Are you an Acton business owner looking to make your business more energy efficient to reduce costs and lower your carbon footprint?
The Town has partnered with AECOM and Eversource as part of the “Main Street” grant program for small businesses. For a limited time, Eversource will cover up to 90% of the cost of select business energy efficiency solutions for small businesses in Acton. AECOM energy efficiency experts will visit Acton businesses and provide a free energy use audit and customized recommendations that save money, energy, and boost the comfort of your customers and employees. Contact AECOM to schedule an assessment by October 9th to be guaranteed the enhanced incentive.
The “Main Street” program launched in front of Acton Town Hall on September 11 with representatives from the Town of Acton Sustainability Office, Economic Development Office, Select Board, and AECOM Eversource business energy efficiency experts. Folks from EnergizeActon.org, a resource created in partnership between the Town of Acton and Acton Climate Coalition, were also on hand to support the initiative.
Eligible business can also apply for the Acton Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program (ABEEG). ABEEG will provide qualified business owners in Acton with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) reimbursement grants of up to $2,000 to mitigate the financial impacts of improving the energy efficiency of their physical location. The Town will allocate up to $20,000 for this program. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis between September 11 and October 25, 2023. Grant awards will be announced in the order received. The grant will reimburse approved energy efficiency expenses incurred between September 11, 2023 and May 23, 2024. Businesses must schedule an energy audit with a Mass Save Sponsor (such as AECOM during the “Main Street” campaign) in coordination with the landlord of the property before applying. Visit bit.ly/ABEEGapp.
“Main Street & ABEEG grants provide a chance for qualified Acton businesses to take advantage of multiple incentives” to save energy, said Andrea Becerra, Town of Acton Sustainability Director.
Bogi Boutique in Acton recently did AECOM Eversource lighting upgrades at their new 133 Great Road location as part of a Main Street pilot. Jackie Porto, Bogi Boutique owner, said, “It really brightens our space and accents the clothing colors and prints. Even Bogi customers are noticing.” As a follow-up, a local Acton Energy Coach is scheduled to visit Bogi to offer additional small business energy saving ideas for heating and cooling, including a heat pump mini split consult.
Q Cleaner & Tailor Acton owner Kim Walsh took advantage of an earlier AECOM small business energy efficiency program, replacing all of Q lighting with energy efficiency LED lighting. Walsh said, “Our lighting is all new and brighter, and Q is saving some money on our electricity bill with the higher efficiency upgrade.” In addition, Walsh noted that Q Cleaner & Tailor is powered by renewables, as they opted up to the 100% renewable electricity option available to all businesses and residents in Town through the Acton Power Choice program via www.ActonPowerChoice.com.
Look for AECOM Eversource energy efficiency experts wearing their blue shirts in Acton this month. To get started, Acton businesses can schedule a no-cost, no obligation energy consult by contacting AECOM at 617- 371-4512 or contacting Casey Sheehey at casey.sheehey@aecom.com. For more information and other ways to “Green Your Business,” contact Andrea Becerra and the Acton Sustainability Office at sustainability@actonma.gov, or visit actonma.gov/sustainability.
