Consumer Notification Jan. 2012

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

 Media Contacts Listed Below

 Mass Save® GOES MOBILE TO HELP CUSTOMERS SAVE TIME AND MONEY

Light Bulb Finder mobile app takes the mystery out of selecting the most appropriate compact fluorescent bulb.

BOSTON, Mass., September 22, 2011 – National Grid, Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECo), NSTAR Electric, Cape Light Compact and Unitil — as part of Mass Save® — introduce the Light Bulb Finder, a free smart phone application that helps customers find the energy efficient light bulbs that best match their light quality, fit and performance needs.

The efficient light bulb market continues to expand as more bulb varieties — such as dimmable or three-way bulbs — become available. It can be difficult to know which newer model bulbs to choose when replacing older, less efficient bulbs. 

“Our customers tell us it is difficult to compare incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescents (CFLs), so selecting a bulb with the light quality and fit they are looking for can be troublesome,” said Tony Fornuto, Program Administrator at WMECo, a sponsor of Mass Save. “This new smart phone app makes the selection and purchase process much easier. Helping consumers switch to efficient light bulbs is another way we can help them save money on their electric bills.”

The Light Bulb Finder app is available to Massachusetts electric utility and energy efficiency service provider customers as a free download on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and AndroidTM devices.  To download the app, visit the app store on a mobile device and search for “Light Bulb Finder.” Customers begin by entering their zip code so that the app can connect them to bulb discounts available at local retailers and via the app.

Users then enter information about their light fixture, current bulb and usage, and the app recommends the efficient bulb that best matches the desired appearance, light quality and usage. For each recommendation, the app provides the payback period, annual cost savings, bulb lifetime savings and annual CO2 emissions. Users can create shopping lists and purchase efficient bulbs directly through the app or in person at participating local retail stores identified by the app.

The Light Bulb Finder is an energy efficiency resource offered by Massachusetts’ electric utilities and energy efficiency service providers as part of Mass Save.

About Mass Save: Mass Save® is an initiative sponsored by Massachusetts’ gas and electric utilities and energy efficiency service providers. 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.

 Media Contacts:

Western Massachusetts Electric Company

Tony Fornuto, Program Administrator-Residential Conservation

T: 413.787.9329

E: fornuaj@nu.com 

NSTAR Electric

Caroline Allen                                      Michael Durand

T: 508-441-5831                                 T: 617-424-2460

E: caroline.allen@nstar.com         E: michael.durand@nstar.com 

Cape Light Compact

Briana C. Kane, Senior Residential Program Coordinator

T: 508-744-1277

E: bkane@capelightcompact.org

National Grid Media Relations

Tel: 508-389-2637

Unitil Service Corp.

Rebecca Scott, Energy Efficiency Program Specialist

T: 603-294-5126

E: scott@unitil.com

Eco Hatchery, LLC

Adam Borut

T: 414 -332-8347

E: aborut@ecohatchery.com

 FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Joe Soares (508) 375-6623

jsoares@capelightcompact.org 

Compact Customers to Share in $111 Million Savings From Long-term Renewable Energy Contracts

Barnstable, MA, August 25, 2011 - As a result of the Cape Light Compact’s participation in a proceeding before the Department of Public Utilities (the “Department”), the Compact’s customers will share in approximately $111 million worth of net savings produced by three long-term contracts entered into between their distribution company, NSTAR Electric Company (“NSTAR”), and renewable energy developers.  The Department issued the order on August 19, 2011, requiring NSTAR to recover its costs for energy, capacity and renewable energy credits (“RECs”) under those contracts in a manner that allows NSTAR distribution customers, including Compact customers, to benefit from those savings.  The recovery method approved by the Department for RECs was originally proposed by the Compact during the proceedings, and the Compact worked to achieve the competitively neutral result with NSTAR, which ultimately recommended the Compact’s proposal to the Department in the briefing stage of the proceedings.   

NSTAR initiated these proceedings for approval of long-term renewable energy contracts as required under state law.  Under NSTAR’s original recovery proposal for RECs, only NSTAR’s basic service customers (but not the Compact’s customers) would have benefitted from the REC-related savings.  Through the expert testimony of its technical consultant, Jonathan Wallach of Resource Insight, Inc., the Compact argued that NSTAR’s proposed REC recovery may have resulted in cross subsidies to NSTAR’s basic service customers to the detriment of NSTAR’s other customers (including Compact customers).  The Compact’s proposed recovery for RECs, which was the method approved in the Department’s order, allows all customers (including Compact customers) to share in any net savings – estimated by NSTAR at $111 million – produced by the contracts. 

ABOUT CAPE LIGHT COMPACT

The Cape Light Compact, as administered through Barnstable County, is a regional energy services organization made up of all 21 towns on the Cape, Martha’s Vineyard, and Barnstable and Dukes counties.  The purpose of the Compact is to represent and protect consumer interests in a restructured utility industry.  As authorized by each town, the Compact operates the regional energy efficiency program and works with the combined buying power of the region’s 200,000 electric consumers to negotiate for low cost electricity and other public benefits.  For more information about the programs and a free energy audit, please call 1-800-797-6699 or go to the website, www.capelightcompact.org.

