Know a local business needing some new energy?

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) has opened a new contest for small businesses, where winners will receive an energy-efficiency makeover.

The Small Business Energy makeover contest is meant to improve energy costs for awarded businesses, allowing them to save on operative costs during a time of economic struggle in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Four small businesses will each receive $30,000 in energy efficiency upgrades, and an additional $15,000 for cosmetic improvements, according to a release from PSE. The owners will then work with PSE staff to figure out upgrades that will make the greatest financial impact, such as new equipment, programmable thermostats, new lighting fixtures or a new HVAC system.

All other businesses nominate are also eligible for a PSE energy assessment and everyone who nominates a business will enter a drawing for one of five Nest smart thermostats.

PSE customers can nominate their favorite local small business, as well as enter their own business, as long as it’s with PSE’s service area, which can be found here.

“We care deeply about our community. Although small businesses are small in size, they’re large in numbers and the COVID-19 pandemic has left many operating on razor thin margins while trying to remain open,” Leslie Myers, customer outreach supervisor at PSE, stated in a release. “We are hopeful to see entries from all types of small businesses, including those owned by Black, Indigenous and people of color, as the pandemic has hit these businesses particularly hard.”

Seattle restaurant owner and chef Edouardo Jordan will be helping PSE transform small businesses. Jordan stated in the release that the contest can also help other companies be aware of ways to save on costs during the pandemic.

Nominations can be made at this link until Sunday, Oct. 18.