permit ID
  • Note: In order for a valid gas permit to be pulled, your installer will need to have the applicable required licenses. If you are unsure what license(s) your installer will need, you can contact the plumbing inspector. (Click here for the City of Holyoke's plumbing and gas inspector webpage.)

Project-specific requirements:

• Efficiency Requirement: AFUE ≥ 90%
• Consider installing outdoor reset controls when applicable
• Input capacity of new system must be less than or equal to input capacity of current system
• Customer must complete any required upgrades to gas service as determined by HG&E
• Customer must confirm natural gas is available for the project prior to starting work
• Must have valid gas permit ID
  • Note: In order for a valid gas permit to be pulled, your installer will need to have the applicable required licenses. If you are unsure what license(s) your installer will need, you can contact the plumbing inspector. (Click here for the City of Holyoke's plumbing and gas inspector webpage.)

Project-specific requirements:

• Efficiency Requirement: AFUE ≥ 95%
• Must be replacing either a gas combi heat/hot water boiler, or replacing both gas domestic hot water system and gas space heating system
• New boiler must be considered one unit by manufacturer
• Input capacity of new system must be less than or equal to input capacity of current system(s)
• Customer must complete any required upgrades to gas service as determined by HG&E
• Customer must confirm natural gas is available for the project prior to starting work
• Must have valid gas permit ID
  • Note: In order for a valid gas permit to be pulled, your installer will need to have the applicable required licenses. If you are unsure what license(s) your installer will need, you can contact the plumbing inspector. (Click here for the City of Holyoke's plumbing and gas inspector webpage.)

Project-specific requirements:

• Programmable Thermostat: 
  • Must be 7-day programmable thermostat
• Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat: 
  • Device must be on list of eligible models for HG&E's Connected Homes Program and also be enrolled in Connected Homes Program.

Additional Incentives Available:

(Click the links below for eligibility requirements and additional details)

Project-specific requirements:

• Must be converting from gas, oil or propane

Additional Incentives Available:

(Click the link below for eligibility requirements and additional details) 

Project-specific requirements:

• Must be Energy Star Certified, electric heat pump water heater

Click the links below for eligibility requirements and additional details:

Project-specific requirements:

• Must be Energy Star certified
• Input capacity of new system must be less than or equal to input capacity of current system
• Customer must complete any required upgrades to gas service as determined by HG&E
• Customer must confirm natural gas is available for the project prior to starting work
• Must have valid gas permit ID
  • Note: In order for a valid gas permit to be pulled, your installer will need to have the applicable required licenses. If you are unsure what license(s) your installer will need, you can contact the plumbing inspector. (Click here for the City of Holyoke's plumbing and gas inspector webpage.)

     

Project-specific requirements:

• Must be attached to a Gas Fired Boiler with an AFUE (efficiency rating) of 90% or greater.
• Must be replacing gas hot water heater.
• Input capacity of new system must be less than or equal to input capacity of current system
• Customer must complete any required upgrades to gas service as determined by HG&E
• Customer must confirm natural gas is available for the project prior to starting work
• Must have valid gas permit ID
  • Note: In order for a valid gas permit to be pulled, your installer will need to have the applicable required licenses. If you are unsure what license(s) your installer will need, you can contact the plumbing inspector. (Click here for the City of Holyoke's plumbing and gas inspector webpage.)

Project-specific requirements:

• SRCC Certified
• Eligible for up to $5,000 in assistance (Up to $7,000 if converting from gas, oil or propane)

Additional Incentives Available:

(Click the link below for eligibility requirements and additional details)

Project-specific requirements:

• Home energy audit recommended.
• You must be a current HG&E electric customer or must use natural gas supplied by HG&E as your primary heating source. 
• If a gas meter is located inside at the address where the work is being performed, customer must complete any required upgrades to gas service as determined by HG&E before insulation is installed.
• Available for attic, wall, floor, basement, rim joist, and heating & hot water pipe insulation
• Final Recommended R-Values:
  • Attic insulation: R49-R60
  • Wall insulation: R18-R20
  • Floor insulation: R30 
  • Basement insulation: R15-R19
  • Heating & Hot Water Piping Insulation: R3
• Note: For projects that need knob-and-tube wiring to be replaced in order for additional insulation to be added, the costs for updating the knob-and-tube wiring are not covered under this program.

