‘Concierge’ to help businesses reap energy savings

In recent years, Northampton and Pittsfield have both implemented plans to reduce municipal energy consumption by at least 20 percent. In September, the two cities introduced similar programs designed for the private sector.

The effort involves local utilities as well as the nonprofit Center for EcoTechnology, which has offices in both cities. Press conferences to announce the programs were held within an hour of each other on Sept. 5.

Chris Mason, Northampton’s energy and sustainability officer, said the Center for EcoTechnology will fulfill the role of a “concierge,” providing the technical expertise to help businesses and homeowners “navigate all the incentive programs that are out there.”

Mason said one business owner he spoke with suggested that, before committing to an energy-savings plan, it is necessary to weigh the potential savings against the “pain factor” of going through the application process. The Center for EcoTechnology, he added, should make the process much simpler.

In Pittsfield, the initial phase of the “Powering Pittsfield” initiative will focus on businesses along the city’s downtown corridor, according to the city’s website.