NSTAR rebates as we understand them:

There are some great deals.  Get them now while they last.

The rebates seem to be changing nearly daily, so always call NSTAR or Cambridge Energy Alliance (CEA) to figure out if it's still true.   CEA works to  get you extra great deals or work to translate the info if necessary.  They're helpful people, so try them out.  617-491-0488 x128.

RESIDENTIAL:

Low income

through LIHEAP/CAP program, airsealing and insulation is free, if your household income falls at or below the required levels.

Call your local CAP office to learn more. In Cambridge that's CEOC - 617 868 2900.

NOT Low income residential

Starting in June 2010, through MassSAVE, all airsealing and cfls are free.  First get a MassSAVE audit, then get an airsealing appointment.  All airsealing audits SHOULD be done w/blower door test before and afterward to make sure they did a good job.   Make sure they seal around the chimneys and pipe stacks in the attic.  If they forget any of these points, remind them.  MassSAVE - 866-527-7283. Or CEA at 617-491-0488 x128.

After the audit, you can get insulation through NSTAR approved contractors for 75% off.  You can get this same rebate every year, so do your attic one year and your walls the next.  Then your basment.

Second Fridge or freezer

NSTAR will pay $50 cash paid for a second fridge or freezer you have in your house. NSTAR picks up and recycles it. So get the cash and lower your electricity bill by up to $200 per year. You must be an NSTAR electric customer and own the units for pick-up. In addition, your fridge or freezer must be:

• Between 10 and 30 cubic feet using inside measurements
• Must be the second refrigerator and/or freezer
• Clean, empty and in working order
• Accessible with a clear path for removal

Enroll online or call 877-545-4113 to schedule a pickup.

More than 4 unit residential buildings

Call Bill Stack at NSTAR,    781-441-8053

Get a free audit first.

1. New energy efficient light fixtures in dwelling units - free
2. New energy efficient light fixtures common area - $10.00 each
3. Compact fluorescent light bulbs, free
4. Water efficiency devices, free
5. Programmable thermostats, free
6. Insulation, 75% rebate, if you have electric heat
7. Insulation,  50% rebate, if you have gas heat
8. Air sealing, free
Refrigerator rebates of $150.00 per qualified refrigerator.

NONPROFITS:

Nonprofits and for some for-profits

If your building has low income folks living in it, fill out a form for free airsealing and insulation and other services at: www.leanmultifamily.org.

Or try calling Tri-CAP in Everett and Malden.  Or ABCD in Boston.  If that does work, heet [dot] cambridge [at] gmail [dot] com (email) us.  We are trying to figure out the procedure for this one. 

If your building doesn't have low income folks living in it then your best bet is the Commerical rebates below.

COMMERCIAL:

Small commercial

Call Paul Degan at NSTAR, 781-441-8997

Rebates for:

• Programmable Thermostats
• Boiler Reset Controls
• Pipe Insulation
• Spray Nozzles for restaurants
• Low-Flow Shower heads
• Duct Insulation

Airsealing and insulation, starting May 15, 2010:

• 70% free, 30% at 0% financing