For 1- to 4-family homes, new program aims to increase energy efficiency; Programs to be offered for owners and renters starting in early 2015.

Furthering its goal to reduce residential energy consumption by 20 percent by the year 2020, and in line with its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the City of Somerville announced today that it is seeking an Energy Management Partner (EMP) for a new, residential weatherization program for both renters and property owners in the city. A firm or team of firms is sought to implement a program of energy efficiency improvements to one- to four-family residences, working with the existing MassSave Program, to begin in spring 2015 according to a Request for Qualifications issued on Dec. 17, 2014.

“Somerville has a demonstrated commitment to increasing energy efficiency, and to instituting policies and programs that will reduce our carbon footprint, including our ambitious goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050,” said Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone. “Many programs here and across the region focus solely on opportunities for homeowners, without focusing the renters who comprise 67 percent of our housing stock in Somerville. Our goal through this new partnership is to increase energy efficiency opportunities for all of our residents, furthering our commitment to that ultimate net zero goal.”

Building upon the existing MassSave program and Somerville Residential Energy Efficiency Program

(REEP), the residential weatherization program will provide enhanced opportunities for building owners to improve the energy performance of their buildings. EMPs will coordinate energy-efficiency management and retrofit services, including an extensive community outreach campaign, beginning in early 2015. The city is seeking partners who will utilize strong data collection and analysis plans to further its goal of reducing energy consumption by 20 percent citywide by 2020.

“We’re looking for an EMP with creative ideas on how to connect Somerville residents with information and services they need to make smart choices about home energy,” said Oliver Sellers-Garcia, Director of the Somerville Office of Sustainability & Environment, which is co-leading this effort with the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development. “We believe that residents and property owners across our diverse community are very interested in saving money and reducing their carbon footprint.”

RFQ bids are due to the city on Jan. 30, 2015, and additional important deadlines are as follows:

• Pre-proposal Conference / Meeting: Jan 8, 10:30 a.m. EST
• Deadline for submitting questions: Jan. 9, 4:30 p.m. EST
• Bids due and opened: Jan. 30, 11 a.m. EST
• Anticipated contract award: Feb. 15
• Services Commence: March 1

For more information on the city’s energy efficiency programs, contact Residential Energy Efficiency Program Manager Russell Koty at 617-625-6600 ext. 2568, or RKoty@somervillema.gov. If you have questions about the Weatherization RFQ, download the bid documents athttp://www.somervillema.gov/departments/finance/purchasing/bids, and contact Michael Richards at mrichards@somervillema.gov to register as a bid document holder.

— City of Somerville