The competition would see which town’s residents can save the most money on electricity using WMECO's Western Mass. Saves program.
EASTHAMPTON – The city is considering a friendly competition with Ludlow to see which town’s residents can save the most money on electricity using the Western Mass. Saves program.
Both towns are participating in the Western Mass. Saves Challenge, which is run by Western Massachusetts Electric Co. to help customers reduce their energy consumption. Amherst and Sunderland are also participating.
All residential WMECO customers can sign up for free online to receive personalized suggestions on reducing energy use and track their savings. Users accumulate “Recyclebank Points” that can be redeemed at stores.
If a town in the challenge shows a 3 percent reduction in residential energy use, it will receive a free one-kilowatt solar energy panel.
The Easthampton City Council is considering a resolution that would make the challenge to Ludlow, said city planner Stuart Beckley, who proposed it last week. He said he wants the competition to begin on Earth Day, which is April 22, and last through September, when the Western Mass. Saves Challenge ends.
The council would have to vote at its next meeting on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at White Brook Middle School.
“Hopefully, the City Council will think of a prize” for the winner, Beckley said.
WMECO has hired the marketing firm SmartPower to promote the Western Mass. Saves Challenge. SmartPower Vice President Jonathan Edwards said the Western Mass. Saves program is not limited to homeowners, but that businesses may not participate.
The Easthampton-Ludlow competition was SmartPower's idea, he said.
“It’s an outreach concept,” said Edwards. “(It’s) a way to expand exposure for the website and the program and the importance of energy efficiency on a residential level in a way that makes people comfortable.”
“It’s a good, friendly challenge,” said Ludlow energy committee chairman Chip Harrington. That committee was formed last year.
“Our charge was to see if we could come up with some creative ways to save energy, which saves money for the municipality and the residents,” said Harrington. He said he personally uses Western Mass. Saves and hopes at least 10 percent of Ludlow residents will sign up, as well.
“I’ve taken some of (the program’s) suggestions, put them into practice and seen some savings,” Harrington said. “Last month, I saved $12 or $13.”
Harrington said the Easthampton competition would be “just to increase awareness and get people involved. ... I’m hoping that we can get more of our residents to become more involved with the Western Mass. Saves Challenge.”