I n addition, improved communication with landlords and partnerships with local organization s as well as Spanish speaking outreach, and customer service will be provided. Įversource will provide a no-cost special weatherization offer to the three affected communities in the Merrimack Valley through 2021. Įversource will fund two heat pump pilot programs, including $500,000 of funding to DOER for electrification incentives in western Massachusetts for customers impacted by the natural gas moratorium. As part of this s ettlement, $41 million will be allocated directly to programs for customers in the three communities directly impacted by the September 2018 explosions: Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover.Īs part of this s ettlement, Eversource will also implement several other important clean energy programs :Įversource will prepare a n analysis outlining potential decarbonization strategies for the gas business that are consistent with Governor Baker’s net-zero by 2050 greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.Įversource will commit to Massachusetts’ aggressive three-year energy efficiency plan savings goals for the customers previously served by Columbia Gas, which provide s programs and significant incentives to help customer s reduce their energy usage and lower their bills through insulation and heating system upgrades. The s ettlement will provide meaningful benefits to all Columbia Gas customers by ensuring a swift transition to Eversource, establishing steps to improve the safety of the distribution system, providing energy efficiency programs, and debt relie f for low-income customers. The agreement resolves the AG’s investigation into Columbia Gas for violations of the state’s consumer protection laws, along with the Massachusetts D epartment of P ublic U tility ’s investigation into the company’s pipeline safety compliance and emergency response related to the September 2018 explosions.ĭOER became involved with the s ettlement a greement to carry forward its mission to create a clean, affordable, and resilient energy future for the Commonwealth. These funds will provide debt relief for gas bills to thousands of low-income gas customers and enable clean energy and energy efficiency efforts in h omes and buildings in Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover.Įversource has acquired Columbia G as and t he settlement agreement between the two companies was reached in coordination with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources ( DOER ), the AG, and the Low-Income Weatherization and Fuel Assistance Program Network. In July of 2020, t he Baker- Polito Administration and Attorney General (AG) Maura Healey came to an agreement with Columbia Gas that require d the company to pay $56 million for its role in the 2018 Merrimack Valley gas explosions. *FUNDING OPPORTUNITY APPLICATION - POSTED BELOW!