Mass Save Heat Pump Fraud Case Highlights Rebate Risks

A contractor in Rockland, Massachusetts, is accused of fraudulently collecting more than $7.7 million through heat pump rebate claims under the Mass Save program, according to The Cool Down. The utilities that run Mass Save — National Grid, Eversource and Cape Light Compact JPE — are now suing Mark Dyszczyk, owner of MWD Heating and Air Conditioning, alleging that his rebate applications covered heat pump projects that were either never completed or used equipment that didn't meet the program's requirements, as reported by WCVB.

According to The Cool Down, the utilities say they raised concerns about Dyszczyk in April, then stopped pending payments, put his other applications on hold, and blocked him from the program while they investigated. The allegations mainly involve commercial projects. In a joint statement reported by WCVB, the utilities said the conduct "unfairly casts a shadow over the thousands of ethical, skilled contractors who deliver high-quality services to customers across Massachusetts every day." Mass Save now runs at roughly $1.5 billion a year, funded through charges on residents' electric and gas bills, per WCVB.

Why this matters beyond Massachusetts

Mass Save is one of dozens of state and utility rebate programs across the country, and it isn't the only one homeowners rely on to bring down the cost of a heat pump. With the federal 25C and 25D tax credits no longer available for equipment placed in service or expenditures made after December 31, 2025, utility and state rebates are carrying more of the weight for anyone trying to cut the upfront cost of electrifying heating and cooling. A fraud case of this size is a reminder that these programs run on trust — and that trust has knock-on effects for pricing, paperwork and how carefully rebates get checked before money changes hands.

It's also a reminder that rebate eligibility rules are specific: the equipment has to qualify, the work has to actually be done, and the paperwork has to match reality. That's true whether you're claiming a utility rebate in Massachusetts or checking what's available where you live through the DSIRE database, which lists state and utility incentives across the country. Availability and amounts vary a lot by state and even by utility territory, so what applied to a neighbor's project last year may not apply to yours now.

What it means for your own heat pump project

None of this changes the underlying cost of installing a heat pump — that's still driven by labor hours, local rates and equipment, which is how we build our estimates and check them against market prices and real quotes. For a typical ducted heat pump system, installed cost runs from around $12,000 for a basic system up to $18,800 for a premium one, with most homeowners paying in the $11,300 – $18,800 range. You can see the full breakdown, including dual-fuel hybrid and ductless multi-zone options, at Heat pump installation.

What the Mass Save case does change is how carefully you should treat rebate promises baked into a contractor's quote. Some installers advertise a price that already assumes a rebate will come through, then present the "before rebate" number only after the fact — or worse, submit paperwork on your behalf using equipment or project details you never agreed to. A few practical steps:

• Get the pre-rebate price in writing, separate from any rebate or incentive the contractor says you'll receive.
• Check your utility's and state's current program rules yourself, rather than taking a contractor's word for what qualifies — programs and amounts change, and DSIRE is a good starting point for what's active in your state.
• Confirm the make and model of equipment being installed matches what's listed on any rebate application filed in your name.
• Keep copies of permits, invoices and equipment documentation. Most heat pump work also requires an electrical permit locally, separate from any rebate paperwork.

If you're unsure whether a quote is reasonable for the work described, our "is my quote fair" tool compares it against local labor rates and typical material costs for the same job, which is a useful check regardless of what rebates are or aren't involved.

The bottom line

The Massachusetts case is a lawsuit over alleged fraud, not a sign that rebate programs generally don't work — but it's a useful prompt to separate the cost of the equipment and labor from whatever incentive is layered on top. Price the job on its own merits first, then treat any rebate as a bonus once you've confirmed it applies and the paperwork is accurate.