Partnerships in Efficiency to Benefit Regional Businesses: A Case Study in Federal Government, Chamber of Commerce, Clean Energy Provider, and Utility Collaboration

摘要

This paper intends to demonstrate the opportunity and demand for actionable energyefficiency programs designed for the commercial and industrial sectors, and to show thatcomprehensive, collaborative partnerships allow for the efficient implementation of energyefficiency and clean energy solutions to businesses, eliminating many of the common challengesand pitfalls associated with such projects and programs. The paper will look at the innovativeapproach, design and initial results of one such program in Massachusetts - the MerrimackValley Clean Energy Partnership. The program was established by the Merrimack ValleyChamber of Commerce and clean energy company, Nexamp, to benefit area businesses, withincreased energy efficiency and clean energy adoption, job retention, and job creation as primarygoals. The Chamber and Nexamp are providing complimentary clean energy advisory servicesthrough Nexamp's Clean Energy Road Map to identify energy cost saving opportunities for over30 local businesses, supported by the federal and state governments through stimulus funding,combined with involvement and cost-sharing from the Merrimack Valley Chamber ofCommerce, Nexamp, and two local utilities--National Grid and Columbia Gas. The program hasenjoyed early success, has been well received by participants, and can serve as a model forsimilar initiatives across multiple sectors and geographic regions.