Energy Alliance saves chambers' members money

Upstate businesses saved more than $1.3 million in energy costs through the Energy Alliance, a group buying program through 20 chambers of commerce.

The figure came from the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday.

"In this economy, any time we can help members cut their overhead, we're delighted," said David W. Mance, interim president and chief executive officer of the chamber. "The annual savings report also shows that we have the best energy prices available, period. That's why the Energy Alliance program is one of our most effective member benefit programs."

The Watertown chamber has 103 members participating in the program. Former President and CEO Karen K. Delmonico initiated the energy savings program in 1999. To date, members of the involved chambers have saved nearly $14 million, according to an estimate from EnergyNext Inc., Saratoga Springs, the chamber's consultant.

For more information, visit the chamber's Web site.