Reading Municipal Light Department – Business Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Program Overview

Implementing Sector Utility
Category Financial Incentive
State Massachusetts
Incentive Type Rebate Program
Web Site https://www.rmld.com/efficiency-electrification-programs
Administrator RMLD
Utilities Reading Town of
Cities North Reading, Wilmington, Lynnfield
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies Solar Photovoltaics, Other Distributed Generation Technologies
Eligible Efficiency Technologies Heat pumps, Custom/Others pending approval, LED Lighting
Eligible Electric Vehicle Technologies Level-2 Electric Vehicle Service Equipment
Applicable Sectors Commercial, Industrial, Federal Government
Incentive Amount
  • Custom Rebates: Up to $50,000
  • Solar Rebate Program: $1,200 per kilowatt
  • Electric Vehicle Charger: $1,500
  • Cordless Electric Yard Equipment: $25 - $400
  • Electric Panel Upgrade: $1,000 - $1,500
  • Air Source Heat Pump: $200 - $1,000 per ton
  • Municipal LED Holiday Lighting: Up to $500
Maximum Incentive
  • Solar Rebate Program: Not to exceed 50% of total installed (labor and materials) costs excluding tax up to $120,000.
  • Electric Vehicle Charger: Limit 15 charging stations per location per year.

Summary

The Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) has initiated a comprehensive energy efficiency incentive program targeted at commercial and industrial customers within its service area. This initiative is designed to promote the adoption of renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies, aiming to reduce energy consumption, lower operational costs for businesses, and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Central to this program is a significant rebate for the installation of grid-connected renewable energy systems. RMLD offers a rebate of $1,200 per kilowatt (kW) for qualified installations, with the total rebate amount capped at 50% of the project’s cost or a maximum of $120,000. This substantial financial incentive is designed to offset a significant portion of the upfront investment required for renewable energy projects, thereby encouraging businesses to integrate sustainable energy solutions into their operations. It’s important to note that to ensure the effective allocation of resources and alignment with specific program criteria, RMLD requires preapproval for projects seeking this rebate, which enables a more streamlined and efficient implementation process.

Beyond the renewable energy system rebate, RMLD extends its incentive program to include a variety of other energy-efficient technologies and solutions. Among these are incentives for air-source heat pumps, which offer an efficient alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems by transferring heat between the air inside a building and the air outside. Additionally, the program supports the installation of energy-efficient lighting solutions, contributing to significant reductions in energy consumption and costs. RMLD also promotes the adoption of electric lawn equipment, aligning with broader environmental objectives by reducing the reliance on gasoline-powered tools.

Furthermore, the inclusion of renewable energy installations in the incentive program underlines RMLD’s commitment to facilitating the transition to sustainable energy sources. By offering financial incentives for a range of technologies, RMLD is effectively supporting its commercial and industrial customers in their efforts to adopt greener practices, improve energy efficiency, and participate in the movement towards a more sustainable future. This comprehensive approach not only benefits the participating businesses through cost savings and operational efficiencies but also contributes to the community’s environmental goals by reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy use.

Contact

Organization:
Reading Municipal Light Department
Address:
PO Box 150
Reading, MA 01867
Phone:
(781) 944-1340
E-Mail: