News & Events

Solar Industry: It’s on us now

With the Connecticut General Assembly's passage of two more clean energy programs in June, the industry now has every available tool a state government can offer. 

St. Mary Receives Gold Award from CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

Saint Mary Church in Newington is the only religious organization to be recognized, and one of only three non-profits, to receive a 2013 Gold Award from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for its leadership and commitment to reducing energy usage and air pollution. 

West Hartford Sixth Grader Places First In State Energy Contest

A King Philip Middle School sixth grader was honored at a ceremony at the Capitol on Tuesday with an "eesmarts" award from Energize Connecticut. Sarah Lewis won first place for her grade level in the ninth annual contest, which requires students to answer prompts about energy efficiency and renewable energy through poems, essays, graphs or art, according to a release from Energize Connecticut.

Shelton Business Wins State Award For Saving Energy

New Castle Hotels & Resorts' Hilton Garden Inn, Shelton, won a Summer Savers Bronze Award from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for reducing their total energy usage by 5 to 10 percent in the summer months (May through September).

CRRA Caps Hartford Landfill, Puts Up Solar Array

The Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority is putting in a six-acre array of solar panels on a section of its Hartford landfill. The solar project coincides with the authority's plan to cap the remaining 35-acre section of the landfill.

The cap and one-megawatt solar array will cost the trash-to-energy authority about $11.6 million and will make the landfill the first in the state to develop its limited-use real estate into a renewable energy project.

CT DOT to host electric vehicle expo

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is hosting an electric vehicle expo to entice businesses and residents to learn more about clean transportation.

Malloy inks solar tax exemption into law

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signed a law exempting commercial renewable energy installations from municipal property tax.

Energize CT to select four Energy SuperStars

An installment of the Energy Efficiency Fund's Energize Connecticut initiative will sponsor four Connecticut residents to become more energy efficient, according to a report.

The Energy SuperStars Challenge, with partners Connecticut Light & Power and United Illuminating, will select four residents in single-story or multi-level homes to participate in the program.

Power of Change Awards: The Town of Fairfield earns highest honors

The Town of Fairfield received Highest Honors for overall energy efficiency at the first annual Power of Change Awards, presented at the State Capitol. Fairfield was recognized by state and energy leaders, including Governor Dannel P. Malloy; Daniel C. Esty, Commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP); Stewart Hudson, President of the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation; Sabina Shelby, Managing Trustee of the Hampshire Foundation; Mally Cox-Chapman, Philanthropy Advisor of the Common Sense Fund, and state legislative leaders and energy stakeholders.

West Hartford Wins Two Power Of Change Awards For Energy Efficiency Efforts

The town and school district received top honors at Tuesday's Power of Change municipal awards ceremony for their energy-saving efforts.

The town earned "Top Town Hall" and the schools took first in the Innovation category in the first year of the awards, according to a news release.

Plymouth Center School wins energy saving award

Plymouth Center Elementary School is among the schools to be honored for their energy efficiency efforts at the new Power of Change awards.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Daniel Esty, commissioner of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, joined officials from the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, the Hampshire Foundation, and the Common Sense Fund, at the state capitol recently to celebrate the award winners.

CT giving $10K marketing for business efficiency

The Connecticut Clean Energy Finance & Investment Authority has one-time grants up to $10,000 for business agencies in municipalities participating in the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy program.

With C-PACE, businesses receive low-cost financing to install renewable energy or make energy efficiency improvements. The loan payments are made on a business's municipal property tax bill, and the payments always are less than the energy savings on the project.

Legislature OKs bill giving property tax breaks to businesses installing green energy systems

State lawmakers are proposing to give businesses that install renewable sources of power a break from local property taxes.

Lawmakers have heard complaints from owners of commercial and industrial properties that the additional property taxes on these renewable energy systems are negating their energy savings.

The legislature has sent a bill to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy that would provide a property tax exemption for such renewable energy sources. The administration supported the bill earlier in the session.

CT's solar-tax exemption awaits Malloy's ink

Lawmakers on Monday sent for the governor's signature legislation exempting renewable energy installations at businesses from municipal property taxes.

The House's 119-14 vote came after the Senate approved the measure 21-12 on April 24.

Waterbury energy center to install 45kw solar array

The Energy Systems Sales & Training facility in Waterbury will install a 45-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system, as part of plan to eventually manufacture Taiwanese solar in Connecticut.

Utilities' ZREC conference set for May 10

Connecticut electric utilities Connecticut Light & Power and United Illuminating have scheduled their bidders' conference for 9 a.m. May 10 to discuss the next round of funding under the state's $1 billion renewable energy credit program. The Zero-emissions and Low-emissions Renewable Energy Credit, or ZREC/LREC, program provides 15-year contracts for developers to install facilities featuring technologies such as solar and fuel cells throughout the state. 

Newington's St. Mary Parish Awarded For Energy Efficiency

St. Mary Parish in Newington was recently recognized by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) for its commitment to reducing its energy consumption and air pollution during summer 2012. The parish was one of eleven organizations statewide to receive a "Summer Saver" award.

