State Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester) today announced the availability of $300 in annual household electricity savings through JOE-4-SUN, the state’s largest Low-Income Community Shared Solar program.

The initiative from Boston-based Citizens Energy Corporation, launched earlier this month, offers discount solar credits to about 2,000 low-income Massachusetts families each year.

“This is a terrific new program from my good friend, former Congressman Joe Kennedy, who has been helping low-income families in Massachusetts, the U.S., and around the world meet their energy needs with innovative programs for over 40 years,” said the six-term representative. “I encourage Gloucester families to look into this program before the subscriptions fill up.”

As a participant in the state’s SMART (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target) initiative, Citizens Energy is building five solar arrays on capped landfills around the state – in Bridgewater, Ayer, Springfield, Spencer and Ashland.

The 16 megawatts of electricity generated from the five projects will produce bill credits to be sold at a 50% discount to subscribers. As the largest Low-Income Community Shared Solar initiative in Massachusetts, JOE-4-SUN will offer guaranteed savings of about $10 million to 35,000 low-income Bay State families over the course of its 20-year lifespan.

Ferrante, a strong supporter of clean energy, played a key role in marshaling support for the legislation creating the state’s Low-Income Community Shared Solar programs.

“Rep. Ferrante has been a great advocate for renewable energy and finding ways to bring low-income families into the green revolution,” said Citizens Energy Chairman Joseph P. Kennedy II. “I welcome her support of JOE-4-SUN and our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and extend the benefits of renewable energy to low-income households while cutting their electricity costs.” 

In order to be eligible for JOE-4-SUN, renters or homeowners must be R-2 discount customers in the National Grid or Eversource service territories. Subscribers will continue to receive their R-2 discount on top of the savings from JOE-4-SUN. Citizens Energy will enroll households in the JOE-4-SUN program for at least 12 months. 

Households interested in subscribing to JOE-4-SUN must apply on-line by visiting the Citizens Energy website at www.citizensenergy.com/joe4sun. If questions arise not answered on the website, they can call the toll-free number 855-JOE-4-SUN (855-563-4786) or send an email to [email protected] for further information.