A new initiative designed to help businesses save energy and money has just been launched in Newton and will soon expand into Needham.

Newton Business Energy Savers (NBE$) will provide cost-effective, turn-key, energy efficiency and fuel savings services to small businesses and non-profits. NBE$ has set an ambitious goal to complete 60 installations in 2016, which should result in a net savings of $432,000 annually, or about $7,000 per business.

The program, funded by utility customers through Mass Save, offers free energy assessments and incentive and financing options for business that take action. With rebates, covering up to 70 percent of costs, most projects will pay for themselves within one year or less, according to Eversource.

“This program provides cost-effective energy solutions for any small business that wants to save energy, increase profits, attract customers and be a good neighbor,” said Newton Mayor Setti Warren. “We’re already saving millions through energy efficiency in our municipal buildings and our schools and we want to help small businesses and non-profits do the same.”

“Eversource will be working very closely with Mayor Warren and the city of Newton to assist small businesses owners to save energy and save money,” said Tliak Subrahmanian, vice president of energy efficiency at Eversource.

Eversource has chosen World Energy Efficiency Services to work with the city and the Newton-Needham Chamber. WEES provides a wide variety of energy efficiency and fuel saving services including:

• LED lighting and lighting controls,
• Heating and air conditioning upgrades
• Insulation and air sealing
• Programmable and Wi-Fi thermostats
• Energy efficient natural gas measures
• Water savings measures

“Reducing our carbon footprint is not just good for our planet, it can be good for the bottom line,” said Greg Reibman, president of the Newton- Needham Chamber. “We’re excited to partner with Mayor Warren and his team, and with Eversource and World Energy to bring this program to area businesses and non-profits.”

Reibman said the chamber will also be working with World Energy and Green Needham to promote free assessments and to bring an energy reduction program to Needham. The programs in both communities will target all eligible businesses including restaurants, convenience stores, beauty salons, law offices, accounting and insurance firms, gas stations, retailers and non-profits.

“Energy efficiency in the business sector is the lowest cost energy resource we have in Massachusetts,” said Andrew W. Savitz, Newton’s Sustainability Director. “We are excited to see what we can accomplish in Newton.”

HOW ENERGY SAVERS WORKS

World Energy’s efforts provide energy solutions in three steps:

1. A free, no obligation, on-site energy assessment, including a customized list of all energy savings measures, with associated costs and benefits.
2. Selection of the best options by the business owner.
3. Installation and implementation performed by WEES, utilizing local subcontractors when possible.

To schedule your free small business energy assessment, go to www.WorldEnergyES.com, email info@worldenergyES.com or call 860-358-9578.