Understanding who benefits from energy efficiency and assistance programs.

Knowing how well energy assistance programs are doing in providing affordable, efficient, and clean energy to everyone is critical to equitable transitions. To further support the state’s energy justice initiatives, the Massachusetts Energy Equity Project (MEEP) is a data-driven assessment of benefits from three key programs: the Mass Save energy efficiency program, federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).

Research Approach and Goals

MEEP uses statistical analysis, geographic information systems, and data visualizations to show how the energy benefits of these programs are distributed across households in Massachusetts. The goal is to help cities and towns understand who is getting what benefits across different communities and populations, in an effort to equitably decarbonize across the state. At the state level, the project will track progress using key indicators, including the adoption of energy efficiency and clean energy, as well as the reduction of energy and environmental burdens. This research will also explore broader questions about energy infrastructure, heat, workforce development, electric vehicles, and other related topics.

Researchers are collaborating with state and community Environmental Justice officials as part of their ongoing work.

This project is supported by a grant from Eversource Energy and draws on data from Eversource and National Grid.

Project Leaders

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