Eversource and National Grid Heat Pump Incentives: Step-by-Step Application

Eversource and National Grid customers: check masssave.com for current heat pump rebates.

Beyond Mass Save, your electric or gas utility offers additional heat pump incentives. These layer on top of Mass Save rebates.

Most Boston homeowners don't know these exist.

This guide covers Eversource and National Grid heat pump programs, how to apply, what makes you eligible, and how to stack utility incentives with Mass Save for maximum savings.

Which Utility Serves Your Boston Home?

First: verify which utility operates in your area. Different utilities = different incentive programs.

Eversource (covers most of Boston-area): - Eversource Electric (serves eastern MA including Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Brookline, Waltham, Wellesley, Somerville, Revere, Malden, Medford) - Eversource Gas (serves same areas for natural gas customers)

National Grid (covers limited Boston-area suburbs): - National Grid Electric (serves parts of southwestern Massachusetts; not core Boston) - National Grid Gas (serves some suburbs; more common south of Boston)

Check your utility bill. It will show "Eversource" or "National Grid" prominently.

2026 service territory maps, as utility territories can change.

If you're in Boston proper, Brookline, Cambridge, or Newton: almost certainly Eversource.

If you're in Attleboro, Blackstone, or other south/southwestern suburbs: might be National Grid.

If unsure: call your utility's main line or check their website with your address.

Eversource Heat Pump Incentives (Electric)

Eversource Electric offers rebates for customers who replace electric heating with heat pumps.

Eversource Electric Resistance Heating Elimination Incentive

What it covers: - Replacing electric baseboard heating or electric furnace with air-source heat pump - Single-zone mini-split or multi-zone ductless system - Whole-home ducted system - Any outdoor unit with indoor heat pump equipment

Who qualifies: - Eversource Electric customer - Home's primary heating method is electric resistance (baseboard, electric furnace) - Not available if switching from natural gas (different program; see below)

How to apply:

1. Contractor includes Eversource Electric incentive in Mass Save rebate application
2. No separate application by homeowner (contractor handles it)
3. Rebate paid directly to contractor (reduces your bill at time of installation)
4. Timing: confirm whether rebate is pre-approved or post-installation in 2026

Important note: This program only applies if you currently heat with electricity. If you have oil heat or gas heat, you don't qualify for this Eversource incentive (Mass Save covers oil/gas switches).

Eversource Gas Conversion Incentive

What it covers: - Replacing natural gas heating with air-source heat pump - Must achieve minimum efficiency rating of the published rating

Who qualifies: - Eversource Gas customer (natural gas heating) - System must meet the published rating minimum efficiency - Primary heating system converted to heat pump

How to apply:

1. Contractor includes Eversource Gas incentive in rebate application
2. Pre-approval required before installation
3. System must meet efficiency specs to qualify
4. Rebate paid after installation inspection

Timeline: - Application submission: day of or before installation - Approval: 1-2 weeks - Allow about eight weeks for payment. Mass Save air source heat pump rebates. Program terms checked 2026-10-15.

Important consideration: If you're switching from gas, ensure contractor specs a system that exceeds the published rating to maximize this rebate. Cold-climate Mitsubishi and Fujitsu models easily exceed this.

National Grid Heat Pump Programs

National Grid serves fewer Boston suburbs but offers broader incentive packages.

National Grid Electric + Gas Bundle Program

For customers with both National Grid Electric and National Grid Gas, there's an incentive to convert both heating (gas to heat pump) and water heating (gas to heat pump water heater).

What it covers: - Air-source heat pump for space heating (replacing gas furnace) - Heat pump water heater (replacing gas water heater) - Both conversions in same time period (typically within 6 months)

Who qualifies: - National Grid Electric and Gas customer - Current heating: natural gas (furnace or boiler) - Current water heating: natural gas or electric - Both systems scheduled for conversion

How to apply:

1. Coordinate with contractor to install both systems
2. Contractor submits combined application to National Grid
3. Pre-approval required before installation begins
4. Both systems must meet efficiency specs (the published rating+ for heat pump, Energy Star for water heater)

This is why knowing your utility matters.

National Grid Income-Qualified Program

National Grid offers enhanced incentives for moderate-income households.

How to qualify:

1. Provide recent tax return or proof of income
2. Income must be 80% of area median income or less
3. Contractor submits income verification with application
4. No additional cost to you; rebate amount increases if you qualify

Application process:

1. Get quote from National Grid-approved contractor
2. Provide recent tax return copy (secure, handled by contractor)
3. Contractor submits income-qualified application
4. National Grid verifies income eligibility
5. If approved, rebate amount increases automatically

Important: Don't assume you don't qualify. Area median income is higher than many homeowners think. In Boston metro, income limits are substantial.

Eversource Enhanced Incentive Programs

2026 availability. Eversource historically offered enhanced programs for specific customer segments.

Income-Based Heat Pump Incentives

Similar to National Grid, Eversource offers increased incentives for lower-income households.

How to apply:

1. Contact Eversource directly (1-877-EVERSRC)
2. Ask about income-qualified heat pump programs
3. Provide tax return information
4. If approved, contractor can apply for enhanced incentive

Elderly/Disabled Customer Programs

Eversource and National Grid may offer additional rebates for elderly or disabled customers.