ANNOUNCE NEW ELECTRICITY PRICES FOR JULY 2011 – JANUARY 2012 

The new lower prices will be in effect from the July 2011 to January 2012 meter read dates and will automatically adjust for current Cape Light Compact customers.  Residential or business customers who switched to a competitive supplier may want to consider coming back to Cape Light Compact’s Power Supply Program to take advantage of these exceptionally low electricity prices.

NEW BASIC SIX-MONTH PRICES

July 2011 through January 2012 meter-read dates

Residential – 7.244 cents per kWh

Small Commercial - 7.524 cents per kWh

Large Industrial (July-Oct) - 7.400 cents per kWh

The new electricity prices for the second half of 2011 marks the sixth consecutive price reduction for Cape Light Compact’s residential and small commercial customers. This provides for savings of more than 9% for residential customers and over 14% for small commercial customers, when compared to basic electricity prices from the same time period last year.  As always, the Compact negotiated a comprehensive contract to ensure continual, worry-free service at a fixed price regardless of fluctuating market conditions.  

NEW CAPE LIGHT COMPACT GREEN^SM PRICES

Customers who enroll in CAPE LIGHT COMPACT GREEN^SM join a large and growing community of individuals and organizations committed to using renewable electric generating resources.  It costs just a few extra cents each day to help build a market for cleaner, healthier, local energy projects.  100% of the premium paid by CAPE LIGHT COMPACT GREEN^SM customers is tax deductible. 

July 2011 through January 2012 meter-read dates

Residential – 50% Green 8.144 cents per kWh / 100% Green 8.844 cents per kWh

Small Commercial – 50% Green 8.424 cents per kWh / 100% Green 9.124 cents per kWh

Large Industrial (July-Oct) – 50% Green 8.300 cents per kWh / 100% Green 9.000 cents per kWh 

To sign up for any of Cape Light Compact’s new electricity pricing offers, please call ConEdison Solutions at 1-800-381-9192. 

About Cape Light Compact

Cape Light Compact is an inter-governmental organization consisting of the 21 towns and two counties on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard.  The Compact’s mission is to serve our 200,000 customers through the delivery of proven energy efficiency programs, effective consumer advocacy, competitive electricity supply and green power options.  For more information, visit www.capelightcompact.org or call 1-800-797-6699. 

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About ConEdison Solutions

ConEdison Solutions is a leading energy services company that provides competitive power supply, renewable energy, sustainability services, and cost-effective energy solutions for commercial, industrial, residential, and government customers.  The company is based in Valhalla, New York, with offices in Burlington, Massachusetts; Cherry Hill, New Jersey; Falls Church, Virginia; Houston, Texas; Tampa, Florida; Durham, North Carolina; and Overland Park, Kansas.  The firm’s dedicated team of energy professionals delivers a broad range of commodity, consulting, demand-side management and performance contracting services.  ConEdison Solutions offers programs and services designed to help customers achieve their individual energy objectives and is accredited as an Energy Services Provider (ESP) by NAESCO.

 ConEdison Solutions is a subsidiary and registered trademark of Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE: ED). More information can be obtained by calling 1-888-210-8899 or visiting the ConEdison Solutions website at www.conedsolutions.com.  You can also visit the Consolidated Edison, Inc. website at www.conedison.com for information on all of the Consolidated Edison companies.

NATIONAL ENERGY EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

2011 YOUTH AWARDS FOR

ENERGY EDUCATION ACHIEVEMENT

Barnstable, MA, May 9, 2011 – Several Cape Cod schools that participate in Cape Light Compact’s Energy Education Program have been honored with a 2011 Youth Award for Energy Achievement by the NEED Project for their outstanding energy projects and community outreach efforts.

On a yearly basis, NEED conducts a search to identify the most outstanding energy projects developed through school-based energy education programs.  Participating schools from across the country send their energy projects to NEED for review by a national awards review panel composed of leaders from the energy and government sectors.  In April, this year’s panel chose winning projects from more than 60 entries that had previously been judged Best In State by the state Department of Energy Resources.  Winners will be honored at the NEED National Recognition Ceremony in Washington, DC on Monday, June 27, 2011.

Congratulations to all our award winning schools!  Energy Education Coordinator, Debbie Fitton, states, “It has been a pleasure to lend support to these talented and thoughtful individuals over the course of this past school year and it is encouraging to watch these hard-working groups of teachers and students successfully educate their communities about the importance of energy conservation and awareness of renewable energy resources.”

2010-11 NEED Cape Cod Youth Award Winners:

National Special Category Project of the Year – Harwich Community Learning Center, Sally Andreola, adviser

MA Elementary Level – Eastham Elementary School, Maggie Brown, adviser

MA Special Category Winner – Harwich Community Learning Center, Sallie Andreola, adviser

MA State Runners-Up – Nauset Regional High School, Valerie Bell, adviser

Cape Cod Academy, Chris Kelly, adviser

Since the fall of 2002, Cape Light Compact in partnership with the National Energy Education Development Project (NEED) and the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension has offered education services to all Cape and Martha’s Vineyard schools.  We have supported teachers and students with information, materials, teacher training and classroom presentations and strive to continue our mission to promote an energy conscious and educated society.

