The Connecticut Office of Energy Efficient Businesses (OEEB), a state-supported program, is teaming up with Clinton's Energy Committee, the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, and Eversource Energy to help the town's industrial businesses save money and energy.

"We're approaching small-to-medium-sized businesses and industrial facilities to provide guidance and information that supports intelligent business decisions," said Joel M. Rinebold, director of energy initiatives for the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT), the organization that oversees OEEB. "Many of these smaller businesses do not have the resources to identify and take advantage of all the energy efficiency programs and incentives the state offers. This is where our door-to-door direct outreach can help businesses."

Rinebold said small business owners typically see savings in their energy consumption--and in their utility bills--within a one- to five-year timeframe.

OEEB analysts will be meeting with interested Clinton businesses to identify potential cost savings from energy efficiency measures, energy procurement, fuel switching, and the use of renewables. They'll also provide information on energy suppliers and financing.

Paul Gebauer, chairman of the Clinton Energy Committee, said target areas include industrial facilities on East Main Street, West Main Street, Nod Place, Nod Road, and Heritage Park, among others.

Included in its assessment, OEEB examines business owners' energy bills to determine whether they can obtain a more favorable rate for natural gas and/or electric generation service. It also analyzes fuel switching opportunities and identifies renewable energy technologies that make financial sense.

"We are really excited to bring this opportunity to the town of Clinton," said Gebauer. "The mission of our committee is to help businesses in town be more energy efficient. Our partnership with the OEEB provides a great foundation for our work. The OEEB's experience at providing an unbiased, objective assessment of commercial and industrial customer energy use will be a valued service for any of our local businesses."

Though OEEB will be targeting Clinton's industrial businesses in its door-to-door campaign, Gebauer noted that all businesses are eligible for the program. Interested business owners can schedule an assessment by calling 860-291-8832 or emailing oeeb@ccat.us. OEEB also has websites in English and Spanish at www.ct.gov/deep/oeeb.