Cape Light Compact helps homeowners save on energy costs.
Cape Light Compact, which is part of the Mass Save Program, was established in 1999 with the mission to provide residents in the 21 towns on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard and Dukes County with energy-efficient programs for their homes. “Mass Save as a whole and its energy-efficiency programs are going to play a key role in our greenhouse reduction targets over the next 30 years,” says Dan Schell, Senior Analyst at Cape Light Compact.
The locally controlled program offers energy-reducing opportunities to homeowners on the Cape and Martha’s Vineyard. “With Cape Light Compact, it’s really unique that we have local control over something that is typically administered by utility companies,” says Schell.
Cape Light Compact
508-375-6644 261 Whites Path, Unit 4, S. Yarmouth capelightcompact.org
We spoke with Dan Schell about Cape Light Compact’s three main offerings:
Home Energy Assessments:
Weatherization and Insulation
Home energy assessments are a good way to tell how efficient your home is year-round. Many times, here on the Cape and islands that can mean figuring out how much heat is escaping through older doors or windows. “The number one energy cost in a home is heating, and the number one way to save is insulation,” says Schell.
Cape Light Compact partners with Rise Engineering as well as HAC for income-eligible participants. After scheduling an assessment, a licensed Energy Specialist will visit your residence to test the quality of insulation and sealing. There are a lot of older homes on the Cape, and many weren’t built for year-round use. “The nice thing about this program is Cape Light covers 100 percent of air-sealing costs, and we cover 75 percent of insulation install costs,” says Schell. “For anyone in moderate to low-income categories,
we cover 100 percent and the same goes for renters.”
Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia.
It is important to note that you do not have to own your home to take part in the program. “Both homeowners and renters who have residential electricity accounts on the Cape or Martha’s Vineyard are eligible for home energy assessments,” says Schell. Also, the initial assessments are free.
”Insulation is the key piece as we head into winter. If folks feel like their home is drafty in winter, then now is the time to get it taken care of before really cold weather hits. Not only will their home be warmer and more energy efficient, hopefully they’ll see cost savings on their heating bills.
Dan SchellSenior Analyst at Cape Light Compact
Electric Heat Pump 101:
Transitioning Oil and Propane to Electric
With the costs of oil and propane rising, electric heat pumps can save residents money. The reason more people aren’t making the switch, according to Schell, is awareness. “If someone has been happy with a propane or oil furnace for years then they are hesitant to change,” says Schell. He also notes that the electric pumps of 10 years ago are not the same today. “They’ve changed and the technology has evolved, so that they work well in the cold weather environments,” he says.
If homeowners decide to install an electric heat pump, they would get an assessment from Cape Light Compact and then work with a local HVAC contractor to replace their current propane or oil system. After the work is complete, Cape Light Company issues a rebate.
Electric pumps are better for the environment, according to Schell. “When you use propane or oil, you’re burning fossil fuels,” says Schell. “Massachusetts is moving towards relying on renewable energy year after year. When you use an electric system, the energy that you are consuming for your home becomes greener and greener.”
Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia.
Cape Light Compact has an energy-savings calculator for residents, so they can do the math and see how much they might save with an electric heat pump.
Appliance Rebates:
Money Back for Good Reasons
Cape Light Compact offers rebates for a number of home appliances, including dehumidifiers ($30), window air conditions ($40), electric dryers ($50), and air purifiers ($40). The appliances just have to be energy-star certified, which is something that is clearly visible when you are purchasing a new product. “You’re getting a rebate, which is immediate savings, but also there’s an electric cost savings throughout the life of the piece of equipment,” says Schell.
Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia.
