MIDDLEBORO – Middleboro residents recently showed their interest in finding alternative ways of heating and cooling their homes and businesses. The Municipal Heat Pump Forum, organized by Middleboro Gas & Electric and Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant, held on Saturday, March 16, drew an audience of over 200 residents and business owners from Middleboro and surrounding towns. 

"This event truly shows how much interest there is locally in learning about heat pumps, heat pump installations, electrification and sustainable practices," said Ken Stone, Assistant General Manager at the Middleboro Gas & Electric Department.

The event aimed to educate residents, businesses, contractors, and municipal leaders about the benefits and applications of heat pump technology, the importance of weatherization, available rebates and incentives, and financing for these projects, Middleboro Gas & Electric stated in a press release. 

The forum featured opening remarks by State Senator Marc Pacheco and presentations by the nonprofit organization Beneficial Electrification League, energy consulting firm Abode Energy Management, and Middleboro Gas & Electric. 

Speakers covered topics such as the principles of heat pump operation, energy efficiency advantages and cost savings, the role of heat pumps in achieving sustainability goals, the benefits of weatherization, trends and opportunities in electrification, heat pumps in cold climates, federal tax credits and incentives, and available municipal rebates and eligibility requirements.

In addition to the educational sessions, the forum hosted a number of local organizations for information and networking, including local heat pump installers and vendors, participating lenders in municipal energy efficiency loan programs, local community assistance agencies, energy efficiency advisor organizations, and local sustainability groups. 

Attendees had the opportunity to interact with experts, ask questions, and learn about the latest heat pump products and incentives available.

A recording of the event is available on Middleboro Gas & Electric’s website at www.mged.com/heatpumpforum. 

For more information about the Municipal Heat Pump Forum or the Middleboro Gas & Electric Department's energy efficiency programs, visit www.mged.com or contact the Energy Services Department at (508) 947-1371.