Needham Small Businesses Get Energy Efficient Boost

NEEDHAM, MA — Eversource is working with Needham this week on the Main Streets energy efficiency initiative to help small businesses reduce their energy costs, save money and have a positive impact on the environment.

From Sept. 21 until Sept. 25, energy experts from Eversource-approved contractor, AECOM, will be in the community meeting with businesses, scheduling energy assessments and answering questions about energy-efficient equipment upgrades and improvements.

Needham is one of 15 communities chosen for this initiative in 2020. In 2019, Eversource visited nine communities and helped small business owners reduce their energy use by more than 2.7 million kWh and save more than $400,000 as a result of the initiative.

The Main Streets energy efficiency program starts with an energy assessment identifying energy-saving opportunities for small businesses, such as new lighting, occupancy sensors, programmable thermostats, refrigeration controls, insulation and more.

Some improvements, such as installing aerators and spray valves, happen on the spot, for free. Larger improvement projects, like HVAC equipment upgrades or the installation of energy-efficient motor controls, are scheduled for a future date.