A coalition of Watertown businesses and community leaders have launched an effort that will provide new incentives for residents to make their homes more energy efficient and shop locally.

The Watertown Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee, a town committee tasked with reducing Watertown’s carbon footprint and helping residents save money, has teamed up with the Watertown Local First independent business initiative to launch the “Watertown Initiative to Save Energy” (WISE).

Watertown residents living in single family, two, three or four-family home who complete a a no-cost Mass Save® energy assessment by energy efficiency leader Next Step Living will be entered into drawing for a chance to win $100 in gift cards to over 40 Watertown Local First independent businesses.

“This promotion will help residents save money on their energy bills, reduce their carbon footprint at home, and support our local economy,” said Ken Mirvis, chair of the Watertown Environment and Energy Efficiency Committee.

During a no-cost, no-obligation energy assessment, a Next Step Living energy advisor will measure insulation levels in the walls, check for air leakages, install free light bulbs and a programmable thermostat, and inform homeowners of incentives and grants available from Mass Save, a utility funded program designed to help Massachusetts residents lower their energy bills.

For every 100 Watertown home energy assessments completed by June 1st, the Boston-based Next Step Living will donate an additional $1,000 in prize money. Approximately one in twenty people will win.

To sign up for a free energy assessment and be entered into this promotion, visit nextstepliving.com/wise or call 866-867-8729 to speak with a Next Step Living representative.