Cambridge Launches Week-Long Energy Efficiency Initiative for Small Businesses

Team from Eversource-approved Contractor AECOM to be in the community from June 10 - June 14, 2024


6/5/2024 • 6 months ago

The City of Cambridge is partnering with Eversource on the Main Streets program, the premier small business energy efficiency initiative administered by the Sponsors of Mass Save®. Through Main Streets, local energy providers partner with municipalities to connect small business owners with approved contractors who offer no-cost energy assessments to discuss upgrades that lower energy use and reduce costs.

From June 10 – June 14, energy experts from Eversource-approved contractor AECOM will be in the community meeting with businesses, scheduling no-cost energy assessments and answering questions about energy-efficient equipment upgrades and other improvements.

“We are excited to continue to partner with Eversource on this year’s Main Streets energy efficiency initiative to support our local businesses,” said Assistant City Manager for Community Development, Iram Farooq. “The program offers small businesses valuable information and incentives, along with key opportunities to improve energy efficiency, save money, and reduce their carbon footprint.”

The Main Streets energy efficiency initiative begins with a no-cost energy assessment identifying energy-saving opportunities such as insulation and weatherization, LED lighting, occupancy sensors, programmable thermostats, refrigeration controls, and more.

Some of the improvements, such as installing new energy-efficient light bulbs, occur right on the spot. Larger improvement projects, such as new HVAC equipment or energy-efficient motor controls, are scheduled for installation at a future date and may qualify for Mass Save incentives from Eversource and interest-free financing to offset the cost of upgrades.

"Programs like Main Streets make it easy for Massachusetts small businesses to access energy efficiency upgrades while managing busy day-to-day operations,” said Eversource Vice President for Energy Efficiency and Electric Mobility Tilak Subrahmanian. “We’re excited to engage with these local communities with resources and support tailored to their specific needs. This program is unique in how it brings the energy efficiency workforce directly to small and micro business owners to make savings from energy efficiency upgrades possible.”

Local, licensed electricians contracted by Eversource will complete approved projects, ensuring minimal disruption to daily business operations. All high-efficiency products installed as part of the program will include warranties for both materials and labor.

The 2024 Cambridge Main Streets effort builds on the success of a similar initiative in 2023 and the City of Cambridge’s efforts as a part of the Mass Save Community First Partnership to increase participation in energy efficiency programs.

Eversource has delivered postcards with more information about the program to Cambridge businesses. For more information about the program and to schedule a no-cost assessment at a convenient time, businesses should contact Eversource’s contractor, AECOM, directly by calling (617) 371-4512 or by emailing erin.murphree@aecom.com.