The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) last week awarded the Town of Wayland a grant for $250,000 as part of its commitment to the Green Communities Act.  The grant was the maximum available to a single town and will be used to purchase three electric/hybrid cars and two dual head charging stations, fund lighting upgrades at the Town Building, install LED street lights, and convert a gas power school bus to a hybrid electric system.

Overall DOER handed out $14 million in grants to 74 cities and towns in Massachusetts.  Wayland was one of 13 communities to receive the maximum grant.

Anne Harris, co-chair of the Wayland Energy and Climate Committee received the award on Monday at a ceremony on the steps of the Statehouse in Boston, accompanied by committee member Bill Huss and Selectman Doug Levine.

Governor Charlie Baker said, “Today’s grant announcement is the largest award in the Green Communities program history and represents our Administration’s commitment to supporting clean energy efforts for our partners in the cities and towns across Massachusetts to reinvest their energy savings in vital public services like schools, public safety, and local infrastructure.”

Since Wayland was awarded Green Community status in 2011, the Town has received over $900,000 in grants from the Commonwealth to support a range of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects throughout the Town.  These past and current projects have projected energy savings for the Town of over $200,000 per year.

“Going forward, we hope to not only extend the energy savings for the Town, but also expand our scope to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy for residents and businesses in Wayland through Mass Energize Wayland which will be launched later this year,” said Anne Harris.  “We are proud of the success our Committee has had in saving our Town money as well as meeting our energy and carbon reduction goals.”