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crake t1_jc2ofh4 wrote

Paid $20k recently for a new heat pump for a 1200 sf condo.

FYI, Mass Saves is a total scam - I've been going back and forth with them for months and they just sent the same bs one liner asking me to provide an invoice for the installation of an integrated control module or something like that (i.e., a sub-part of the $20k system I bought that isn't itemized or something on the invoice).

I think Mass Saves is a scam organization that preys on consumers in the Commonwealth, steals goodwill through a chimerical scheme by which it makes promises to reimburse residents that it does not honor, and is liable under the Massachusetts Consumer Protection statute (c. 93A). I'm probably going to sue them once my claim is finally denied, though I hope there is a class action suit by the AG to force the entire scheme to go under.

Installers use Mass Saves to bump up prices by 5-10k too, because they promise you that you will get your money back from the program. You will not get it back, so don't count on it.

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Burnt_broccolini t1_jc2quai wrote

Mass save is a state program. It doesn’t make money off of anyone. I get that they are being shitty to you but I don’t think suing will work in this case

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crake t1_jc2w6v9 wrote

It's a consortium established by the major utilities in the state, not a state program. Those utilities need goodwill from the public because that is how they get rate increases approved by the legislature. The electric companies that participate also benefit because consumers use more electric.

It's not altruistic, it's just dressed up that way.

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Burnt_broccolini t1_jc2ywcv wrote

What? Ratepayers pay into the mass save fund and then the state creates incentives for a REDUCTION in electricity usage as part of the ‘Efficiency is our first fuel’ initiative.

The utilities don’t do it from the goodness of their heart OR because they want favor with legislators. They work with the state, ratepayers, contractors and others to help make us the #2 state for energy efficiency right behind California.

Agreed, it’s not altruistic. It’s a way to move the needle for energy efficiency in a state that doesn’t produce much of its own energy. I get that they are being an asshole on your rebate, but that’s how government programs work, they suck and they take forever. It’s not a reflection on the design of the program

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MassholeAsswhole t1_jc36xld wrote

It is a state program that one of the sources for funding for it is utility companies, it was overhauled last year by the state:

>This week, Massachusetts approved a major overhaul of the Mass Save program, the state’s leading energy efficiency program and best tool to help residents kick fossil fuels and lower their utility bills. The dense, 343-page order lays out a three-year plan for 2022 through the end of 2024, and it is full of rebates, interest-free loans, free efficiency upgrades, and other incentives aimed at making homes across the state more efficient and resilient.

Source: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/02/02/science/what-new-mass-save-rewrite-means-you/?event=event12

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MassholeAsswhole t1_jc2qpq3 wrote

While slow as fuck, i have no had any issues get any of my rebates from mass saves for my HVAC installation, washing machine rebate, and heat pump installation.

A big part of the current rebate is integrated controls, which defeats the whole purpose of mini-splits efficiency allowing for controls of individual rooms but that's off topic, so if you're unable to prove you had it installed you're not eligible for the rebate, but your contractor should be able to itemize the final invoice for you.

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AutomationBias t1_jc2vngy wrote

I got my $15k rebate check from Mass Save within 8 weeks. I had to send additional documentation (which my vendor was happy to provide), but it wasn't some sisyphean ordeal.

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Frictus t1_jc2qx5f wrote

Mass Saves was a headache for me as well. I got my 10k rebate in the end and they've since been supportive when we had other troubles with our system.

I called them often and they never answered, then I called on a Saturday morning a little after they opened and someone answered on the first ring. They helped resolve my issue and I received the rebate a few weeks later. Try calling at all sorts of hours and days and see if you have more success.

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modernhomeowner t1_jc2slta wrote

What I think is great about MassSave, they gave me a $10k rebate for my heatpump, that will use enough energy to pay the state $14,000 in the state fees associated with MassSave. lol.

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