Assistance for Business

Commonwealth Energy Resource Teams

The state has put together Commonwealth Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) to help you with your energy challenges now.  This resource has been created to assist Commonwealth businesses with a one-stop-shop resource for energy users. See also the MA Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Energy Leaders page, a web resource showcasing a variety of energy-related best practices being employed by the private sector.

To start, DOER recommends you leverage all existing utility and state programs and integrate them into a comprehensive organization-wide energy plan.  Below are the steps you should follow:

A) Leverage Existing Programs ...

1) Utility Energy Efficiency Programs

In Massachusetts, electric and gas distribution companies and municipal aggregators offer programs to help you invest in energy efficient products and services for your business.  DOER urges customers to make existing utility programs a part of their comprehensive energy planning.  NSTAR customers receiving power from the Cape Light Compact should contact CLC directly.  Customers served by municipal power and light (MPL) departments are urged to contact their MPL directly.

Electric Utility Programs

National Grid:          
Energy Efficiency Programs for Business 
Energy Profiler Online

NSTAR: 
NSTAR Electric Programs for Business 
Ask NSTAR about Enerlink (tracks interval meter data over the internet).

Unitil (FG&E):
Commercial and Industrial Efficiency Programs

Western MAElectric:
Energy Efficiency Programs for Business

Gas Utility Programs

GasNetworks Rebate Applications: DOER recommends for business customers to review the programs featured at GasNetworks.  Individual member companies of GasNetworks may offer utility specific energy efficiency and rebate programs. Although these programs will vary from company to company, they all provide energy savings for GasNetworks customers.  Click here to find out more about your utility if it’s not listed below.

BayState Gas:
Bay State Gas - Commercial Energy Efficiency Program

National Grid (formerly Keyspan):
National Grid Gas Efficiency Programs for Business
Business Energy Efficiency Services
Online Energy Analysis
Programs by Business Sector

NSTAR:           
NSTAR Gas Programs for Business

2) Renewable Energy Grants

The Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust has numerous Programs for Businesses and Non-Profits in the investor owned utility territories (customers served by municipal power and light (MPL) departments are not eligible). 

3) Free Site Assessments

• The MA Office of Technical Assistance provides site visits for manufacturing companies. For questions on OTA's energy services please contact: John Raschko at 617-626-1093 or Jim Cain at 617-626-1081.
• The Industrial Assessment Center (at UMass-Amherst) provides free assessments for certain industrial and commercial customers. Contact the IAC, a MA DOER sponsored program, to determine if your site would be eligible for a comprehensive energy audit (more than just an electricity audit). 
• The Northeast Combined Heat and Power Application Center is a MA DOER sponsored program to help end-users determine if their site is a good candidate for combined heat and power. 

4) State and Federal Tax Incentives

The DOER website features State and Federal tax incentives for renewable energy and efficiency.

5) Energy Training and Workshops

The MA Energy Efficiency Partnership (MAEEP)supports deployment of energy efficient technology and tools to the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors. The MAEEP Program delivers its value through a combination of stakeholder input, technology transfer, education and outreach, and research.  Go to the MA EEP website for a calendar of trainings.

B) Use Existing Resources ...

1) Comprehensive Energy Audits

First leverage the energy audits available from the utilities and currently available assessments (above).   Then, choose an Energy Service Company (ESCo) for a comprehensive energy audit and/or a performance contract.  A list of ESCO’s is available at the website of the National Association of Energy Service Companies.

2) Energy Tracking Tools

The EPA EnergyStar Portfolio Manager is an interactive energy management tool that allows you to track and assess energy and water consumption across your entire portfolio of buildings in a secure online environment. Whether you own, manage, or hold properties for investment, Portfolio Manager can help you set investment priorities, identify under-performing buildings, verify efficiency improvements, and receive EPA recognition for superior energy performance.

3) Managing Your Electric Load

a) Electricity from Licensed Suppliers: Companies should consider getting their electricity supply from a licensed electricity supplier. Get a list of licensed suppliers available at the DPU Website and if you have high energy use during off-peak times ask a supplier about real-time pricing options.

b) Get Payments for Your Reductions:  If you are making changes that will reduce your load by more than 100 kW, consider enrolling to participate in the ISO Demand Response or Forward Capacity Market Programs.  Contact a demand response provider .

c) Monitor your Load Real-Time: If you are on a demand charge, speak to your utility about on-line access to interval data.

4) Other On-Site Clean Energy Information Resources

• Renewable Energy Programs

• DOER provides technical assistance for customers seeking to install on-site power generation, such as solar or wind.  Installers can manage the interconnection process with the utility.  But, if you need help, contact a DOER representative to learn more about the process.  The MA DG and Interconnection Website has been created in collaboration with the investor-owned electric utilities to focus on the utility interconnection process (workshops, presentations, etc.).  See also the Interconnection Guide for Distributed Generation, a web resource produced by MTC and DOER

• Financial Incentives for CHP: DOER has posted the new Application for the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (APS), a new standard which provides payments for certified Combined Heat & Power (CHP).
• Renewable Energy, here

• Renewable Energy & Distributed Generation Guidebook  :  A developer's guide to regulations, policies, and programs that affect renewable energy and distributed generation facilities in Massachusetts. This resource Includes siting and advice on renewable energy purchase and sale agreements.

• Renewable Energy & Distributed Generation Guidebook :  A developer's guide to regulations, policies, and programs that affect renewable energy and distributed generation facilities in Massachusetts. This resource Includes siting and advice on renewable energy purchase and sale agreements.

5) Follow Legislative Changes

On July 2, 2008, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed into law the Green Communities Act (the "Act,"). This Act launches the Commonwealth into a new era of clean energy development. It remakes the electricity market to reduce energy consumption through a dramatic increase in energy efficiency technology and renewable energy development. This bill is just one piece of a clean energy vision that the Massachusetts legislature is forging for the Commonwealth.  Go to the DOER web page for the GCA.

C) Get Further Assistance...

Contact DOER to plan your comprehensive energy strategy or if you would like assistance with the above information.  Provide a profile of your primary business and energy usage and the CERT will assign the best additional assistance for you and provide help on an ongoing basis.

Contact:

Gerry Bingham
CERT Program Coordinator
617-626-7378
Gerry.Bingham@state.ma.us