Hamden Business Spotlight: Elm City Energy Solutions

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

• Business: Elm City Energy Solutions LLC
• Owners: Beau Couden/Andrew Small
• Website: www.elmcityenergy.com
• Address: 2821 Old Dixwell Ave. Suite A. Hamden, CT
06518

How did you come up with the name? We came up with the name Elm City Energy Solutions because of our proximity to New Haven and the clients we serve in the surrounding area. Energy Solutions refers to the solutions we offer for home and business owners.

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Why start a business in this town? We were born and raised in Hamden and we want to give back to the community that raised us. Hamden is our home and we want to make it a better place.

Briefly, what business are you in? We are general contractors by trade, with a focus on home energy performance. We offer home and business owners free energy evaluations and show them how they can increase comfort and lower utility bills through contracting solutions while helping them finance projects and get rebates through state utility programs.

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner? I think most business owners would agree that getting the phone to keep ringing is one of the hardest challenges we face. We have found that treating our customers like family and always putting them first leads to more referrals and more happy customers.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening? Our proudest moment would have to be managing the construction of a combination office/warehouse in New Haven. We were able to get the customer a $50,000 utility rebate because of our work on the building involving insulation, lighting, windows, and mechanical equipment.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community? Elm City Energy has given back to the local community through a lead sponsorship with the Clemente Golf Classic in order to help students at the Roberto Clemente Leadership Academy go on a trip to Washington, D.C. We wanted to take on this sponsorship because we took a similar trip when we were in middle school and felt it was important to help these students go on a trip that they will never forget. We also always do our best to keep business as local as possible and reach out to businesses to help with utility costs.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email vincent.salzo@patch.com.