Energy Assistance Programs

Tri-CAP provides an energy assistance program. Below are the services that we offer. If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to phone us with the numbers listed at the bottom.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fuel Assistance

The Tri-CAP Fuel Assistance program serves residents of Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Stoneham, Winchester and Woburn. The Fuel Assistance program helps low-income homeowners and renters pay a portion of the cost of heating (oil, gas, electric, rent if heat is included in rent) their homes. Eligibility is based on current gross income and household size.
The program is open for five months each year. November through April. Anyone in danger of being without heat due to low fuel supply, gas heat or electric shutoff should call the Energy office immediately at 781-322-6284.

The program is not intended to cover the entire cost of home heating, but coupled with conservation services , and discounts (oil, gas, electric, and telephone) energy costs can become more affordable for the low-income family.

Home Eligibility Levels for Energy Programs

Weatherization
Tri-CAP's weatherization program is federally funded and includes a service area of Malden, Medford, Everett, Stoneham, Winchester and Woburn. Households with children (six or under), elderly, handicapped members or people with high heating bills, receive priority: This program is offered free of charge to tenants, as well as owners who meet the income eligibility guidelines. Households over the 200% of poverty but within 60% of median (contact the Energy office for 60% median guidelines) may qualify for weatherization funded by their local utility company.
Weatherization provides energy conservation for your home or apartment and may include weather-stripping air sealing, insulation of the attic and walls, and health and safety checks. An energy audit is conducted to identify what measures are most cost effective. The work is done by contractors who are fully insured and highly experienced. Weatherizing your home will dramatically increase your comfort while lowering your heating expenses.

Heating Systems
The Tri-CAP Heartwap program is a heating emergency assistance program. The program services the residents of Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Stoneham, Winchester, and Woburn. All Tri-CAP clients who own their homes and are eligible for fuel assistance may be aided by the Heartwap program in the event of heating problems. Tenants are advised to contact their landlords.
Primarily designed to assist with home heating emergencies, the program may also improve heating system safety and efficiency. The scope of Heartwap services may include a yearly clean, tune and evaluate, repairs, new burners, heating system replacement and related asbestos abatement. (Domestic hot water problems unrelated to living space heating.) All work is done by licensed and fully insured contractors. All major work is inspected by Tri-CAP quality control staff.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to call.

Energy Efficient Programs

Tri-CAP's energy efficiency programs serve residents of Malden, Medford, Everett, Stoneham, Winchester, and Woburn.

The energy efficiency programs, created and funded by the NationalGrid and NSTAR provide free electrical assessments. The assessment will identify the cause of a customer's high usage. An Energy Manager from Tri-CAP measures electricity used by a customer's refrigerator and other appliances using a specialized meter. If it is determined through the assessment that a customer's refrigerator is working inefficiently, the utility program will replace it with a new and more efficient one. In addition, based on the data collected, installation of domestic hot water conservation materials, energy efficient light bulbs, and water conservation devices are available when appropriate.

The assessment will also provide customers with a computer report that will show what appliances cost of operate. This will aid customers in learning new ways to save and use energy wisely.

Energy Bucks
This program is sponsored by major utility companies in Massachusetts. Energy Bucks is designed for households who do not qualify for energy assistance through the 200% of poverty but within 60% of median income. (Contact the Energy office for 60% median guidelines.) Energy Bucks may provide weatherization, free of charge as well as an electric assessment to eligible households. For more information click on energybucks@tri-cap.org.

Fuel Assistance 781-322-6284.
Energy Conservation, Weatherization/Heating Systems 781-322-4190.