Our History of Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation

First steps

In the 1980s, CSG field staff visited neighborhoods, observing New England homes after winter storms. “Nature’s thermal camera” revealed the evidence: a snow-free roof indicated that a house lacked insulation. Known as the Community Energy Partnership before incorporation as Conservation Services Group, CSG began an energy audit program for Boston Edison (now Eversource Energy) in 1984.

Through mid-2015

CSG conducts home energy assessments for utilities and energy efficiency organizations nationwide, saving more than 3,473,700 MBTUs on behalf of our clients in 2013 alone. We have helped more than 3.2 million people improve energy savings at home, and we aspire to reach millions more as we help build a clean energy economy.

Conservation Services Group has always been synonymous with energy efficiency and clean energy technologies. Since 1984, we’ve been promoting the benefits of energy efficiency for our clients, homeowners, and for the common good.

Led by Steve Cowell, who co-founded the organization, CSG serves a range of clients from utilities and public agencies to municipalities and communities. CSG’s philosophy is one of partnership with its clients. Since our inception, we have helped our clients receive recognition and win awards from leading national and international organizations. CSG has been honored with many prestigious leadership awards.

2014

While celebrating 30 years of leadership and accomplishments, CSG plans for a more energy efficient future. We are dedicated to creating solutions to reduce human impact on the planet.

2013

A record-setting number of CSG’s clients are honored by the Environmental Protection Agency and ACEEE for energy efficiency leadership. CSG opens offices in RI and PA.

2012

Massachusetts named the #1 state for energy efficiency by ACEEE due in part to CSG prioritizing excellence. Our New England efficiency programs “bend the curve” of forecasted electricity demand. CSG hosts Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick at headquarters.

CSG’s in-house marketing captures six major awards and the company receives inaugural U.S. Climate Leadership Award. Our Customer Contact Centers achieve 9.2 out of 10 for level of service delivery, ranked by customers. New office in WI supports Focus on Energy.

2011

Tina Bennett named president. CSG headquarters moves to LEED-certified office. Award-winning logo designed by Jamie Roberts propels brand refresh.

CSG offers online BPI CEUs and technical/sales training for contractors. CSG launches software to manage and track residential programs. Office opens in San Diego, CA; CSG’s annual revenue exceeds $122 million.

2010

CSG partners with Massachusetts Oilheat Council to deliver ARRA-funded “Oil Heat Efficiency Program.”

CSG Wins Five Awards for Energy Efficiency Marketing.

CSG continues advocating for national Home Star legislation, which passes the House of Representatives in May 2010.

2009

CSG celebrates our 25th anniversary, from roots as a small, not-for-profit organization serving one state to a multi-million dollar organization serving more than 100 clients nationwide, reaching more than 2 million households.

CEO Steve Cowell invited to meet with President Obama about planning “Home Star” national energy efficiency legislation. The New York Times cites Steve Cowell as contributor to planning.

2008

CSG continues its geographic expansion, establishing offices in Brooklyn, NY, Nashville, TN, Peoria, IL and Tucson, AZ.

The company employs nearly 400 people in energy efficiency jobs and revenues exceed $60 million.

2007

CSG develops and funds two BJ’s Wholesale Club solar installations that go on line in Connecticut.

CSG opens an office in the Midwest to support local client programs.

2005

CSG develops programs to serve our client’s customers on Long Island, NY and opens office in Ronkonkoma.

CSG launches ClimateSAVE, as a Green-e certified, renewable energy product.

2004

CSG opens office in Portland, Oregon to support the expansion of our client’s programs in the Pacific Northwest.

2003

For the first time, local customers can support 100% renewable power through their utility company; GreenerWatts New England is offered to Massachusetts Electric and Nantucket Electric customers by CSG as a competitive product in the GreenUp program.

CSG formally establishes Clean Energy Markets Division to support expanding renewable energy market sector.

2002

Sun Power Electric becomes the first organization nationwide to trade “Green-e” certified green credits.

CSG partners with Massachusetts Interfaith Power & Light to retrofit churches and houses of worship statewide. CSG is awarded a “Leap of Faith Award.”

2001

CSG implements the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR pilot program in New York State for the New York State Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

2000

CSG acquires Texas-based Planergy, an energy services company that runs “Solar Schools” and a C&I retrofit program. CSG purchases ReGen, a “Green-e” certified product (from AllEnergy), and begins marketing green power. CSG partners with Efficiency Vermont, the nation’s first energy efficiency utility.

1999

CSG merges with Mass-Save, Inc., an organization formed in 1980 to provide residential conservation services; moves headquarters from Boston to Westborough, MA.

1998

CSG establishes Sun Power Electric, the nation’s first all-solar power plant, for renewable energy sales and installations.

CSG installs the 1st solar power plant on BJ’s Wholesale Club roof in North Dartmouth, MA – the 1st of 14 BJ’s power plants in the Northeast over 9 years.

1997

CSG begins to offer marketing services to promote energy efficiency programs.

1995

CSG awarded $500,000 grant to introduce the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® Homes program in New England.

1992

CSG opens a Wisconsin office to support our client, expanding service delivery beyond New England.

1990

CSG develops new residential construction program Energy Crafted Homes, for New England utilities.

1989

CSG established as leader in residential demand-side management programs in New England.

1987

CSG helps lead demand-side regulatory and program development.

CSG provides funding and collaborative input for Power to Spare: A Plan for Increasing New England’s Competitiveness Through Energy Efficiency. This groundbreaking study documented the feasibility of using energy efficiency as an alternative to building new power plants.

1986

CSG launches home performance service for customers of Massachusetts Electric (now National Grid).

1984

Conservation Services Group is founded in Boston (formerly known as The Community Energy Partnership).

CSG delivers the first energy audit for Boston Edison (now Eversource Energy).

CSG has one office and one employee. End-of-the year revenue is $100,000.