Energy saving programs are out there. A new Boston program could help residents find them

From loans for installing energy efficient appliances to rebates for upgrading heating systems, there are lots of energy and cost saving programs in Massachusetts. But many Boston residents might not know how to take advantage of programs or even where to begin.

City officials hope a conversation can help.

Launched Wednesday, the Boston Energy Saver Program will offer free consultations with city staff to connect residents and small business owners with existing city and state programs in an effort to bring down energy bills.

City officials said they want to increase participation in these programs, which can be helpful but are often complex or confusing to access.

“Massachusetts has leading incentive programs, but they're just really hard to figure out," said Oliver Sellers-Garcia, director of Boston’s Green New Deal, the city's plan for tackling climate change. "There's just so much there, and everyone has a slightly different building situation. And they don't know how to put all the pieces together to start.”

The program will offer consultations in multiple languages, and staff will work with community organizations to get information to neighborhoods where residents could see the most savings under state energy programs like Mass Save, or city programs like Boston Community Choice Electricity. In areas of the city with older buildings, more residents rely on the most expensive heat sources — oil and electric resistance. These buildings also tend to be located in low-income neighborhoods.

“If you are an owner of a triple decker in Boston that uses oil, and I know there's thousands of you out there, this is the time to call us because we've got some help for you,” Sellers-Garcia said.

It's not just about helping residents save money. Home energy efficiency upgrades are a key part of Boston's strategy to reduce planet-warming emissions.

Buildings make up the majority of Boston’s carbon emissions, and older structures are a prime target for improvements, according to the city. In March, Boston signed an agreement with the utility companies National Grid and Eversource to install at least 5,000 heat pumps and weatherize 10,000 units by 2027. Climate-friendly heat pumps use electricity to provide heating and cooling.

The launch of the energy savings initiative comes at a time of uncertainty for federal aid programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and food assistance — both at risk amid a government shutdown. Energy costs are also rising. City officials said these challenges make the program more important than ever.

“We want to replace your system so that you're saving money not only this winter, but next winter and the winter after that, and solve this permanently,” said Brian Swett, Boston's chief climate officer. “That's the best way of not being beholden to the political whims of Washington."

Residents can take advantage of the Boston Energy Saver program through its website or by calling 617-635-7283. The service is available in Spanish, Cape Verdean Creole, Haitian Creole, Mandarin and Vietnamese.