Haverhill, Andover Each Receive $12,500 State Energy-Related Grant

Haverhill and Andover have each received $12,500 from the state for energy-related studies.

The Municipal Energy Technical Assistance (META) Grants were awarded at the end of August by state Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton and Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Judith Judson. Grants are intended to develop clean energy projects. Funds come from a $455,000 state pool and similar awards were made to 35 other communities.

“We are committed to helping Massachusetts communities reduce energy costs and meet their energy challenges through clean energy,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “These local technical assistance grants will help municipalities develop clean energy projects while creating local jobs, lowering energy costs and reducing the commonwealth’s carbon footprint.”

Grants are awarded to Massachusetts municipalities, regional school districts and water/wastewater districts to pay for consultants and contractors to aid in the negotiation and management of projects, or the performance of studies to support the development of energy projects.

“Energy projects are often complicated endeavors that require expertise that many municipalities don’t have access to on staff. META grants provide access to those resources that can help communities achieve significant energy, cost and greenhouse gas emission reductions,” said Beaton. “Through this program, we are able to work with municipalities to reduce energy use in the commonwealth and encourage the innovation of our growing clean energy technology sector.”

“DOER is pleased to offer these grants to Massachusetts cities and towns each year,” said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Judith Judson. “We consistently hear that they often provide the catalyst needed to get local energy projects out of the starting gate and moving toward the finish line.”