SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Following 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." 

 

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: 

 

"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). 

 

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.