Additional Incentives Available:

(Click the link below for eligibility requirements and additional details)

Project-specific requirements:

• Home energy audit recommended
• You must be a current HG&E electric customer or must use natural gas supplied by HG&E as your primary heating source. 

Additional Incentives Available:

Click the link below for eligibility requirements and additional details:

Project-specific requirements:

• Home energy audit recommended
• You must be a current HG&E electric customer or must use natural gas supplied by HG&E as your primary heating source. 

Additional Incentives Available:

(Click the link below for eligibility requirements and additional details)

Project-specific requirements:

• Home energy audit recommended
• If REAP funds are used to receive a Blower Door Test, Blower Door Test report must be submitted with post-installation form
• You must be a current HG&E electric customer or must use natural gas supplied by HG&E as your primary heating source. 

Additional Incentives Available:

(Click the link below for eligibility requirements and additional details)

Project-specific requirements:

• Current Energy Star Certification for the Northern Climate Zone
• Windows being replaced must be single-pane windows and shall be attested to with application
• Home energy audit  required and audit must recommend that the windows be replaced
• You must be a current HG&E electric customer or must use natural gas supplied by HG&E as your primary heating source. 

Project-specific requirements:

• Current Energy Star Certification for the Northern Climate Zone
• Maximum amount of assistance available is $5,000 per door.
• You must be a current HG&E electric customer or must use natural gas supplied by HG&E as your primary heating source. 

Weatherization barriers are issues that need to be fixed before weatherization project can occur. (Ex. knob and tube wiring, vermiculite, mold abatement, structural concerns and combustion safety).

Project-specific requirements:

• Must be necessary in order for a weatherization project to occur.
• Customer must submit quote for weatherization enhancements (additional insulation, etc) with application.
• Customer must submit proof that weatherization work occurred in order to receive assistance. (Assistance will only be paid after weatherization project has been completed.)

Project-specific requirements:

• Costs covered: Service upgrades, equipment costs and installation costs
• Before REAP funds are received, customer must:
  • Enroll in HG&E's Electric Vehicle Charger Program 
  • Submit proof of electric vehicle purchase
  • Submit proof of work completed (ex. invoice from electrician, etc) 

Additional Incentives Available:

(Click the link below for eligibility requirements and additional details)

Project-specific requirements:

• Up to $10,000 in assistance available
• Assistance for Solar-PV is only granted to customers who provide documentation that they shall own such system. 
• Note that solar financial assistance is available in addition to assistance for energy efficient home improvements, but maximum outstanding assistance granted to a customer is capped at a total of $10,000. 

Additional Incentives Available:

Project-specific requirements:

• Up to $10,000 in assistance available
• Costs covered include equipment and installation costs
• Assistance for batteries is only granted to customers who provide documentation that they shall own such system. 
• System Certifications Required: UL 1642, UL 1741, UL 1973, UL 9540, IEEE 1547, UN 38.3
• System must include Automatic or Manual Transfer Switch certified under the UL 1008 standard
• External disconnect switch and meter socket to be required at HG&E discretion
• System must meet specific requirements set by NEC Articles 445, 700, 701 and 702
• System must be installed by licensed electrician
• Customer is required to enroll in HG&E's Connected Homes program or in HG&E's Tesla Powerwall Demand Response Program

Project-specific requirements:

• Must be necessary for an electrification project to occur.
• Customer must submit quote for electrification project (heat pump installation, etc) with application.
• Max is $5,000 for electric service upgrades (same as MassSave)
• Funds can’t be released until total job (electric service upgrade and electrification project) are both complete

• Lawn mower must be battery powered zero-turn or riding lawn mower
• Customer must submit copy of dated sales receipt showing manufacturer, model # and purchase price

• Must be all-electric