Just in Time for Back-to-School: Mass Save(R) Helps Consumers Save Energy and Money

BOSTON, MA--(Marketwire - Aug 18, 2011) - Mass Save^®, an initiative sponsored by Massachusetts' gas and electric utilities and energy efficiency service providers, offers programs and information to educate consumers about steps they can take to make their homes more energy efficient. Mass Save also offers rebates and incentives on the purchase of select energy efficient and ENERGY STAR qualified electronics, such as computer monitors and advanced power strips.

The average American household contains 24 consumer electronics products including televisions, DVD players, digital cameras, computers and cell phones, and with students heading back to school, August is the perfect time to take steps to save energy and money!

The sponsors of Mass Save offer consumers the following energy-saving tips:

• Purchase ENERGY STAR qualified electronics;
• Use an advanced power strip on your home entertainment system;
• Turn off your game console when not in use and avoid pausing for long periods of time;
• Lower the brightness on your TV or computer to a comfortable level;
• Use your DVD player rather than a game console to watch movies.

Representatives of the Mass Save program will be at "Third Thursday" in Pittsfield on Thursday, August 18 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. to share tips and information about ways in which consumers can take steps to make their homes more energy efficient, and to provide information about the various Mass Save programs, rebates and incentives available to Massachusetts residents. Third Thursday is a popular monthly festival in downtown Pittsfield featuring musicians, artists, activities, sidewalk dining, after-hours shopping and more. Visitors can stop by the Mass Save booth for energy efficiency and money saving tips, energy efficiency-themed fun and games, face painting and more!

To learn more about how the Mass Save programs can help you save energy and money, call Mass Save at (866) 527-SAVE or visit www.MassSave.com for more information.

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.