• Supports both in-school and after school educational energy clubs
• Supports Massachusetts State Education Standards for Science and Technology
• Dedicated local teachers serve on Cape Light Compact’s Teacher Advisory Board to guide program goals, content and delivery
• Award-winning program every year from 2003-2011

About CAPE LIGHT COMPACT

The Cape Light Compact, as administered through Barnstable County, is an inter-municipal regional energy services organization made up of all 21 towns of Barnstable and Dukes counties. The purpose of the Compact is to represent and protect consumer interests in a restructured utility industry. As authorized by each town, the Compact administers the regional energy efficiency program and works with the combined buying power of the region’s over 200,000 electric consumers to negotiate for lower cost electricity, including a green power offering, and other public benefits.  For more information on Cape Light Compact and its energy efficiency programs, please visit www.capelightcompact.org or call 1-800-797-6699.

About NEED

The mission of the NEED Project is to promote an energy conscious and educated society by creating effective networks of students, educators, business, government and community leaders to design and deliver objective, multi-sided energy education programs. NEED works with energy companies, agencies and organizations to bring balanced energy programs to the nation’s schools with a focus on strong teacher professional development, timely and balanced curriculum materials, signature program capabilities and turn-key program management.  Please visit www.need.org for more information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Debbie Fitton (508) 375-6703

dfitton@capelightcompact.org

Do you want to learn more about how you might become more energy efficient, save money and be greener?  Cape Light Compact is looking for households to participate in Phase II of the Smart Energy Monitoring pilot.  The first phase was launched in the summer of 2009, and is still running.  Participants saved an average of 9% off their monthly bills.  If selected, you would have a monitoring device installed in your home for a year, that will give you access to a near-real time view of your electricity use as well as a whole suite of features such as the opportunity to sign up for energy savings actions, set a goal, etc.

FAQs

What are the requirements of the program?

In order to participate, you must be a year-round resident of Cape Cod or Martha’s Vineyard, have lived in your home for a year or more, have high-speed (always on) internet connectivity, a free Ethernet port on your router, a power outlet near your router and a power outlet within 6 feet of your electricity meter.  Also, you need to be willing to make yourself available for an installer to come and install the hardware in your home.

How do I sign up for the program?

You need to complete the short online application for, to confirm that you home meets the criteria, and to provide us with your contact information.  If you are selected, you will be contacted to let you know, and to schedule an installation appointment.  Go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CLCSHEMPPHASEII, to complete the application.

What does the program involve?

The program involves having devices installed in your home that enable you to see your energy use, learn about ways to reduce your use, set a savings goal and view the results against your goal.  You will need to be available for the installation appointment, and then be willing to be an active participant in the program.  You will also be asked to participate in the evaluation of the program.
What is going to be installed in my home?

3 devices will be installed: A meter-bridge that enables your meter to talk to the gateway, a Gateway that gathers the data and sends it through the internet to our services, and an in-home display, that enables you to see your results instantly.

When does the program start?

We will be recruiting and selecting participants in April and May, and plan to install the devices in June and July.  The program will last for a year.

If you have questions about the recruitment process, please contact:

smartenergy@tendrilinc.com.

WHAT:
Cape Light Compact’s 2011 Turn-In Event
Bring in your old, inefficient dehumidifier or room air conditioner and receive a $35 mail-in rebate toward an ENERGY STAR® rated replacement.

WHEN:
Saturday, April 9, 2011 from 10am to 4pm

WHERE:
Lower Cape Expo featuring Cape Light Compact
Cape Cod Regional Technical High School
351 Pleasant Lake Avenue
Harwich, MA 02645

HOW:
To be eligible for the $35 mail-in rebate from Cape Light Compact at the turn-in event, please follow these instructions:

1. Keep your old dehumidifier or room air conditioner so that you can turn it in at the event.
2. Bring in the old dehumidifier or air conditioner on the day of the event, and receive a mail-in rebate for your ENERGY STAR® rated replacement.
3. If you purchased a new ENERGY STAR® rated dehumidifier or room air conditioner on April 9, 2010 until December 31, 2011, bring the receipt from that purchase to the event and receive the $35 mail-in rebate (we recommend that you tape it to the old unit).

Please visit www.capelightcompact.org or call 1-800-797-6699 with questions or for more information or to sign up for your FREE home or business energy assessment.

More information:  http://www.lowercapeexpo.com/ or call Cape Light Compact at (800) 797-6699

Breaking Bad Energy Habits – Wall Street Journal 02-28-11

Jim Wolf
Cape Air Green Initiative

MORE SPECIAL RATE OFFERS HERE for Long-Term + Green Power Options.  

WHY ARE PRICES SO LOW?   WHY IS CAPE LIGHT COMPACT YOUR BEST CHOICE  FOR ELECTRICITY SUPPLY? 

LISTEN NOW to Cape Light Compact’s radio show FOCUS ON ENERGY and get the answers!