Do you have questions about your high energy bill, installing solar, qualifying for the new heat pump rate, or Newton Power Choice vs. Eversource Basic Service?

The City's Climate & Sustainability Team has answers to these questions (and more) in our new Residential Energy Use FAQs. We recognize that making choices about energy use is confusing and we're here to help.

For personalized help beyond the FAQs, we suggest you consider:

• Attending our Home Energy Help—Drop-In Hours at the Cooper Center on Friday, March 6th from 9:30am-12pm (hosted with Green Newton and Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD))
• Scheduling an Energy Coach Consult, a free 30-minute phone or Zoom conversation to get your home energy questions answered
• Emailing energycoach@newtonma.gov or cweiss@newtonma.gov with any questions

Speaking of energy savings, we have good news: Newton Power Choice's electricity price is still lower than Eversource's new residential Basic Service price. Eversource's new rate is in effect from February 1 - July 31, 2026.

Learn more about Newton Power Choice and how its price compares with the price of Eversource Basic Service for the next six months here.

Image description: A clipart image of an electric home.

Image description: Efficient Water Heating webinar graphic.

This February, we're inviting you to explore small, cozy, intentional shifts in your daily life to show some love both to your home and the planet. Perhaps you're considering a Valentine's gift for a loved one. Consider giving an experience, locally-sourced treat, or something homemade—such gifts are especially thoughtful and may be more sustainable! (Check out our Climate Dashboard to explore consumption data in Newton.)

Or maybe you're thinking about ways to make your home cozier as the winter chill lingers. Try closing shades or curtains to cut drafts and using blankets, thrifted sweaters, and door draft stoppers before turning up the heat on colder days. A warm drink always helps, too— and it is even better if you opt to brew your tea or locally roasted coffee without using high-waste pods and if you savor it in your own favorite mug rather than a take-out cup. Comforting slow cooker meals also provide convenient and energy-efficient warmth!

Image description: Two hands holding a heart-shaped Earth.

Image description: Newton North High School students participating in the MassEnergize Youth Climate Solutions Challenge.

Newton is one of 32 municipalities awarded State funding through the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Planning 2.0 (MVP 2.0) program. This grant will help us strengthen our climate resilience planning with a focus on equity. Read the press release here.

The Newton Food Pantry was recently awarded a major state grant to support the installation of a rooftop solar array and battery storage system at their new building in Auburndale. Read more here.

Governor Healey announced plans to reduce residential electricity bills by 25% and gas bills by 10% for the months of February and March (WBUR).

Check out this WBUR article about a temporary victory for Vineyard Wind: a federal judge ruled construction can resume on this offshore wind farm after its suspension in late December. New York's Sunrise Wind was also cleared to resume construction on February 2nd (Canary Media).

Heat pump adoption looks promising in Denver, Colorado—thanks to a nearly $200 million federal grant. Read more about the Power Ahead Colorado initiative here.

Ten European countries have agreed to work together on installing 100 gigawatts of offshore wind turbines in the North Sea. Learn more about this effort from Canary Media.

QUICK LINKS

Together we can achieve Newton's goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

climateplanning@newtonma.gov

newtonma.gov/climate