Thank you for your interest in the Residential Energy Microgrant (REM) program!
By completing this application, you acknowledge that you have read and reviewed the information below.
About the program:
The Residential Energy Microgrant (REM) program is a grant-funded program through Massachusetts Clean Energy Center offered by the City of Somerville Office of Sustainability and Environment.
The program intends to improve the energy efficiency of rental homes in Somerville. When tenants are responsible for energy bills but are hesitant to request energy improvements, energy performance can lag when compared to owner-occupied housing units, despite lucrative incentives through nation-leading programs like Mass Save.
The REM program aims to incentivize landlords to make energy efficiency and decarbonization improvements in rental units.
Benefits may include:
- Improving your property value
- Maximizing state incentives for upgrades
- Improving tenant retention by increasing comfort and lowering bills
- Creating a cleaner, safer environment
How the program works:
Property owners may apply for multiple buildings and multiple units within the same building. One application is needed per unit. Vacant units are not eligible for the program.
There are 4 phases to the microgrant program, each described below:
- Initial Application Period
- Conditional Acceptance Period
- Project Period
- Close-Out Period
After you submit this form, your application is still not complete. Additional documentation is required to confirm your project meets eligibility requirements.
1. Initial Application Period
The initial application period begins in Fall 2025, from program opening date November 14, 2025 to December 6, 2025. During this phase, applications will be open, advertised, technical assistance will be provided as needed, and then the initial application period will close.
After the initial application period closes, applications will be reviewed.
2. Conditional Acceptance Period
The conditional acceptance period begins December 7th, 2026. During this phase, the City of Somerville will issue conditional acceptance notifications to applicants. At this point, all additional documentation to confirm eligibility will be requested from applicants.
Accepted applicants who haven't completed a Mass Save Home Energy Assessment within the past two (2) years (or for fuel assistance recipients, 4 years) will have 30 days to schedule from date of conditional acceptance. The assessment must be completed within 90 days from the date of conditional acceptance.
If required documentation is not completed and submitted to city program staff within 90 days of receiving the notice of conditional acceptance, then the application will be moved to the waitlist and the next applicant will be contacted.
Detailed instructions for documentation are included below ("Instructions for Required Documentation").
REM Eligibility Requirements:
- The applicant must be the property owner of a multifamily home (up to 4 units) located in Somerville. Renters cannot apply on behalf of the owner.
- The owner must apply on behalf of a rented housing unit. Owner-occupied units will not be eligible.
- Tenants' income must meet eligibility requirements, to qualify the property owner for the REM program, at this time. Please review the Tenant Income Eligibility section, below. Households will be required to provide income verification in the form of a notarized written statement from each income-earning adult in the household.
- A no-cost Mass Save home energy assessment must be completed within the unit(s) either 1) within the past two years, or 2) scheduled within 30 days and completed within 90 days of receiving notification of acceptance into the REM program. An assessment can be scheduled by: calling (617) 329-4825; by filling out the form at www.masssave.com/somerville ; or by scheduling directly with a Mass Save certified contractor listed at https://www.masssave.com/residential/find-a-contractor . Save the report for submission during the close-out phase.
- To qualify for a microgrant, projects must have been identified during a no-cost Mass Save Home Energy Assessment and be eligible for a Mass Save incentive, rebate, or financing. Projects may include but are not limited to:
- Weatherization: Insulation and air sealing by approved Mass Save contractor
- Heat pumps and/or heat pump water heaters: Mass Save eligible equipment
- High efficiency electric appliances: Mass Save eligible equipment
- Electrical panel upgrades needed for above projects
- Other recommended measure from a Mass Save Home Energy Assessment
- Note that no fossil fuel-based appliances are eligible to participate in this program (for instance, no oil- or natural-gas-powered furnaces, no gas-powered stoves or dryers, etc.).
- The total out-of-pocket cost of the project must exceed $2,000. Multiple eligible projects may be combined to reach $2,000 out of pocket, after rebates and incentives.
