New Clinton Energy Committee Turns Attention Towards Home Energy Solutions Program

Following in the steps of many surrounding towns, Clinton has now formed an energy committee that plans to meet once a month. Paul Gebauer will head up the committee that will include between 5 and 7 members, and the groups first priority will be to spread the word about the Home Energy Solutions Program. 

"I met with the head of Madison's energy committee, who was so helpful," said Gebauer at last Tuesday's meeting. "Westbrook is another nearby town that has a similar committee, and we'll be looking to their models." 

The creation of the committee coincides with the town's signing of 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," according to a press release. Clinton now joins over 60 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, something the committee will work towards in conjunction with other boards and town organizations, as well as residents. Connecticut Light and Power (CL&P) and the Clean Energy Finance & Investment Authority (CEFIA), the Clean Energy Communities program administrators, will also work with Clinton to help the town achieve these goals. 

Clinton is partnering with Energy Resource Group and New England Smart Energy, to launch a town-wide Home Energy Solutions promotion, which will be the committee's focus during their first months of establishment.

"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," the press release states. "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," the press release goes on to say. 

"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."

The town will also be able to earn points towards rewards through being in the program. "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," the press release explains. 

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. 

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

As the group spearheads this and other projects around town, they are still looking to grow their membership.

"We want people with a passion for the environment," Gebauer said. "You can have a real impact on your own local community when you're involved with something like this."