By Paul Dale
Energize Wayland
Massachusetts has introduced a new winter discount electricity rate that makes heating with a heat pump more affordable. Electric bills will be reduced by more than 20%. A discounted rate will be available every winter. The new seasonal rate means median savings in Massachusetts of about $540 this winter (Nov–Apr). Customers without heat pumps will see no increase as a result of this discount rate.
In Wayland, 422 households use heat pumps. Residents who heat their homes with oil or electric resistance will save, but for residents who heat with gas, it will depend on their home. “This is a terrific financial benefit for those of us with heat pumps, and it applies to all our electric use, including home charging of EVs,” said Margie and Tony Lee of Wayland.
The state plans to automatically enroll those who received a Mass Save rebate. Homeowners who install without Mass Save must apply by calling Eversource by November 1 to get the discount. If residents install a new heat pump and use the rebate, they will automatically be enrolled.
Wayland offers free one-on-one heat-pump coaching through trained volunteers — see tinyurl.com/heat-pump-coach.
Rebates and incentives are available to help with installation costs:
Mass Save: $10,000 rebate for a whole-home conversion, or $1,250 per ton (12,000 BTU) for partial conversions in 2025 and slightly less in 2026.
Mass Save HEAT Loan: 0% interest financing, up to $25,000 over seven years.
Federal tax credit: $2,000 incentive available through December 31, 2025.
Heat pumps aren’t just about savings. They also deliver efficient, quiet air conditioning in summer and help reduce homeowners’ carbon footprint.
