The Newton-Needham Regional Chamber received an award of excellence at the Massachusetts State House. The chamber was celebrated on May 1 for the Newton Needham Business Energy $avers (NNBE$) program which has helped hundreds of local businesses take advantage of over $3 million to fund energy upgrades.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to recognize the Newton Needham Regional Chamber for the leadership they have shown by encouraging local businesses take advantage of the Mass Save program,” said Newton Rep. Ruth Balser. “Not only has this program produced significant savings for the business community but it has also helped our cities and towns reach our environmental goals.”

After recognizing the burden high-energy costs were having on its member companies, the Newton-Needham Regional Chamber partnered with their Eversource’s local vendor World Energy Efficiency Services, the City of Newton and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy to launch the Business Energy $avers program.

Over the past two years, the team has connected 550 companies to the Mass Save program to help cut down on operating costs.

Through the NNBE$ program, eligible businesses receive free energy audits, financing for upgrades, and rebates on lighting, heating, cooling and other upgrades through the Mass Save program, which is run by the local utilities.

Also attending the May 1 ceremony honoring the chamber at the State House were State Sens. Cynthia Creem and Michael Rush, State Rep. Kay Khan, Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller and Needham Town Manager Kate Fitzpatrick.

“This program has made a huge difference to our companies, large and small, and we couldn’t have done it without the leadership of our Environment Committee Chair Peter Smith, from our chamber volunteers, CICE, World Energy and our municipal partners,” said Chamber President Greg Reibman. “We are excited to continue to help local businesses save money and to create clean energy jobs in the commonwealth.”

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