Housing Complex Recieves Major Energy Upgrade

Unitil, (www.unitil.com), a provider of natural gas and electricity to customers in New England, partnered with the Fitchburg Housing Authority and Montachusett Opportunity Council (MOC) to make energy efficiency improvements to Canton Valley housing complex.

 

According to Doug Bushman, executive director of Fitchburg Housing Authority, who oversees the city’s public housing and HUD section 8 programs, the residential complex at 41 Valley Street had four high-efficiency boilers and water heaters installed as part of the nearly $150,000 project. Because the old heating system operated at only 75 percent efficiency, the upgrade to a more energy efficiency system qualified for a 100 percent rebate relative to project cost. “This is a significant project that will not only save money, but improve the comfort and reliability of the heating systems,” said Karen Hulette, who manages MOC’s Heating System Repair and Replacement Program (HEARTWAP) in partnership with Unitil.

 

It’s anticipated that new heating equipment will use about 20 percent less natural gas annually or 6,233 therms. The electric upgrades include variable motor drives that will annually save 8,211 kWh of electricity, enough energy to supply a home for an entire year.

 

“We’re thrilled that Fitchburg Housing Authority was able to take advantage of this efficiency rebate program,” Unitil Media Relations Manager Alec O’Meara said. “We hope that the savings that will be seen through making this upgrade will help in the mission to provide additional affordable housing options for the region.”

 

The Fitchburg Housing Authority established in 1948, oversees Fitchburg’s public housing and HUD Section 8 programs. Canton Valley’s 48 units, which is part of Fitchburg Housing Authority’s State public housing portfolio, were built in the 1950s for Fitchburg’s WWI veterans.