<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3xVgVl_1GxXTmtH00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3xVgVl_1GxXTmtH00" width="724" height="483" ></figure>PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) has launched a new program to help Pittsfield residents cover repair costs that can prevent them from accessing home energy-efficiency upgrades.The organization announced its new Community Chest program, which offers forgivable loans of up to $4,000 to help homeowners address issues that may delay or block improvements through the Mass Save program.Funded through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s EmPower grant, the program is designed to help residents take advantage of Mass Save, which provides free or discounted energy-efficiency upgrades aimed at lowering energy bills, improving home comfort, and reducing pollution.Before receiving Mass Save upgrades, homeowners must complete a Home Energy Assessment. However, some projects cannot move forward until additional repairs are made, expenses that are often not covered by Mass Save or other assistance programs.According to BEAT, the forgivable loans can help cover costs including:<ul><li>Knob-and-tube wiring removal</li><li>Mold remediation</li><li>Asbestos removal</li><li>Preparing areas for contractor access</li><li>Resolving permit-related obstacles such as overdue municipal bills</li></ul>BEAT said it began conducting outreach about Mass Save opportunities in 2019 and found that many residents were unable to complete recommended upgrades because of the cost of required repairs. Working alongside local Mass Save Community Partners, the organization developed the Community Chest program to help bridge that financial gap.More information about the program and application requirements is available through BEAT’s Community Chest webpage.All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WWLP. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat information into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WWLP staff before being published.</div></body>

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) has launched a new program to help Pittsfield residents cover repair costs that can prevent them from accessing home energy-efficiency upgrades. The organization announced its new Community Chest program, which offers forgivable loans of up to $4,000 to help...

Pittsfield group launches home energy assistance program

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