The City of Cambridge is gearing up for a week-long initiative aimed at boosting energy efficiency among local small businesses, in collaboration with Eversource. As part of the Main Streets program, shop owners can sign up for no-cost energy assessments and learn about potential upgrades to cut down on energy consumption—and, by extension, utility bills.
Set to take place from June 10 through June 14, Eversource-approved contractor AECOM will be fanning out across the community to engage with businesses. They'll be answering questions and scheduling the assessments, in which they'll highlight possible improvements including LED lighting, programmable thermostats, and other energy-saving technologies, according to the City of Cambridge's official announcement.
Assistant City Manager for Community Development, Iram Farooq, spotlighted the initiative's dual benefits of cost savings and environmental impact. "The program offers small businesses valuable information and incentives, along with key opportunities to improve energy efficiency, save money, and reduce their carbon footprint," Farooq told Cambridge's official news platform.
Bigger retrofit projects, such as upgrading HVAC systems or installing energy-efficient motor controls, may qualify for incentives from Mass Save—a collaborative of Massachusetts' natural gas and electric utilities and energy efficiency service providers, which includes Eversource. Eversource Vice President for Energy Efficiency and Electric Mobility Tilak Subrahmanian emphasized the convenience of the program, "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," he explained in a statement.
Business owners won't have to worry about workflow disruptions; licensed electricians contracted through Eversource are tasked with implementing the approved energy-efficient solutions. All products installed come with a warranty, assuring materials and workmanship are covered. Information about the program has been distributed via postcards, but Cambridge business owners looking to participate can directly contact AECOM by phone or email as detailed in the city's announcement.