- Work must be completed by a contractor currently licensed to do work in Massachusetts. It is recommended applicants follow best practices when selecting a contractor. Resources can be found on the state website: www.mass.gov/check-if-your-contractor-is-a-registered-home-improvement-contractor
- Property owners/landlords will be required to follow state laws and regulations regarding tenant notice of entry and if necessary, temporary relocation, at all times throughout participation in the REM program.
- Property owners/landlords must ensure project receives all necessary permitting through the Inspectional Services Department, as applicable.
- Accurate information must be provided.
Tenant Income Eligibility
If you do not believe your tenants will meet income requirements, please skip to the first question below. We encourage you to share your name and email so we can contact you about new opportunities. Depending on demand for the program, the program offerings may be expanded in 2026-2027.
Eligible tenant income is defined as less than or equal to 80% Area Median Income (AMI) for Somerville as defined by the City of Somerville Inclusionary Housing Program at the time of the microgrant application. These income limits are current as of 7/01/2025 and are subject to annual updates. Income refers to gross annual household income, which is pre-tax and pre-deduction (excepting expenses for self-employment).
| # Persons per Household |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
| Maximum Gross Income ($) |
$92,650 |
$105,850 |
$119,100 |
$132,300 |
$142,900 |
$153,500 |
Tenants will be required to submit a signed and notarized affidavit stating their income. This can be submitted directly to the Office of Sustainability and Environment. We recommend beginning this requirement early. City staff are able to offer support to assist in communications between landlords and tenants. Households with 7+ members, please contact ose@somervillema.gov
Once all documentation is received or the Conditional Acceptance Period is complete, City of Somerville REM program staff will review the application and notify the applicant if they are accepted. If the project is accepted (eligible for a microgrant), then the City will sign the Grant Recipient Agreement and return the signed version to the applicant.
3. Project Period
During the project period, participants will finalize the scope of their project within the eligibility guidelines, and meet any contractor and permitting requirements.
Ensure the project receives all necessary permitting through the Inspectional Services Department, as applicable. More information is available at https://www6.citizenserve.com/Portal/PortalController?Action=showPermit&ctzPagePrefix=Portal_&installationID=149
Contact information: isd@somervillema.gov and 617-625-6600 ext. 5600 (Building, Electrical, Plumbing permitting). Location: 1 Franey Road, Somerville, MA 02145.
Hours: M-W 8:00 AM-4:00 PM R 8:00 AM-7:00 PM Fri: 8:00 AM-12:00 PM.
Projects must be started by 11/02/2026 unless waived by exception by authorized staff.
If city program staff are unable to verify a project has started after three (3) attempts to contact the owner, or by 11/02/2026, whichever is earlier, then the application will be moved to the waitlist and the next applicant may be contacted, subject to approval from the grantor.
4. Close-out Period
During the closeout period, participants will help city staff confirm completion of an eligible project and issue the microgrant.
Program participants will be required to participate in an in-person or virtual site visit beginning in the front of the property, then going inside to see the work was completed. A final set of documentation will also be required.
If staff cannot verify the work applied for was completed at the property, then we will not be able to disperse the funds.
All close-out requirements must be met by 12/4/2026 or the city may not be able to issue the microgrant.
Program contact information: www.somervillema.gov/R2NZ | ose@somervillema.gov | 857-270-4965.
Assuming all terms and conditions are met, the City will issue the microgrant payment by check, or direct deposit if selected by the applicant. Checks must be cashed within one (1) year of issue.
Instructions for Documentation
Application Documentation
Documentation required with this application is listed below. Documentation may be submitted online, by mail, or in person; and may be submitted at the same time as this application, or after, but no later than the date the conditional acceptance period ends. Please note your microgrant application will not be considered complete until the form and all documentation is received.
