Banker & Tradesman; Friday, May 9, 2014, 11:18am
MassDevelopment and Milton-based EarlyBird Power have launched the Massachusetts Manufacturing Energy Collaborative (MassMEC), a buying group of manufacturers that saves money by purchasing energy supply in bulk and includes free energy efficiency and renewable energy reviews.
Gov. Deval Patrick announced the program to 500 attendees – including more than 150 manufacturers – at the commonwealth’s Advanced Manufacturing Summit in Worcester on April 29.
Members of MassMEC enlist EarlyBird Power to negotiate volume rates from electricity and natural gas suppliers, decreasing energy costs. EarlyBird also offers efficiency evaluations and onsite renewable opportunities to the MassMEC to ensure sustainable manufacturing growth.
The MassMEC is a product of the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative, a Patrick administration initiative that brings together members of the private and public sectors to support Massachusetts manufacturers.
“The high cost of energy is one of the largest issues facing businesses – especially manufacturers, many of which have energy-intensive operations,” MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones said in a statement. “We are pleased to launch the MassMEC so manufacturers can aggregate and benefit from EarlyBird Power’s management services and reduce their utility costs, creating a more competitive and capable manufacturing sector in the commonwealth.”
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