BERLIN — As part of its ongoing commitment to helping customers across its service territory take control of their own energy use with optimized solutions, Eversource is again offering its small business energy efficiency initiative, Main Streets, to Connecticut this year.

Through Main Streets the energy company has partnered with eight municipalities — Hartford, Montville, New London, Torrington, Manchester, Stamford, Newtown, and New Milford — to connect small business owners with approved contractors who offer energy assessments to discuss upgrades that lower energy use and reduce costs.

Eversource Vice President for Energy Efficiency and Electric Mobility Tilak Subrahmanian said, “We are excited to bring Main Streets to communities across Connecticut, supporting the small businesses that are the backbone of our local economies.

“This initiative delivers real economic value by helping business owners lower operating costs, improve customer and employee comfort, and reinvest in their growth. By making energy efficiency more accessible and affordable, we’re strengthening local businesses and supporting jobs across the state,” Subrahmanian added.

Main Streets energy efficiency solutions start with an energy assessment to identify energy-saving opportunities for small businesses, such as weatherization, insulation, occupancy sensors, programmable thermostats, refrigeration controls, lighting controls, and more. Some improvements happen on the spot at no cost to the customer, while more involved projects are scheduled for a future date.

Eversource offers increased incentives for a range of energy efficiency improvements: up to 80% of project costs or 100% of weatherization measures. On-bill financing for any remaining costs is available to qualifying customers.

Local licensed contractors will complete approved projects and ensure minimal disruption to daily business operations, and all high-efficiency products installed as part of the initiative include warranties for both materials and labor.

Eversource’s incentives and programs can have a big impact for small business operations. After Family Roots Produce Market in Bristol had an energy assessment in 2024, they decided to upgrade their cooler motors and walk-in refrigerator evaporator fan control to help their business save energy and money.

General Manager April Tibbetts LEDs were installed when the business opened, “and when we had the opportunity to do additional upgrades, we jumped on it.

“Every little bit we can save matters, and that includes energy costs,” she also said.

Incentives covered about 75% of the total costs with the rest of the project financed through a 0% loan, and the business is now saving approximately $100 per month as a result.

For many small business owners, Main Streets might be their first introduction not only to business incentives but to residential energy efficiency programs as well. All Connecticut residents — renters and homeowners — are eligible for incentives, services and support that can help them improve their energy efficiency. Home Energy Solutions can connect residents with energy experts to assess their home’s energy performance, provide on-the-spot energy-saving improvements, and access incentives for energy efficiency upgrades to lower their energy bills.

New London was scheduled to begin the Main Streets initiative during the first week of June. The initiatuve will also be presented in Torrington the week of June 23, in Manchester the week of September 8, Stamford the week of September 22, Newtown the week of October 6, and New Milford the week of October 20.

Any business interested in scheduling an energy assessment in another Connecticut community on a date not listed below can visit eversource.com to learn more and register to begin the process.