ARPA Grant Reimburses Cambridge Businesses and Non-Profits for New Energy Efficient Equipment and Operations

The City of Cambridge and the Office of Sustainability today announced the Green Equipment for Cambridge Businessesand Non-ProfitsARPA Program that providesfinancial assistanceto Cambridge businesses and non-profit organizations negatively impactedby the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible businesses will receive financial assistancein the form of reimbursement for the purchase of eligible equipment that makes their business operations or building more energy efficient, reduces their use of fossil fuels, or that provides renewable energy to power their operations.

Eligible businessesand non-profits mayapply forup to $250,000 in reimbursement for the purchase of eligible equipment such as energy efficient lighting and refrigeration, heat pumps, induction ranges, electric water heating equipment, electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, rooftop solar, electricand solar hot watersystems, and more. Funding is only available for equipment costsand is not intended to cover installation or other costs. Equipment that uses fossil fuels is not eligible for reimbursement.

Organizationsare eligible to participatein this program if they are based in Cambridge, have fewer than 500 employees, and if they can demonstratethat they have been disproportionately impactedby the COVID-19 pandemic. Cambridge businesses thathave previously received ARPA funding forother purposes are likely to be eligibleand are encouraged to apply.

Applicantswill also be required to complete a no-cost Mass Save Small Business Energy Assessment, or to have had one completed within the past 6 months. Organizationsare able to take advantage of savings from both the Mass Save Small Business Program and the Green Equipment for Cambridge Businesses and Non-Profits ARPA Program simultaneously.

"We are excited to further support Cambridge businesses and non-profits impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with this unique program," said Susanne Rasmussen, Director of Climate Initiatives. "Theenergy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades covered by this grant will help local businesses reduce both their energy costs and their climate impact, so everyone benefits."

To get started, Cambridge businesses and non-profit organizationsare encouraged to visit the program website for complete detailsand to complete an application:www.cambridgema.gov/greenequipmentgrant

Applications will be acceptedand funding will be issued on a rolling basis until September 30, 2026,or untilall program funds - which total $700,000 - have been awarded.

Questions about this program can be sent to [email protected].