Project launched to measure energy efficiency of homes in Greater Springfield

A federally-funded pilot program that will use thermal imaging to analyze the energy efficiency of 45,000 homes in the greater Springfield area sparked debate at the Town Council meeting on Tuesday, as some councilors had concerns about privacy being invaded. 

Seven communities are included in the state Department of Energy Resources initiative – Palmer, Springfield, Belchertown, Hampden, Wilbraham, Longmeadow and East Longmeadow. 

The state agency is using $325,000 out of a three-year, $2.6 million federal grant for the program, which includes taking thermal images of homes between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., when temperature differences are the greatest....