The MA State Auditor found that as renter percentages increase, Mass Save benefits decrease. Of 15 high-density municipalities studied, only one was a net beneficiary. 19 of 24 Gateway Cities have renter rates above the 37% state average.
MA net contributions to mass save by community type
93%
Of high-density (high-renter) municipalities are net contributors, NOT beneficiaries of Mass Save
−0.42
Correlation coefficient between renter occupancy rate and Mass Save participation — the strongest negative predictor in the 2013-2019 Residential Customer Profile Study
Massachusetts renter barriers
Auditor
Benefits decrease as renter % rises. Of 15 high-density municipalities, 14 are net contributors — paying more into Mass Save than they receive in program benefits.
C-Team
Renters are 38% of MA households but receive only 21% of Mass Save incentives. A proportional investment would mean $417M more for renters over the 2025-2027 plan.
Gateway
19 of 24 Gateway Cities have renter rates above the 37% state average. Gateway City residents pay $77.76 per capita — 16% above the state average of $66.95.
Split
The fundamental split incentive: landlords control building decisions but tenants pay the bills. Mass Save incentives flow to property owners who have less motivation to invest in renter-occupied units.
Turnkey
The $207M cut from the turnkey program disproportionately affects renters, who depend on full-service delivery models rather than customer-initiated rebate applications.
Sources: All data — State Auditor DiZoglio, "Who Pays and Who Gains?" Sept 29, 2025, mass.gov/audit (Figure 9: "Mass Save Money Received by Renter Percentage"; Finding 3: high-density beneficiary stat; per capita contributions by community type). -0.42 renter correlation — 2013-2019 MA Residential Customer Profile Study (2021), p. 82. $417M renter investment gap, 21% incentive share — EEAC C-Team, "2025-2027 Draft Plan Initial Review," Apr 24, 2024, Slide 14. Gateway City data — Auditor Finding 2.