National Grid : Partnering with the Cities of Salem & Beverly for Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

WALTHAM, MA - The cities of Salem and Beverly, Massachusetts, have partnered with National Grid to implement sustainability and energy efficiency programs, helping businesses and residents advance a clean energy future.

Salem and Beverly have jointly created "Resilient Together: A Climate Action and Resilience Plan," which has been crafted to take collective action in combatting climate change.

To further their environmental commitments, Salem, Beverly and National Grid signed a letter of mutual understanding in 2021, with the goals of improving energy efficiency and sustainability for all National Grid customers within the cities.

This agreement sets forth a mutual desire to realize an energy and sustainability vision through June 2024. The partnership will support the ongoing commitment to economic growth and climate change mitigation, as well as the desire to lead by example to achieve a vibrant, cost-effective, clean energy future.

"National Grid is committed to advancing Massachusetts' climate objectives and working with the communities we serve to achieve a clean, equitable, affordable energy future," said Stephen Woerner, President, National Grid New England. This partnership with the Cities of Salem and Beverly is a great example of how National Grid and local communities can create lasting change. By leveraging one another's capabilities plus our nation-leading energy efficiency programs, we can together help customers save on energy, enhance economic growth in the community, and reduce carbon emissions."

To meet the objectives set forth by the agreement, Salem, Beverly and National Grid will work together to engage residents and businesses to participate in a variety of energy efficiency programs offered by National Grid. These programs will help reduce annual utility and maintenance costs, improve operations, and reduce carbon emissions and adverse environmental impacts. First-year priorities of this agreement include energy efficiency improvements to schools, municipal buildings, small businesses, and multi-family residential properties.

Since the agreement was signed, considerable progress has already been made. As of December 2021, the first year's energy-saving goals have been exceeded for both cities through the use of energy efficiency programs. Salem has realized energy savings totaling over 160,000 Kilowatt hours and almost 6,000 gas therms, resulting in an incentive award of over $80,000. Beverly has accomplished energy savings totaling over 200,000 kWh resulting in an award of $70,000. Along with this, the annual utility bill savings for Beverly and Salem are estimated to be about $33,000 and $27,000, respectively.

"In Beverly, we are committed to helping our residents and businesses access the many benefits of energy efficiency," said Michael Cahill, Mayor of Beverly. "We are excited to participate in the Community Solutions program to advance our citywide progress toward net-zero energy."

"As a certified Green Community, Salem has long been a leader in planning for and addressing climate change and protecting our environment," said Mayor Kim Driscoll. "I look forward to our partnership with National Grid to continue that effort, and I am excited to share the benefits of these programs with our community."