Windsor's Walgreens Distribution Center Awarded For Energy Efficiency

Windsor-based Walgreens Distribution Center was recently recognized by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) for its commitment to reducing its energy consumption and air pollution during summer 2012. The distribution center was one of eleven organizations statewide to receive a "Summer Saver" award.

West Hartford Gym Honored By DEEP For Summer Energy Reduction

The West Hartford WOW! Work Out World was recently recognized by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for reducing energy consumption during the summer months. WOW! was one of three recipients of the Summer Saver Bronze Award, which is "given to organizations or businesses that reduce electricity consumption and demand by five to ten percent during the summer months," according to a news release from the Energize Connecticut initiative.

Nutmeg State Federal Credit Union and CEFIA Partner on Smart-E Loan Product

April 30, 2013 – The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) is pleased to announce that Nutmeg State Federal Credit Union has partnered with CEFIA on the Smart-E Loan product. Smart-E loans provide homeowners an affordable way to finance a wide range of clean energy technology installations by local energy contractors – including renewable energy, energy efficiency and fuel conversions – many of which offer households immediate net savings.  Nutmeg State FCU is a community-focused credit union with branches in Hartford County, a footprint in Hartford and Middlesex Counties, and membership that extends throughout Central Connecticut.

Senators to offer bill expanding financing mechanism to renewables

A bipartisan group of senators will introduce legislation this week that would extend a project-financing structure to renewable energy. Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) will unveil the Master Limited Partnerships Parity Act during a Wednesday news conference, said Ian Koski, a spokesman for Coons. It would allow investors in renewable energy projects to take advantage of master limited partnerships, which currently are available only to oil and gas endeavors.

Obama's proposed cut to energy assistance gets icy reception

Some New England lawmakers hope aid to poor is boosted.

Washington - President Obama's latest request for funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program - LIHEAP - is again meeting with the cold shoulder from legislators representing the cold weather region of New England.

Berlin Seeking Way To Lower Natural Gas Cost

Berlin is considering joining about 20 other towns and school districts to buy natural gas in quantity to save money. The proposal, discussed by the town council on Tuesday night, is similar to an existing cooperative of about 90 municipalities that use their combined purchasing power to buy low cost electricity, town engineer Art Simonian said. Berlin joined the electrcity buying plan in 2011.

Bristol, Corrections, Hospital join CT efficiency program

Berlin is considering joining about 20 other towns and school districts to buy natural gas in quantity to save money. The proposal, discussed by the town council on Tuesday night, is similar to an existing cooperative of about 90 municipalities that use their combined purchasing power to buy low cost electricity, town engineer Art Simonian said. Berlin joined the electrcity buying plan in 2011.

EPA honors CT firms for energy efficiency

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has honored Connecticut's governments, its electric utilities, and a Norwalk hospitality firm for their commitment to energy efficiency. The EPA's Energy Star Partner of the Year awards honor organizations that seek to reduce environmental impact by increasing their efficiency. The Northeast Energy Efficiency Initiative – which includes the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund and electric utilities Connecticut Light & Power and United Illuminating – won its 14th Partner of the Year award in 13 years for sustained excellence in promoting energy efficiency. CL&P and UI fund CEEF to perform energy upgrades and businesses and homes.

East Hampton Ponders Solar Energy Deal

The town is considering a solar energy project for two municipal buildings that officials say would significantly lower electric bills. But the officials can't say exactly how much the savings would be, explaining that it would reveal closely guarded market information. "What I can say is that these are very significant savings, and I underline the word 'very,'" Town Manager Mike Maniscalco said Wednesday. Maniscalco said solar arrays would be placed on a hillside to generate power for the municipal sewage treatment plant on Route 66, while a second group of arrays would be installed on the roof of Memorial School on Smith Street.

CT proposing regional renewable partnership

Connecticut on Monday proposed entering into a regional clean energy partnership with Massachusetts, Vermont, and other neighboring states to use their collective purchasing power to obtain renewable energy at competitive prices. "We have waited too long for renewables to come to us," said State Sen. Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), co-chair of the General Assembly's Energy & Technology Committee. "We want this to be competitive, and we want prices to be reasonable." By partnering, the states hope to bargain down prices on the power from renewable installations and create enough critical mass where energy developers can look at pursuing larger renewable projects.

What we pay for, when we pay for electricity

When the electric bill comes, we pay it. Faithfully. We like the amenities it provides -- refrigerators, computers, televisions, a lamp shining in the window when we get home at night. But have you ever wondered why people in Connecticut pay some of the highest electric bills in the country? Do you understand where your power comes from? What about all the different charges and fees on your bill? Is there anything you can do to reduce the tab?

Microgrid Projects Move To Final Funding Round In State Program

Microgrid Projects Move To Final Funding Round In State PrograMore than two dozen applications for the state's microgrid program moved to a final round for design and engineering, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said Wednesday. The 27 applicants chosen by DEEP proposed electricity systems that would establish some form of local power generation with the ability to operate independently from the region's power grid. The capability has been increasingly attractive following recent widespread power outages caused by hurricanes and snow storms. The projects that were chosen for this next step were among 36 originally submitted and analyzed for feasibility by technical expects and the state's two major electric utilities.

