FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 7, 2021

Contact: 
James Ritchie | BELD Marketing Communications | jritchie@beld.com

Vincent Ragucci |vragucci@ene.org | (617) 513-9370

Energy New England Accepts the U.S. Department of Energy’s Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge

Mansfield, MA — December 6, 2021 — Energy New England, the largest municipal utilities cooperative in the Northeast, was selected by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) to participate in a technology demonstration program to determine the viability of air source heat pumps in cold weather climate.

At a ceremony held at the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center Wind Turbine in Boston, United States Department of Energy Secretary, Jennifer Granholm, announced the partnership with ENE as well as the three other Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Challengers – Eversource, National Grid and MMWEC. Joining the Secretary was MA Secretary of Energy Katie Theoharides, Undersecretary of Energy and Climate Solutions Judy Chang and Commissioner Patrick Woodcock of MA Department of Energy Resources. The ceremony and roundtable discussion were the kickoff for this nationwide announcement regarding the Cold Climate Heat Pump (CCHP) Technology Challenge.

The national Technology Challenge has been established to accelerate the deployment of high performance CCHPs that meet consumer needs. The challenge, which was announced by the Biden Administration in May, aims to reduce the carbon footprint of cold climate heating solutions by improving the efficiency and affordability of new heat pumps. The challenge focuses on centrally ducted, electric-only CCHPs that exceed best-in-class capacity and efficiency performance at 5 degrees Fahrenheit and below. The challenge brings the resources of the federal government to help advance a key strategic technology in the effort to reduce carbon emissions from home heating across the Commonwealth.

 “Energy New England’s participation in this challenge ensures that our member municipal light plants have a voice at the table during this critical inflection point in the drive for carbon neutrality. We believe that participation in challenges like this will have broad impacts on the industry and will allow the Commonwealth to reach its decarbonization targets.”, said Noel Chambers, ENE Director of Energy Efficiency and Electrification. The program is seeking pilots with the communities that are interested in ensuring that the viability, greenhouse reduction and costs are explored before major efforts are made to install CCHPs throughout the nation.

 “Taking on this challenge is another reason MLP’s are proud to partner with ENE”, said Bill Bottiggi, Braintree General Manager and Chairman of ENE Board of Directors. “Time and time again, ENE is always looking out for the best interest of our member communities. Finding opportunities to better serve our ratepayers with technology that is tested and brings reduction in GHG but more importantly is proven to be effective.”

For more information including program fact sheets: CLICK HERE

 About Energy New England (ENE): ENE is the largest wholesale risk management and energy trading organization serving the needs of municipal utilities in the northeast. ENE is the program administrator for both residential and commercial energy efficiency and electrification programs in New England. ENE works with numerous businesses, residents, and utilities to help promote the principles of conservation, efficiency, and environmental stewardship. www.ene.org