The Green Communities Division of the Department of Energy Resources is now accepting applications for a two-year Energy Manager Grant program that will enable communities to devote specific staff to local energy matters.

The Department of Energy Resources reports that it has observed the value on-staff energy managers can add to individual municipal energy projects, as well as to the overall energy vision of a community.

Energy managers in municipalities often provide crucial support in identifying, organizing, funding, implementing and monitoring energy efficiency and renewable energy projects capable of delivering significant taxpayer savings through lower energy bills. They also support local sustainability and economic development efforts.

A total of $1.7 million is available over the two-year period for municipalities and regional school districts to hire their own full- or part-time energy managers or to increase the hours of an existing energy manager now working no more than 15 hours per week. This opportunity is open to all cities and towns, regardless of Green Community designation, and regional planning agencies may apply on behalf of two or three municipalities.

For additional eligibility and grant details, visit www.mass.gov/eea/energy-utilities-clean-tech/green-communities, or download the grant application.

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