Underground Service Rebate Program

The SELCO Underground Service Rebate Program provides SELCO customers with an incentive for the conversion of aerial/overhead services to underground services. The incentive is a post-purchase rebate; all overhead utilities converted to underground are at the home/property owner’s expense. The rebate amount is $35/foot underground up to $3,500. It should be understood that this rebate is meant as an incentive to underground the electric service and not to cover the actual cost of the conversion. Customers also upgrading their service may be eligible to also leverage SELCO’s 0% interest Loan Program for up to $3,500 in financing for service upgrades. 

The contractor responsible for installing the service conduit must install at least 2 separate conduits which are compliant with the Massachusetts Electric Code and National Electric Code.  The intended use for each conduit includes one for Electric Service, and one for SELCO Telecommunications.

Any SELCO customer with existing aerial electric service is eligible for this rebate program.

New construction is not eligible for this rebate, as all new construction must have underground service per Shrewsbury bylaw. 

Program Purpose

The goal is to establish SELCO as “THE role model utility” in reliably powering our modernized energy future. We intend to do this through cost-effective innovation, stakeholder engagement, and our ongoing dedication to providing affordable, reliable, resilient, and equitable services in a socially, fiscally, and environmentally responsible way. Underground service is more reliable and resilient compared to aerial service, as it is not exposed to the most common causes of outages: tree limbs, animals, lightning/weather events, wind, and motor vehicle accidents.

How to Apply

Procedure 

  1. Customer submits an application online. 
  2. SELCO staff will make a site visit. This individual will make note of existing conditions and potential obstructions. This individual will determine which utility pole to bring the electric service from, confirm the meter socket location and measure the service distance to calculate the rebate amount. The individual will mark both the service position on the pole and the meter location.
  3. The customer contacts an electrician/contractor of their choice. The electrician provides a quote to the owner for the work involved in converting the electric service to underground and upgrading the service, if applicable. In the event a discrepancy arises between the electrician’s service measurement and the measurement made by SELCO, SELCO will review the measurements for accuracy. SELCO’S measurement will be used to calculate the rebate amount. All decisions made by SELCO will be final. 
  4. If the customer decides to proceed, their electrician must open applicable permits with the Town of Shrewsbury Building Department. The electrician will schedule inspections with them. 
  5. The electrician will open a SELCO Work Request for connecting the new underground service. 
  6. SELCO energizes the service on the scheduled day. The service is energized to the line-side of the meter socket. The electrician will install temporary jumpers into the meter socket to restore electricity to the residence. The electric meter is removed from the premises until the electrical inspector approves the service.  SELCO will only allow temporary jumpers for a period of 72 hours.
  7. The electrical inspector will perform a final service inspection at his/her convenience. If there are no code violations; the inspector will approve the service. 
  8. SELCO will receive notice that the Electrical Inspector signed off approval. A SELCO representative will then remove the temporary jumpers and re-install the electric meter. The residence is temporarily without electricity for a few minutes during the meter re-installation.
  9. The customer pays the electrician for the work. 
  10. The customer uploads their invoices for the work to the online application within 60 days from the date of the cutover.
  11. SELCO reviews the documents, approves and a letter is produced stating the final rebate amount. 
  12. SELCO Accounts Payable will process a check that usually arrives in the customer’s mailing address within 1 month. 

SELCO customers must apply for a rebate through our online portal:

https://shrewsburyma.portal.opengov.com

Applications are not considered complete without providing the following documents: 

  • Purchase receipt(s)
  • Proof of Shrewsbury-based business residency (DBA certificate, W-9 form)

Terms and Conditions

  • This rebate is only for SELCO customers with active accounts and in good standing.
  • If the account is not current, a payment can be made to become in good standing and the payment history step will be put on hold for 6 months. If the customer remains in good standing for that time, the step will be passed, if not, the customer is not eligible for a rebate.
  • One rebate per premises in perpetuity.
  • This rebate may be considered taxable income by the federal or state government. Consult a tax professional for advice and to determine the tax consequences of this rebate.
  • Customers must first be pre-approved for an estimated rebate amount. 
  • Final rebate amount will be determined upon final measurements and inspection by SELCO. 
  • In cases where the underground service has to be fed from a utility pole that is on the other side of a public roadway, SELCO will not reimburse for street openings, it is the responsibility of the customer. SELCO will determine the feasibility of installing a new riser pole to extend overhead service across the road and SELCO will cover the costs associated with this. 
  • It is to be understood that with an underground service, the customer owns all equipment except the meter. This includes the meter socket, the conduit, and the first length of wire between the meter socket and the nearest handhole or transformer.
  • SELCO reserves the right to modify or end this offer at any time.
  • There is an additional $250 rebate for income-qualified customers. 

Income Qualification Requirements

If your household income falls below the 80% thresholds detailed in the below table from Mass Housing Partnerships (Worcester County Area Median Income), then you are considered “income qualified” and are eligible for the additional $250 rebate adder. 

Household Size 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
80% Income Unit $72,100 $82,400 $92,700 $102,950 $111,200 $119,450 $127,700 $135,900

Questions concerning this program should be emailed to SELCO’s Integrated Resources Analyst: Patrick Collins at pcollins@shrewsburyma.gov or by telephone at 508-841-8313.