Small business proprietors seeking to implement energy-saving upgrades at their establishments often face obstacles stemming from time constraints and limited resources. Eversource has responded by collaborating with the City of Chelsea and its partner contractor AECOM to expand its Main Street program, which now serves more than 80 small businesses in the downtown area.
Eversource workers helping Chelsea businesses be more energy efficient.
Spanning the region from Washington Avenue to Broadway, participating establishments including a barbershop, bakery, furniture store, and printing shop are projected to achieve combined annual energy savings of nearly $150,000 through the Main Street program.
B.D.’s Furniture exemplifies the program’s impact, having received new energy-efficient lighting as part of the initiative.
“Customers keep telling me how great the store looks,” explained Arthur Tuffaha, the store’s owner. “The entire process was easy. I was so impressed with the quality of work that I had my three other stores evaluated for energy efficiency upgrades.”
According to Bill Stack, Eversource Energy Efficiency Spokesman, “Our Main Street program focuses on a specific neighborhood and provides personal attention to the small businesses within that community,” “Working with a municipal partner, we do everything we can to make sure our customers really understand the energy-saving opportunities available to them. The City of Chelsea was a tremendous partner connecting our small business customers to solutions for savings.”
The program operates through a complimentary energy assessment performed by an Eversource-authorized contractor, which identifies potential improvements including new lighting, occupancy sensors, programmable thermostats and similar upgrades. Certain enhancements, such as energy-efficient light bulb installation, are completed immediately on-site. More substantial projects—such as HVAC replacement or energy-efficient motor control systems—are arranged for future installation and may qualify for Mass Save incentives to reduce upgrade expenses.
Beyond assisting retail customers, the initiative supports the City’s broader sustainability objectives, working toward a cleaner, greener community. The energy conservation achieved over the coming decade could theoretically supply approximately 1,300 homes with power for one year. Avoided CO-2 emissions would equal the environmental benefit of removing nearly 1,200 vehicles from roadways for a full year.
Chelsea Downtown Coordinator Mimi Graney noted that “The Main Street program has really enlivened our downtown area through the lighting upgrades, which I’m sure will help attract more business,” “But not only is it good for business, it’s also good for the environment. We’re located right under jets flying out of Logan Airport and face heavy emissions from trucks, so I always look at ways to curb carbon emissions. The best way to do so is to start with our business community. I enjoyed making introductions between the owners and Eversource and being a true ambassador of the program.”
Eversource has already initiated preliminary Main Street program activities in Natick, with plans to launch similar initiatives in Somerville and Springfield while recruiting additional Eversource communities to join the effort.
Businesses interested in learning more about Eversource’s energy efficiency programs, available rebates and incentives, or scheduling an energy assessment should visit the Save Money & Energy section of Eversource.com or contact 1-844-887-1400.