Mass Save(R) to Share Energy Efficiency Tips at Two Local Events

BOSTON, MA--(Marketwire - Jul 19, 2011) - Mass Save^®, an initiative sponsored by Massachusetts' gas and electric utilities and energy efficiency service providers, continues its goal of educating Massachusetts residents about the various options for improving energy efficiency in their homes and reducing energy costs, with appearances at two local events.

On Thursday, July 21 representatives of Mass Save will be on hand at "Third Thursday" in Pittsfield to share tips and information with consumers. Now in its fifth year, Third Thursday is a popular monthly festival in downtown Pittsfield featuring musicians, artists, activities, sidewalk dining, after-hours shopping and more. Visitors to the celebration can stop by the Mass Save booth for energy-efficiency-themed fun and games, face painting and more! Representatives will also answer consumer questions and provide information about the Mass Save programs and incentives.

On Tuesday, August 2, Mass Save will be at LeLacheur Park in Lowell as the Lowell Spinners (the local short-season single A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox) take on the Aberdeen Ironbirds of Maryland. Game attendees can visit the Mass Save booth in the concourse to learn about energy efficiency and take a chance on the prize wheel! In addition to loads of fun giveaways in the Mass Save booth, the first 1,000 attendees through the gate will receive a Freddy Sanchez collectible bobblehead, and kids can run the bases after the game! Stephen Bryant, president of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, will throw out the first pitch.

"We are excited to be a part of these events. It gives us an opportunity to talk one-on-one with our customers and provide them with opportunities to save energy and money through the Mass Save programs sponsored by the local utilities and energy efficiency service providers," said Bryant.

Summer is the perfect time to make energy efficiency improvements in the home, and Mass Save can help. Massachusetts customers can take advantage of the Mass Save energy-saving programs for single and multi-family homes, including incentives towards the installation of energy-efficient heating systems, water heaters, central air conditioning, air sealing, and insulation. This includes ENERGY STAR® qualified heating and cooling equipment.

Services through the Mass Save programs also include discounts and rebates on ENERGY STAR lighting and appliances, access to the ENERGY STAR® New Homes Program for customers building a house or undertaking a renovation, and assistance through the Income-Eligible programs that enable families in need to take advantage of energy efficiency services and supplementary incentives and support.

Residential customers can also apply for 0% loans for up to $25,000 and terms up to seven years to help with the cost of installing qualified energy-efficient improvements in their homes or rental properties, after receiving a home energy assessment.

Call Mass Save at (866) 527-SAVE to get started and schedule a no-cost home energy assessment, or visit www.MassSave.com for more information and to learn how to stay cool all summer long! Technical assistance and incentives are also available for business owners, with more information found on MassSave.com.

For more information about the July 21 Third Thursday lineup and events, visit www.pittsfield.com.

For more information about the Lowell Spinners and to purchase tickets to the August 2^nd game, visit www.lowellspinners.com.

Mass Save is an initiative sponsored by Massachusetts' gas and electric utilities and energy efficiency service providers, including Berkshire Gas, Cape Light Compact, Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, National Grid, New England Gas Company, NSTAR, Unitil, and Western Massachusetts Electric Company. The Sponsors of Mass Save work closely with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources to provide a wide range of services, incentives, trainings, and information promoting energy efficiency that help residents and businesses manage energy use and related costs.