Free energy coaching helps residents find heat pump rebates

Belchertown homeowners considering a heat pump can now get free, one-on-one guidance on rebates, tax credits and installers through a new regional program, the Town of Belchertown announced.

The assistance comes through the Pioneer Valley Energy Coaching program, which uses trained volunteer coaches, including one from Belchertown, to help residents choose a heat pump, find a qualified installer and apply for rebates and tax credits that can offset installation costs. A heat pump is a heating and cooling system that moves heat rather than generating it, allowing it to warm a home in winter and cool it in summer using less energy than traditional furnaces or air conditioners.

The program is a regional pilot funded through a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, a state agency, awarded to the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission.

"This program is a real resource for our residents," Town Manager Steve Williams said in the release. "Making the switch to a heat pump can feel complicated, and having a trained coach walk you through the process, at no cost, takes a lot of the guesswork out of it and can help save real money along the way. Thank you to our Energy and Sustainability Committee and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission for their work bringing this resource to Belchertown."

The program is currently focused on connecting residents with coaching services, though additional volunteer coaches may be needed in the future. Anyone interested in becoming a coach is welcome to reach out for more information.

Residents can visit the Pioneer Valley Energy Coaching website for more information and contact details.

Source: Town of Belchertown announcement, October 20, 2026.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the original announcement.