Now Hiring: Sustainability/ Environment Community Engagement Specialist

The City of Somerville is leading cities on climate change in Massachusetts and the country, pioneering new approaches to climate action planning, clean energy and resilience programs, and community engagement. Reporting to the Climate Change Program Manager of the Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE), the Community Engagement Specialist is responsible for designing and executing programs and campaigns that continually work toward the City’s goal of an equitable, resilient, and carbon-neutral City. The Community Engagement Specialist will conduct outreach and provide customer service to community members, stakeholders, partners, and organizations. View the full description.

Now Accepting Applications for the Commission on Energy Use and Climate Change

Mayor Curtatone is seeking applications from Somerville residents to serve on the Mayor’s Commission on Energy Use and Climate Change (CEUCC). The CEUCC advises the City and the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and Environment on climate change and energy policy issues and assists the City in program design and outreach related to these topics. 

In the past, the Commission has advised the City on several topics, including energy performance of city buildings, community choice aggregation of electricity, and residential solar. Upcoming topics will include state and federal policy, innovative sustainability practices, and climate equity.  The CEUCC typically meets monthly at on the second Wednesday of the month from 7:00 PM-8:30 PM.  Since April 2020, public meetings have been virtual, but they will eventually return to being held in person. 

The CEUCC is composed of seven Somerville residents and one member of the City staff who serves as an ex-officio member. Appointments are for a period of three years. The current commissioners have diverse professional backgrounds in fields within the climate change and energy area.  To complement the areas covered by the commissioners, the City seeks Somerville residents with a background in climate justice, equity, and/or working with marginalized communities. To apply, please submit a resume and a letter of interest that specifies the applicant’s relevant background and purpose for serving on the CEUCC.  Applicants are encouraged to attend one or more CEUCC meetings prior to submitting a letter of interest. Meetings are posted on the City calendar.

Please submit a letter of interest by November 15, 2021 by email to Christine Blais, Climate Change Program Manager, at candrews@somervillema.gov.

Applications for Fuel Assistance Are Open Now through April 30, 2022

Fuel Assistance assists income-qualifying property owners and renters with winter heating costs. 

Somerville residents and owners can apply through the new online portal or call Cambridge-Somerville Fuel Assistance (CSFA) at 617-665-6234 to schedule a phone or in-person appointment to complete an application. 

The online application is available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole), and translation services are available through the office. 

After enrolling in Fuel Assistance: 

1. CSFA staff will contact your utility provider(s), National Grid and/or Eversource, to request that you receive electricity and/or gas at a reduced rate. Utility customers may check their bills to ensure they are receiving the correct rate.
2. If you live in a 1-4 unit building and are interested in receiving no cost or discounted home energy services, ask CSFA staff to refer you to CAPIC. Once the referral is received, CAPIC will reach out. CAPIC's programs are listed below. Please note, qualifications depend on individual circumstances, so available services and incentives will vary for each property.
   • Weatherization program: CAPIC may schedule an appointment to assess weatherization features.
   • Heating system program: CAPIC may schedule an appointment to evaluate the heating system and test efficiency. If the household is eligible and the system does not meet a certain standard, then they may offer a no-cost clean and tune-up. If the issues are more serious, then you may be eligible for replacement. 
     • If the household is eligible for replacing an electric resistance or oil heating system, you may ask if you can receive an evaluation for an air source heat pump replacement. Air source heat pumps provide clean heating and cooling. 
   • Appliance management program: CAPIC may schedule an appointment to assess light bulbs and appliances, including clothes washers, fridges, standalone dehumidifiers, window air conditioning units, and chest freezers. They may replace light bulbs at the visit and provide information for appliances.
   • Further assistance with CAPIC: Contact Karina Gomez at 617-884-6130 ext. 1124. She will discuss eligibility and services that may be available, schedule appointments, and send any paperwork. If she does not answer, please leave a message with your contact information.
3. The Low-Income Energy Affordability Network (LEAN) Multifamily Program is available for larger buildings and requires the landlord to initiate enrollment.

Bonus tip: Spaces heated by electric baseboards or heat pumps may qualify utility customers for a discounted electric rate, whether or not they receive Fuel Assistance. Customers not receiving Fuel Assistance may contact Eversource for more information.

Announcements and Updates

• Tonight: Commission on Energy Use and Climate Change Meeting
• Oct. 15 Somerville’s Mobile Farmers Market, two locations: Council on Aging and East Somerville Community School
• Oct. 23 Union Square Farmers Market
• Oct. 25 Forest Flow Mindfulness with Libby Curtis Webb (Council on Aging)
• Oct. 27 You are invited to attend a virtual community meeting for the proposed high-performance public safety building project. To register, please click the flyer above.
• Oct. 30 Union Square Farmers Market
• Nov. 6 Union Square Farmers Market
• Nov. 10 Household Hazardous Waste Community Collection Day (Residential Pickup, No Drop-Offs)
• Nov. 13 Union Square Farmers Market

Happy fall!

Christine Blais
Climate Change Program Manager, Office of Sustainability and Environment
www.somervillema.gov/sustainaville