homeWelcome, sign in or click here to subscribe.login
     


 

 

Environment


Subscriber content preview

May 19, 2009

Utilities help customers buy new energy-saving devices

By JAY LINDSAY
Associated Press Writer

MARSHFIELD, Mass. — Len Bicknell angled his new garage toward the sun two decades ago, making room for the solar panels he planned to slap on top. He couldn't afford the expensive panels until several months ago, however, when the company with seemingly the most to gain from big electric bills stepped in to help pay for them.

NStar, like other utilities, is confronting soaring demand for energy and has launched an aggressive effort in one little seaside town to find ways to ease that pressure, doling out money for solar panels, “smart” thermostats and energy audits to cut power usage by 8 percent during peak hours.


 
. . .


To read this story in full login or purchase a subscription.




Email or user name:
Password:
 
Forgot password? Click here.