Unitil, a provider of natural gas and electricity to customers in New England, and the City of Fitchburg, Massachusetts have partnered to promote its “Main Street Initiative” from Oct. 4-7 for small businesses as part of Energy Efficiency Day.
As an administrator of the Mass Save energy efficiency programs offered throughout the state, Unitil will conduct complimentary small business energy audits in targeted parts of Fitchburg in coordination with economic development teams in the city. The program seeks to conduct as many energy audits as possible over the four-day period.
“The timing for this latest round of ‘Main Streets’ Energy Efficiency Initiative outreach is ideal. Our local small businesses remain focused on their financial bottom line, and rising utility costs can be a real concern. We strongly encourage Fitchburg businesses to take full advantage of the current round of free energy audit walkthroughs being offered this fall,” Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale said.
Unitil has selected their vendor, AECOM, to conduct energy assessments. The AECOM energy specialists will look for ways a business can both save money and reduce their carbon output by using energy more efficiently. If a business decides to proceed with recommended energy improvements following an audit, they may qualify for enhanced rebates as high as 90 percent of the project cost.
“This is an important initiative that will help local businesses,” Unitil Media Relations Manager Alec O’Meara said. “These audits, with the follow up energy upgrades have a proven track record of making businesses more energy efficient, something that can lower overall energy costs and help local businesses thrive.”
Business owners who aren’t available during the days of the planned audits can schedule an appointment by contacting Irene Petruzzelli at 617-371-4512 or Irene.petruzzelli@aecom.com. Oct. 5th is Energy Efficiency Day, which is a collaborative effort of regional and national organizations working to promote energy efficiency. More information can be found at energyefficiencyday.org or by visiting unitil.com.
