School of Public Policy Capstones
Publication Date
2012
Abstract
Energy Concierge Services, a unique model to boost participation in energy efficiency programs, is being piloted in the commercial sector of the City of Northampton, Massachusetts. Energy Concierge Services seeks to overcome barriers to energy efficiency by concentrating benefits and increasing efficiencies for small- and mid-sized commercial property owners. Built on the energy providers’ Mass Save framework, part of the Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2020, the Energy Concierge Services model is a public-private partnership to capture higher market penetration in the Mass Save program by generating an upsurge in interest, leveraging utility investment in small- to mid-sized conservation programs, and helping businesses engage in energy efficiency improvements. This report provides an analysis of the ability of the Energy Concierge Services model to overcome structural, behavioral, and availability barriers to energy efficiency. It also makes recommendations for modifications to the model to meet City and statewide energy efficiency goals as part of the larger clean energy revolution.