Mass Save(R) Sponsors Honor Fifteen Massachusetts Organizations for Recent Energy-Efficient Initiatives

FOXBOROUGH, MA--(Marketwire - Nov 9, 2011) - At a special event at Bar Louie in Patriot Place at Gillette Stadium, Mass Save Sponsors honored fifteen Massachusetts organizations with the 2011 MassSavers Awards. The winners, comprised of businesses, hospitals, a university, and a waste treatment facility, were honored for completing or undertaking significant energy efficiency improvements this year with the help of their local gas and electric utility and/or energy efficiency service provider -- the Sponsors of Mass Save.

News broke at the awards event that the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) ranked Massachusetts number one in the nation for energy efficiency, marking the first time that any state has topped California on the annual state-by-state scorecard. The Sponsors of Mass Save, which include Berkshire Gas, Cape Light Compact, Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, National Grid, New England Gas Company, NSTAR, Unitil, and Western Massachusetts Electric Company, are proud to have played a major role in this significant achievement.

"The new ACEEE rankings affirm that Massachusetts provides unparalleled savings opportunities for residents and businesses across the Commonwealth and that we are leading the nation to a more energy efficient economy," said Penni McLean-Conner, Vice President of Customer Care at NSTAR. "Our success is a direct result of the investments in energy efficiency by residents, businesses, and municipalities across the state and is exemplified by the businesses that received the 2011 MassSavers Awards. We are grateful for their efforts."

Sponsors of Mass Save nominated 21 mid- to large-size companies and municipal customers for their efforts as MassSavers; the nominees' efforts were evaluated using specific criteria based on energy efficiency measures undertaken, quantifiable energy and monetary savings, and energy efficiency education initiatives.

The award winners, along with their guests, were treated to opening remarks by Boston radio personality Gregg Daniels of Mix 104.1 and a special meet-and-greet with legendary New England Patriots quarterback Steve Grogan. The event was emceed by Ed White, Vice President of Customer and Business Strategy at National Grid, who also presented the awards. Tina Halfpenny, Director of Energy Efficiency at the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, addressed attendees, and Penni McLean-Connor offered closing remarks.

"We were thrilled to have had the opportunity to honor the MassSavers Award winners, fifteen companies who are both leaders in their industries and innovators in energy efficiency," said White. "It's their investments that help to make this program one of the best in the country and showcase our region's commitment to continued improvement in energy efficiency."

Mass Save is pleased to announce the winners of 2011 MassSavers Awards:

Massachusetts residents and businesses can learn more about energy efficiency programs and incentives offered through Mass Save by visiting MassSave.com.

About Mass Save: 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.