Mass Save(R) Recognized for Innovative Marketing Campaign by Association of Energy Services Professionals

BOSTON, MA--(Marketwired - Jan 30, 2014) - Mass Save, an initiative sponsored by Massachusetts' gas and electric utilities and energy efficiency service providers, has been awarded the 2013 Outstanding Achievement in Social Media Award by the Association of Energy Services Professionals (AESP) for its "Like to Save" campaign. Mass Save Sponsors include Cape Light Compact, National Grid, NSTAR Electric, Unitil and Western Massachusetts Electric Company.

The award is the first-ever for achievement in social media given by AESP. It was presented to the Sponsors of Mass Save during the opening ceremonies of AESP's 24^th National Conference and Expo in San Diego, CA yesterday.

The award recognizes the Mass Save "Like to Save" social media campaign which ran throughout 2013 on the Mass Savers Facebook page. This social effort was integrated with traditional retail promotions and non-traditional strategies such as "pop-up," limited-time mall promotions. The campaign featured monthly online deals on energy-efficient products such as compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and appliances; contests in which consumers could enter to win LED TVs (January) and energy efficient product prize packs (July); and a special month-long "Shop Local to Save" promotion which featured a different local, independent Massachusetts retailer each week in the month of June.

"We're extremely proud to be the very first recipients of this social media award from AESP," said Tilak Subrahmanian, Vice President of Energy Efficiency for Northeast Utilities, parent company of NSTAR and WMECo. "Social media is proving to be a great medium for engaging with our customers, sharing information about energy-saving products and services, and providing tips on becoming more efficient."

"We are pleased to recognize the Sponsors of Mass Save with our very first social media award," said Meg Matt, president and CEO of AESP. "Their 'Like to Save' campaign not only demonstrated outstanding commitment to the advancement of the energy services field, but truly represents a 'best in class' program that sets the standard for others in our industry to follow."

The Mass Save "Like to Save" campaign grew the Mass Savers Facebook community from 4,500 fans in January 2013 to more than 43,000 by year-end -- an increase of nearly 956%. The Mass Savers Facebook page has become a thriving online community where Massachusetts customers can learn ways to save energy in their homes with energy-saving tips and information; opportunities to receive deals and rebates on appliances, lighting, advanced power strips, and other energy-efficient products; and most importantly, save money on their monthly energy bills and reduce their families' carbon footprints.

About Mass Save:
Mass Save is an initiative sponsored by Massachusetts' gas and electric utilities and energy efficiency service provider. 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. For more information, please visit: www.masssave.com.

Follow Mass Save on Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube, and 'Like' us on Facebook.