Required Documentation to complete your REM application includes:
- Tenant Income Affidavits (for all adults in household)
- Mass Save Home Energy Assessment Report
- Project Description
- Grant Recipient Agreement
- Certificate of Good Standing
- W-9
- (Optional) Direct Deposit Form
Tenant Income Affidavits
Tenant Income Affidavits. The income affidavit form is available at this link. At the request of the property owner, city staff will send a welcome packet to tenants via email and/or mail, including a letter, information about the program, instructions for the affidavit, copies of the affidavit, and a return envelope.
For notary services, you may visit us in person at the City Hall Annex, 50 Evergreen Ave, Somerville, MA 02145. Hours: M-W 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, R 8:30 AM-7:30 PM, Friday 8:30 AM-12:30 PM. We recommend contacting program staff ahead of your visit to ensure smoother service: ose@somervillema.gov, 857-270-4965.
Tenants should deliver the form via mail or in person to 50 Evergreen Ave, Somerville, MA 02145 ATTN: Microgrant, Office of Sustainability and Environment. Applications will not be considered complete until this information is received.
Mass Save Home Energy Assessment Report
If you have completed a Mass Save Home Energy Assessment on the unit within two years, you have the option to submit the report at the time of submitting this form.
Otherwise, please note that you will need to schedule a no-cost Mass Save Home Energy Assessment and submit the report within 90 days of conditional acceptance.
Project Description
If you are working with a contractor, upload a quote describing the scope of work and project cost. Otherwise, provide expected project cost and supporting information (such as publicly listed product cost), along with information sufficient to determine eligibility under Mass Save programs (such as model number of selected equipment). Note that out-of-pocket cost, after rebates and incentives, must exceed $2,000. Multiple eligible projects may be combined to reach $2,000 out-of-pocket cost.
Grant Recipient Agreement
A grant recipient agreement form will be sent to applicants who have been conditionally accepted.
Certificate of Good Standing
Contact the City of Somerville Treasury Department to obtain a no-cost certificate of good standing. Instructions for obtaining the certification online or in person are below.
How to use the online Certificate of Good Standing Request Form for the REM program:
- Visit https://form.jotform.com/202463989019060
- Select "Other" purpose.
- For Business Address, enter the address of the rental unit you are applying for.
- For Taxpayer Home Address, enter the property owner's physical address.
- For Business Name: If you do not have one, enter "rental unit."
- After submitting the form, the request will be reviewed by city staff. You will receive communications and the form to the email provided.
Contact information: treasury@somervillema.gov, 617-625-6600 ext. 3500. Location: City Hall, 1st floor, 93 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02143. Hours: M-W 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, R 8:30 AM-7:30 PM, Friday 8:30 AM-12:30 PM.
W-9
Obtain a copy of your W-9. This is a document you would have at your home or business.
If you need access to a copier, you may visit us in person at the City Hall Annex, 50 Evergreen Ave, Somerville, MA 02145. Hours: M-W 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, R 8:30 AM-7:30 PM, Friday 8:30 AM-12:30 PM. We recommend contacting program staff ahead of your visit to ensure smoother service: ose@somervillema.gov, 857-270-4965.
Direct Deposit Form (Optional)
To receive payment via direct deposit, complete this form, and send in a voided check .
The city may request additional documentation if necessary to make a determination for REM program eligibility.
Project Close-Out Documentation
To close a microgrant project and receive the microgrant award payment, the following must be completed:
- Site visit (virtual or in-person)
- Receipt for payment(s) to contractor or equipment supplier showing project costs to property owner, after rebates and incentives, of greater than $2,000.
- Photos of installed equipment including nameplate (optional if site visit is completed)
- Completed Mass Save rebate or HEAT loan form, or screenshot/PDF of online approval
- Verify delivery preference for microgrant by confirming mailing address or submitting direct deposit form.
There are three (3) ways to submit documents:
- Upload them with this form
- Upload them later via the online form: Document submission form
- Mail or deliver documentation to: 50 Evergreen Ave, Somerville, MA 02145 ATTN: Office of Sustainability and Environment RE: Microgrant. Hours for in-person delivery: Mondays and Tuesdays 8:30am-4:30pm, or by appointment. Please contact ose@somervillema.gov