Worcester addresses cost concerns over energy code

The Town of Worcester addressed resident concerns about whether its specialized energy code will make housing more expensive, saying it will not necessarily do so.

According to the town, all-electric homes that use heat pumps and take advantage of Mass Save incentives can be cheaper to build than homes that rely on fossil fuels. The town explained that heat pumps replace both a furnace and an air conditioning system, removing the need for separate cooling equipment.

The town noted that building costs vary widely depending on materials, market conditions and a builder's experience with the codes. Builders who are experienced with the requirements often achieve costs comparable to standard base code construction, while those new to the rules may face what the town described as an initial learning curve.

Source: Town of Worcester announcement, October 29, 2026.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the original announcement.