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Eversource and Big Y Partner on Energy Efficiency Projects

Apr 3, 2023

energy efficiency upgrades saving energy partnership

Comprehensive upgrades in Connecticut and Massachusetts stores saving more than 9 million kilowatt-hours of power annually while lowering carbon footprint 


BERLIN, Conn. (April 3, 2023) – Following major energy efficiency upgrades at 21 Big Y grocery stores across Connecticut and Massachusetts, the chain is now reaping the benefits and savings. Big Y partnered with Eversource’s energy efficiency experts to take advantage of incentive programs to make several upgrades in multiple stores. The grocery store chain is now saving some 9.3 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, the equivalent of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by removing 840 gasoline powered vehicles from area roads for a year. 
 
“We are proud to partner with Big Y in delivering efficiency solutions that support their environmental goals,” said Eversource Vice President of Energy Efficiency and Electric Mobility Tilak Subrahmanian. “We’re uniquely positioned to support their strategic approach to lowering environmental impacts in their stores through our many offerings. It’s exciting to help them, leveraging expertise from across our organization as they enhance their carbon-reduction strategies while ensuring a positive, in-store customer experience.” 
 
"Big Y has a long legacy of caring for our planet, and we are always in search of new ways to improve our carbon footprint. We are grateful to have partnered with Eversource on these energy initiatives, and to continue on our journey towards sustainability," said Maggie D’Amour, Big Y, Senior Manager of Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG). 
 
Eversource and Big Y have partnered for more than four decades on sustainability initiatives that have grown from LED lighting upgrades and complex control integrations to the installation of new fan motors on refrigeration and HVAC systems in existing stores. Additional upgrades being incorporated in current and planned stores include: 
 
  • Variable Frequency Drives in rooftop units with carbon dioxide controls, providing more efficient use of energy in these large systems 
  • Electronically commutated motors in freezer cases, which lower the electrical consumption of these systems while supporting better airflow to keep frozen items cold 
  • Anti-sweat door heater controls to give customers better visibility of items in the freezer cases 
The Big Y team engaged both Lighting Solutions, Inc. and the Efficiency Solutions Group at Mantis Innovation to complete the measures. Eversource and Big Y are also exploring other green energy solutions such as additional EV charging stations, tactics to work on greenhouse gas emissions targets, and participation in future community solar projects. 

About Big Y 
Big Y Foods, Inc. is one of the largest independently owned supermarket chains in New England. Big Y operates locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut including supermarkets, Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors and Big Y Express gas and convenience locations with over 10,000 employees. Big Y has been recognized by Forbes as a Best-in-State Employer in Massachusetts and Connecticut, as well as 2018 Employer of Choice by the Employers Association of the Northeast. Founded in 1936 by brothers Paul and Gerald D'Amour, the store was named after an intersection in Chicopee, Massachusetts where two roads converge to form a "Y".  
 
About Eversource
Eversource (NYSE: ES), celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, is the #1 energy company in Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies for 2023 and recognized as one of America’s Most JUST Companies. Celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, Eversource transmits and delivers electricity to 1.27 million customers in 149 cities and towns, provides natural gas to 249,000 customers in 74 communities, and supplies water to approximately 207,000 customers in 56 communities across Connecticut. Eversource harnesses the commitment of approximately 9,500 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. The #1 energy efficiency provider in the nation, the company is empowering a clean energy future in the Northeast, with nationally-recognized energy efficiency solutions and successful programs to integrate new clean energy resources like solar, offshore wind, electric vehicles and battery storage, into the electric system. For more information, please visit eversource.com, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more information on our water services, visit aquarionwater.com


MEDIA CONTACTS:

Mitch Gross 
(860) 665-5221 
 
Claire D’Amour-Daley  
Vice President, Corporate Communications  
(413) 504-4019