Clinton Signs Clean Energy Communities Pledge

This information is from Energize Connecticut

The Town of Clinton has signed a pledge to commit to the Clean Energy Communities program, an Energize Connecticut initiative that incentivizes Connecticut cities and towns to improve energy efficiency and promote the use of clean and renewable energy. The town joins over 70 other Connecticut municipalities that have already taken the pledge. 

  
Under the expanded Clean Energy Communities program, Clinton has pledged to reduce municipal building energy consumption by 20 percent by 2018, and to voluntarily purchase 20 percent of its municipal electrical needs from renewable sources by 2018. Connecticut Light and Power (CL&P) and the Clean Energy Finance & Investment Authority (CEFIA), the Clean Energy Communities program administrators, will work with Clinton to help the town achieve these goals.

“We are excited to join the Clean Energy Communities program, which has been gaining tremendous momentum in other cities and towns across the state over the last year,” said Clinton First Selectman William Fritz. “Our town is taking the necessary steps to become a more energy efficient community, and by signing the pledge I hope that our residents and business owners are inspired to take similar steps to reduce energy usage in their homes or business.” 
  
Through participation in energy-saving and renewable energy programs, Clinton can earn points towards rewards. For example, when residents or businesses receive a Home Energy SolutionsSM (HES) assessment, install a renewable energy system such as a solar photovoltaic array or solar hot water system, apply for energy improvements using new CEFIA financing products, or upgrade older equipment or lighting to more energy efficient models, they earn points for the town.  In addition, because Clinton has opted into the Commercial – Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program, the town can earn points for applications and completed C-PACE projects at commercial and industrial properties.

For every 100 points earned through participation in energy efficiency programs, Clinton will receive a “Bright Idea Grant” of $10,000 that can be used toward a community-selected energy-saving project. Currently, Clinton has 72 points towards its first grant.  Similarly, for every 100 points earned through participation in renewable initiatives, Clinton will earn a renewable energy system equivalent to a 1 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system.
  
Clinton is partnering with Energy Resource Group and New England Smart Energy, to launch a town-wide HES promotion. HES is a convenient home energy improvement service provided by CL&P, UI and the natural gas companies designed to help people save money on their monthly energy bills. For those who sign up, the specialists will come to your home or apartment and install energy-efficient products and perform weatherization services. Services include locating and professionally sealing critical air leaks, replacing incandescent lights with energy-saving bulbs and insulating hot water pipes.

While these services are valued at an average of $1,000, the cost for the HES service is only $75 for homes heating with electricity or natural gas, $99 for homes heated with fuel oil and propane, and is free for those who meet income eligibility guidelines. For every Clinton resident that signs up for a HES service in the next 60 days, $50 will be donated by Energy Resource Group and New England Smart Energy to the Clinton Families Helping Families Fund. After 60 days, $25 will be donated for any service completed by December 31, 2013.

Residents who would like to learn more about how to make their home more energy efficient should attend the upcoming Home Energy Solutions workshops at the Henry Carter Hull Library on Thursday, September 26 from 6:30-7:30, and Saturday, September 28 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Energy experts will be available to answer specific questions about how to make your home more comfortable year round while also saving money on your energy costs. 

Residents should call 877.WISE.USE (877.947.3873) to sign up for a HES service or register for a workshop.

Residents or businesses seeking more information on energy-saving and renewable energy programs should visitEnergizeCT.com.

Communities interested in becoming a Clean Energy Community or recommitting to the program should visitEnergizeCT.com/communities.

About Energize Connecticut

Energize Connecticut helps you save money and use clean energy. It is an initiative of the Energy Efficiency Fund, the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority, the State, and your local electric and gas utilities, with funding from a charge on customer energy bills. Information on energy –saving programs can be found at EnergizeCT.com or by calling 1.877.WISE.USE.