Check with utility directly or ask contractor if you fall into this category.

Stacking Utility Incentives with Mass Save

This is the key to maximizing your total rebate. You can layer them.

All amounts below are state and utility programs only.

The Stacking Order (How It Works)

1. Mass Save rebate applied first (direct rebate, reduces your cost immediately)
2. Utility incentive applied second (additional rebate on top)

Real example for Eversource Electric customer, heat pump installation:

Step-by-Step Application Process

Here's how to actually get utility incentives processed.

Step 1: Verify Your Utility (Early in Process)

1. Check your bill to confirm Eversource or National Grid
2. Note whether you have electric heat, gas heat, or both
3. Identify which programs apply to your situation

Step 2: Get Mass Save Audit and Quotes

1. Request Mass Save energy audit (as usual)
2. Get heat pump contractor quotes
3. During quote process, ask contractor: "Will you apply for Eversource/National Grid incentives?"

Step 3: Select Contractor, Confirm Utility Programs

Before signing contractor agreement: - Confirm contractor is Eversource/National Grid-approved - Ask contractor which utility programs apply to your home - Get written quote that lists: - Mass Save rebate amount - Eversource/National Grid rebate amount (if applicable) - Total rebates estimated - Net cost to you after rebates

Step 4: Contractor Submits Applications (Before Installation)

The contractor should coordinate all rebate applications: - Mass Save application submitted first - Eversource/National Grid application submitted once Mass Save is pre-approved - Applications should be submitted BEFORE installation begins

Do not let contractor install before rebate pre-approval. Timing is critical.

Step 5: Installation and Inspection

1. Installation proceeds (2-3 days)
2. Mass Save inspector visits (free, required for rebate)
3. System passes inspection

Step 6: Rebate Processing

Timeline: - Mass Save rebate: Allow about eight weeks for payment. Mass Save air source heat pump rebates. Program terms checked 2026-10-15. Eversource/National Grid rebate: 2-4 weeks after installation (may be paid to contractor directly) - If rebates are paid to contractor, they reduce your final invoice

Common Issues and How to Avoid Them

Issue 1: Contractor Doesn't Know About Utility Incentives

Some contractors only handle Mass Save and miss utility-specific programs.

Prevention: - Ask contractor directly: "What's the complete rebate package including utility incentives?" - If contractor seems unsure, get a different quote - Ask contractor to write out all anticipated rebates in writing before you sign

Issue 2: Rebates Don't Match What Contractor Quoted

Sometimes promised rebate amounts change during processing.

Prevention: - Get written quote with rebate amounts - Ask contractor: "Are these rebate amounts confirmed or estimates?" - Request contractor to confirm rebate amount with utility BEFORE submitting application - If rebate is less than estimated, ask contractor to explain why

Issue 3: Application Rejected for Not Meeting Specs

Utility programs have equipment efficiency requirements (typically the published rating minimum).

Prevention: - Contractor should confirm equipment meets specs before ordering - Cold-climate models (Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Daikin) exceed the published rating, so this is rarely an issue - Ask contractor: "Will this system qualify for the maximum utility rebate?"

Issue 4: Utility Rebate Never Arrives

Money gets lost in mail or processing falls through cracks.

Prevention: - Contractor should provide you with rebate application number/reference - Keep documentation (application receipt, correspondence from utility) - Follow up with contractor 6 weeks after installation if rebate hasn't arrived - Contact utility directly if needed (have reference number ready)

Real-World Scenarios: Eversource and National Grid

Scenario 1: Eversource Electric Customer, Boston (Replacing Electric Baseboards)

Home details:

• Brookline home, electric baseboard heating
• Eversource Electric customer
• Installing a heat pump

Scenario 2: Eversource Gas Customer, Boston (Replacing Natural Gas)

Home details:

• Cambridge home, natural gas furnace
• Eversource Gas customer
• Installing a heat pump

Special consideration: Contractor must spec system with the published rating efficiency to qualify for Eversource Gas incentive. Cold-climate models exceed this.

Scenario 3: National Grid Customer (Southwestern Boston suburbs, Dual Conversion)

Home details:

• Attleboro home, National Grid Electric and Gas
• Currently: gas heating + gas water heater
• Converting both to heat pump systems

Contractor Partnerships with Utilities

Some contractors have direct relationships with utilities and can streamline rebate processing.

Signs of good utility integration: - Contractor mentions specific program names ("Eversource Electric Resistance Elimination Incentive") - Has application forms pre-filled with your utility info - Can predict rebate amounts accurately - Familiar with common rejections and how to avoid them - Has a utility contact for questions

If contractor seems unfamiliar with utility programs: - This is a red flag - You might miss out on rebates - Get a different quote from a contractor with better utility relationships

Mass Save-approved contractors should automatically be familiar with utility incentive coordination. Ask.

Income-Qualified Programs: You Might Qualify

Both Eversource and National Grid have income-based enhanced programs. Many Boston homeowners qualify without realizing it.

Why? Area median income in Boston metro is high, but the 80% threshold still captures many homeowners.

If you're in these ranges:

1. Ask contractor about income-qualified programs
2. Provide recent tax return (handled securely) 3.

The difference between standard and income-qualified programs can be substantial.

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