Why Electrify Your Home in Shrewsbury?

If you’ve been considering making your home more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, there’s never been a better time to electrify your home in Shrewsbury. 

Read on to learn why Shrewsbury residents are in a unique position to maximize the many benefits of going electric. By doing so, you will:

1. Save on your energy bills with some of the lowest electric rates in Massachusetts 
2. Leverage SELCO’s award-winning reliability 
3. Take advantage of local, state, and federal rebates and incentives 
4. Lower your carbon footprint
5. Support your local Shrewsbury economy

What Does Electrification Mean?

Electrification involves replacing appliances and systems that run on fossil fuels—like gas stoves, oil furnaces, and gasoline-powered cars—with electric alternatives. These upgrades include heat pumps for space and water heating, induction stoves, electric vehicles, and more. By electrifying, you can reduce carbon emissions while enjoying better performance and lower energy costs.

Why Electrify in Shrewsbury?

• Low Electric Rates

In Shrewsbury, residents and businesses receive their electricity from SELCO, a Municipal Light Plant (MLP). Most surrounding towns, such as Northborough, Worcester, and Westborough, receive their electricity from an Investor-Owned Utility (IOU) such as National Grid. Unlike IOUs, which are publicly traded and driven by shareholder interests, MLPs like SELCO are accountable to the residents and businesses of Shrewsbury. This community-centric model means decisions are made locally with a focus on providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy—not maximizing profits.

In 2024, SELCO customers saved an average of over $2,200 compared to other IOUs in the region! 

 

• Rebates and Incentives

Thanks to generous rebates and incentives from SELCO, our energy program partner NextZero, the state of Massachusetts, and the federal government, making the switch to electricity has never been more affordable. Click HERE for a full list of all rebates and incentives available for your next electrification upgrade, in addition to the rebates and programs offered by SELCO and NextZero. 0% loan programs are also available for SELCO and Eversource Customers (through MassSave). 

• Environmental Benefits

Electrifying your home in Shrewsbury is a meaningful way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support a cleaner environment. By transitioning from fossil-fuel-powered systems to electric alternatives, you significantly lower your reliance on fossil fuels. In 2025, SELCO’s power supply is already 65% carbon-free, far exceeding the national average, and is committed to achieving a 100% carbon-free power supply by 2032, as outlined in our  Power Supply Policy. As SELCO continues to decarbonize its energy mix, the environmental benefits of electrifying your home will grow, making it a powerful step toward a more sustainable and carbon-free future.

• Healthier and Safer Homes

Switching to electric systems improves indoor air quality by eliminating combustion-based appliances that release harmful pollutants. It also reduces the safety risks associated with storing and burning fossil fuels.

What Can You Electrify & Decarbonize in Your Home?

1. Purchase Renewable Energy

• Green Light Program: While 65% of SELCO’s power supply comes from non-emitting sources, we are on track to achieve 100% by 2032. In the meantime, you can choose to contribute to the Green Light program, in which 100% of your monthly green power payment goes to make sure that clean, renewable electricity is delivered to the regional power grid on your behalf.

2. Electrical Service 

• Electrification upgrades can sometimes require increasing your home’s capacity for electric service, also known as a service upgrade, typically from 100A or 200A to 400A.  To upgrade your electrical panel, you should consult a licensed electrician to assess your current system, determine the necessary upgrade, and safely replace your existing panel with a larger one that has more circuit slots, ensuring proper wiring connections. Undergrounding your aerial service is another improvement that can bolster the reliability and resilience of your electric and communication services. Customers can leverage SELCO’s 0% Electrification loan for service upgrades. 

3.  Heating and Cooling

• Heat Pumps: Heat pumps are the cornerstone of home electrification. They provide efficient heating and cooling by transferring heat rather than generating it, reducing energy consumption by up to 80% when compared to traditional heating systems. Modern cold-climate heat pumps work effectively even in very cold temperatures, making them ideal for Shrewsbury’s winters.

4. Water Heating

• Heat Pump Water Heaters: Using the same technology as heat pumps for HVAC, these units use electricity to draw heat from the air and transfer it to the water, consuming significantly less energy than conventional water heaters.

5. Electric Cooking

• Induction Stoves: Induction cooktops are faster, safer, and more precise than gas stoves. They only heat the pan, not the burner, improving efficiency and safety while eliminating harmful indoor pollutants caused by burning gas.

6. Laundry

• Heat Pump Clothes Dryers: Heat pump dryers are an energy-efficient alternative to traditional gas or electric resistance dryers. They use lower temperatures to dry clothes, which also helps preserve fabric quality.

7. Transportation

• Electric Vehicles (EVs): EVs are cheaper to power and maintain than gas-powered cars, with no tailpipe emissions.

8. EV Charging 

• Pairing an EV with a home EV charger ensures a convenient and sustainable transportation solution.

9. Rooftop Solar Panels

• Generate your own clean electricity and reduce reliance on the grid. Take advantage of Net metering, which is a rate where a customer with solar panels is allowed to export surplus power produced by their panels onto the grid.  That excess power is credited by SELCO, resulting in a credit on their bill. 

10. Home Battery Storage

• Battery Systems: Modern batteries store electricity for use during outages or peak demand periods, providing a clean alternative to gas-powered generators. Batteries pair well with solar.

11. Weatherization

• Improving the envelope of your home to keep the heat in during the winter and the heat out during the summer can greatly improve energy efficiency and energy costs. Most homes can benefit from measures such as insulation, air sealing, and duct sealing. Weatherization is commonly pursued in conjunction with adding heat pumps. A free home energy audit offered by NextZero is a perfect way to highlight any needed improvements.  

Learn more about each of these steps in Rewiring America’s FREE Electrify Everything Guide: A Guide to Comfy, Healthy, Carbon-Free Living 

The Benefits of Electrification in Shrewsbury

1. Save Money
   Thanks to SELCO’s low electric rates, powering your home with electricity costs less than in most surrounding areas. When paired with energy-efficient electric appliances, you can lower your overall energy bills even further.
2. Reduce Carbon Emissions
   Electrifying your home helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, especially as SELCO continues to integrate more renewable energy sources into its power supply.
3. Improve Indoor Air Quality
   Eliminating combustion-based systems, such as gas stoves or oil furnaces, can reduce indoor air pollutants, making your home healthier and safer.
4. Increase Home Comfort and Value
   Modern electric systems, such as heat pumps, provide consistent comfort year-round. Energy-efficient upgrades can also boost a home’s resale value.

SELCO is Here to Help

Electrification doesn’t have to be overwhelming. SELCO offers guidance and rebates to help you make the transition. Be sure to explore our rebates and take advantage of our energy programs to maximize your savings.

By making the switch to electric, Shrewsbury residents can enjoy lower costs, a more sustainable lifestyle, and the peace of mind that comes with clean, reliable energy.

Ready to make the switch? Visit our website at SELCO.ShrewsburyMA.gov to learn more, or call us at 508-841-8500 or NextZero at 413-308-1311. Be sure to take advantage of our free home energy audit service before starting your next home electrification project! 

Electrify your home today—because it just makes sense in Shrewsbury!