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. You could be leaving $1,000-$2,000 on the table by not applying.
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
Rebate amount:
- $500-$1,500 depending on system efficiency
- Higher rebates for higher-efficiency models (15+ SEER2)
- Standard rebate: $750 for most mid-range cold-climate systems
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:
- Contractor includes Eversource Electric incentive in Mass Save rebate application
- No separate application by homeowner (contractor handles it)
- Rebate paid directly to contractor (reduces your bill at time of installation)
- 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 15 SEER2
Rebate amount:
- Up to $1,000 for natural gas heating conversion
- Based on equipment efficiency rating
- Typical rebate: $750
Who qualifies:
- Eversource Gas customer (natural gas heating)
- System must meet 15 SEER2 minimum efficiency
- Primary heating system converted to heat pump
How to apply:
- Contractor includes Eversource Gas incentive in rebate application
- Pre-approval required before installation
- System must meet efficiency specs to qualify
- Rebate paid after installation inspection
Timeline:
- Application submission: day of or before installation
- Approval: 1-2 weeks
- Rebate payment: 4-6 weeks after installation inspection
Important consideration: If you're switching from gas, ensure contractor specs a system that exceeds 15 SEER2 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)
Rebate amounts:
- Heat pump space heating: $1,000-$1,500
- Heat pump water heater: $500-$800
- Combined incentive: up to $2,000-$2,300
- Higher rebates for income-qualified customers (see below)
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:
- Coordinate with contractor to install both systems
- Contractor submits combined application to National Grid
- Pre-approval required before installation begins
- Both systems must meet efficiency specs (15 SEER2+ for heat pump, Energy Star for water heater)
Example for National Grid customer:
- Heat pump for heating: $1,200 rebate
- Heat pump water heater: $600 rebate
- Total utility incentive: $1,800
- Plus Mass Save heat pump rebate: $6,000-$8,000
- Total incentives: $7,800-$9,800
This is why knowing your utility matters.
National Grid Income-Qualified Program
National Grid offers enhanced incentives for moderate-income households.
Income limits:
- Single: up to $55,000 annually (confirm the current-year threshold with Mass Save)
- Family of 2: up to $70,000
- Family of 3: up to $85,000
- Family of 4: up to $107,000
- Family of 5+: up to $130,000+
Enhanced rebates:
- Heat pump space heating: $2,500-$4,000 (vs. $1,000-$1,500 standard)
- Heat pump water heater: $1,000-$1,500 (vs. $500-$800 standard)
- Total potential: up to $5,500 for both systems
How to qualify:
- Provide recent tax return or proof of income
- Income must be 80% of area median income or less
- Contractor submits income verification with application
- No additional cost to you; rebate amount increases if you qualify
Application process:
- Get quote from National Grid-approved contractor
- Provide recent tax return copy (secure, handled by contractor)
- Contractor submits income-qualified application
- National Grid verifies income eligibility
- 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.
Income limits:
- Typically: 60-80% of area median income
- Single person: ~$50,000-$60,000
- Family of 4: ~$85,000-$100,000
Enhanced incentive:
- Additional $1,000-$2,000 on top of standard rebate
How to apply:
- Contact Eversource directly (1-877-EVERSRC)
- Ask about income-qualified heat pump programs
- Provide tax return information
- 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.
Note: the federal 25C heat pump tax credit ended December 31, 2025 and is no longer available. All figures below are state and utility programs only.
The Stacking Order (How It Works)
- Mass Save rebate applied first (direct rebate, reduces your cost immediately)
- Utility incentive applied second (additional rebate on top)
Real example for Eversource Electric customer, heat pump installation:
Installation cost: $12,000
Step 1: Apply Mass Save
- Mass Save rebate: $8,000
- Out-of-pocket after Mass Save: $4,000
Step 2: Apply Eversource Electric incentive
- Eversource rebate: $750
- Final out-of-pocket cost: $3,250
Total incentives: $8,750 on a $12,000 system
Step-by-Step Application Process
Here's how to actually get utility incentives processed.
Step 1: Verify Your Utility (Early in Process)
- Check your bill to confirm Eversource or National Grid
- Note whether you have electric heat, gas heat, or both
- Identify which programs apply to your situation
Step 2: Get Mass Save Audit and Quotes
- Request Mass Save energy audit (as usual)
- Get heat pump contractor quotes
- 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
- Installation proceeds (2-3 days)
- Mass Save inspector visits (free, required for rebate)
- System passes inspection
Step 6: Rebate Processing
Timeline:
- Mass Save rebate: 4-6 weeks after inspection approval
- 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 guaranteed 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 15 SEER2 minimum).
Prevention:
- Contractor should confirm equipment meets specs before ordering
- Cold-climate models (Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Daikin) exceed 15 SEER2, 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 3-ton heat pump system
Rebate breakdown:
- Mass Save whole-home rebate: $7,500
- Eversource Electric incentive: $750
- Total incentives: $8,250
Installation cost: $12,000 Out-of-pocket after all incentives: $3,750
Timeline:
- Week 1: Request Mass Save audit
- Week 2-3: Get contractor quotes with both Mass Save and Eversource listed
- Week 4: Select contractor, sign agreement
- Week 5-6: Contractor applies for both Mass Save and Eversource (pre-approval)
- Week 7-8: Installation scheduled and completed
- Week 8-9: Mass Save inspection
- Week 9-13: Rebate checks received (Mass Save $7,500, Eversource $750)
Scenario 2: Eversource Gas Customer, Boston (Replacing Natural Gas)
Home details:
- Cambridge home, natural gas furnace
- Eversource Gas customer
- Installing 4-ton heat pump system
Rebate breakdown:
- Mass Save whole-home rebate: $8,500
- Eversource Gas incentive: $1,000
- Total incentives: $9,500
Installation cost: $14,000 Out-of-pocket after all incentives: $4,500
Special consideration: Contractor must spec system with 15+ SEER2 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
Rebate breakdown:
- Mass Save heat pump (space heating): $8,000
- National Grid heat pump incentive: $1,500
- National Grid heat pump water heater incentive: $800
- Total incentives: $10,300
Installation cost: $20,000 (both systems) Out-of-pocket after all incentives: $9,700
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.
Estimate your income-qualification:
- Single person: under ~$60,000 might qualify
- Family of 4: under ~$105,000 might qualify
If you're in these ranges:
- Ask contractor about income-qualified programs
- Provide recent tax return (handled securely)
- If approved, rebate amount increases by $1,000-$2,000
The difference between standard and income-qualified programs can be substantial.
Get Your Free Quote with Full Utility Incentive Details
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We'll connect you with contractors who specialize in stacking Eversource/National Grid incentives with Mass Save.