Residential Energy Conservation Program - Step by Step

Step 1: Review the Project-Specific Requirements and Program Terms and Conditions

Please review the project-specific requirements and the program terms and conditions so you know what project-types are eligible for assistance through this program.

Step 2: Free Energy Audit

Many of the projects eligible for RECP assistance require that you receive a home energy audit first, which is a free service that HG&E provides to customers. Please review the efficiency requirements to see if your project requires an energy audit. You can call our partner MuniHELPS at 1-888-333-7525 to schedule an audit. The energy audit will provide you with recommendations for various energy efficiency projects and help you understand which projects are most cost-effective. Please click here to learn more about the energy audit service.

Step 3: Receive a Quote from a Licensed Contractor

You will need to submit this with your application. The quote must be itemized by system or service. The quote (or other documentation from your installer) must include the manufacturer and model number (if applicable) so we can confirm that the equipment being installed or services being performed meet the efficiency requirements of this program.

Please provide your installer with the equipment-specific eligibility requirements located in the chart on the program webpage before they create a proposal for you so they know what requirements the system(s)/project(s) need to meet in order to qualify. Before applying, please ensure that your installer possesses the required licenses and/or permits for the installation (Payments will not be paid for projects installed by contractors who do not possess the required licenses or permits).

Step 4: Obtain the Deed to Your Property

You will need to submit this with your application. Holyoke residents can locate the property deed by going to the search database on Hampdendeeds.com. Here is a link to the database. From this page, enter your street number and the street name. Under 'Doc type', select 'deed'. It it often easier to search for a specific address if only the first name of the street is included (For example, enter "34 State" instead of "34 State Street").

Step 5: Review Available Rebates to Help Determine the Amount of RECP Assistance you would like to Request

HG&E has rebates for qualifying weatherization projects, central air conditioners, heat pumps, and appliances. Please review the applicable rebate webpages to review the eligibility requirements and help determine the amount of RECP assistance you would like to request. If you are eligible for a rebate and were approved for the RECP, you do not need to submit a seperate rebate application (except for thermostat rebates*). Your rebate payment will be processed at the same time as your RECP payment. 

*Thermostat rebates: If you are installing a Wi-Fi smart thermostat or 7-day programmable thermostat and would like to receive a thermostat rebate from HG&E, you will need to submit a seperate rebate application for this after the project is complete, and will need to upload a copy of an invoice that shows the cost of the thermostat. To submit a thermostat rebate, please visit our appliance rebates webpage.  

Step 6: Complete the Online Application (Click here for a printable application)

Please be prepared to submit digital copies of the following documents:
• Quote from your contractor
• Deed to your property
• Gas related projects: Please note that for gas related projects, you will need to submit the input capacity (Btu/h) of your new gas system, and the input capacity of the system(s) being replaced. Your installer should be able to help provide you with this information.

Step 7: Secure the Assistance & Return Signed Contract

HG&E will review your application within approximately three business days and will contact you if any additional information is needed. If your application is approved, HG&E will mail you a contract to sign and return.

Step 8: Provide Post-Installation Form to Installer and Complete the Improvement(s)

Please provide your installer with the post-installation form before the service is complete to ensure all necessary information is obtained. We need this form back from the installer after the project has been completed in order to process your payment.

Step 9: Receive Payment