Save money, energy with state programs - Talking Points

The lingering effects of the Great Recession continue to create challenges for Connecticut's businesses. Rising costs of doing business, increased regulations and global competition make it more important than ever for companies to operate efficiently and find cost savings that will enhance their bottom line. Luckily, in Connecticut there are programs available to help reduce a major line item in many businesses' budgets: energy costs.

Final Version Of Malloy's Energy Plan Released

The governor made public Tuesday the final version of his energy plan after months of public comment and debate over its hallmark feature: increased availability of natural gas. From draft to final version, the broad strokes of the "Comprehensive Energy Strategy" remain intact, according to an executive summary of the plan viewed by The Courant on Monday. Additions to the plan include a $500 tax credit to help residents with the switch to natural gas, a call to expand natural gas pipeline capacity, a further look at "large-scale hydropower," and a push to develop a cyber security strategy for Connecticut's electric grid.

“The Comprehensive Energy Strategy sets Connecticut apart by bringing down energy costs for both residents and businesses,” Malloy said in a written statement announcing the plan. “Focusing on innovative approaches to energy efficiency—cost effective renewable power, smarter building management, and expanded use of low-cost natural gas, we are reducing consumer costs, making the state more competitive, and creating good jobs with good benefits.”

UTC Power sold to Oregon fuel cell firm

Hartford conglomerate United Technologies Corp. on Tuesday closed on the sale of its South Windsor fuel cell manufacturer to Oregon's ClearEdge Power. The financial terms of UTC Power's sale were not disclosed. The sale was first announced on Dec. 22. UTC had its fuel cell subsidiary on the market since the second quarter, as part of its attempt to finance the $16.5 billion acquisition of North Carolina aerospace manufacturer Goodrich Corp. and reorganize to focus more on aerospace and building systems. ClearEdge decided to purchase UTC Power to expand its presence in the fuel cell market, particularly on the East Coast.

New Canaan students invited to partake in eesmarts contest

Energize Connecticut, in partnership with Connecticut Light & Power and United Illuminating, is conducting the ninth annual eesmarts contest for students in all grades. The eesmarts program is a K-12 energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy education initiative that annually invites Connecticut students to showcase their "energy smarts" about saving energy, efficient and renewable energy technologies, and sustainability through various media forms. 

A new tool in the clean energy toolbox

It's called commercial and industrial property assessed clean energy -- a mouthful of jargon that doesn't tell the uninitiated much, even with its acronym C-PACE. It's actually a reasonably innovative way to finance energy efficiency and clean energy systems and upgrades with low interest loans that are paid back through assessments added to property tax bills. If the property is sold, the assessment stays with it -- just like a property tax.

In Connecticut's case PACE can be used for projects in commercial, industrial and multifamily properties. It's officially operational as of a few days ago with a website and 11 communities signed on and another couple of dozen getting close, said David Goldberg of the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority, which was designated by law to develop the program.

Why the Renewable Energy Industry Needs Green Banks – Opinion

On October 25, 2012, the world watched as Hurricane Sandy swept up the east coast. Over these past few years, we have seen storm after storm leave our homes battered, our possessions ruined, and our towns and cities without power for weeks on end. Most of us in the renewable energy world take it for granted that man-made climate change contributes to the increased intensity of these major weather events, and that renewable energy will reduce the already adverse effects of climate change. But the recent barrage of natural disasters has also revealed something else: the utility company model – based on the centralized delivery of a commodity product – leaves something to be desired, and solar power can help there, too.

The fact is that energy is a service, no matter how it’s provided (whether through gas-fired generation, nuclear plants, or one’s own roof). Rather than trying to sell capital improvements to risk-averse and cash-strapped customers, the clean energy industry needs to be in the business of offering a cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable energy service.

CT reissues RFP for food waste-to-energy pilot

Connecticut's clean-energy promoter is trying again to solicit applicants capable of building and running a pilot facility in which microbes convert food waste into usable energy. The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) in Rocky Hill announced Wednesday a modified request for proposals for a three-year, $6 million pilot program.

Council approves FuelCell Inc. tax break

The Connecticut Post reports that a polluted Brownfield on Railroad Avenue in Bridgeport, Connecticut, may soon be the site of a $65 million project representing the largest single source of alternative energy in the nation. The Bridgeport City Council recently approved a plan that would allow FuelCell Energy Inc., of Danbury, to pay personal property and real estate taxes totaling $275,000 annually for 17 years for the project. With approval, FuelCell can begin the process of obtaining loans from the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority, one of Energize Connecticut's partners.

Solarize Program deadline extended

The Westport Daily Voice reports that home owners now have until January 14, 2013, to sign up for the Solarize Connecticut. The pilot program is being offered in four Connecticut towns and encourages residents to install solar panels on their homes by making them more affordable. The program provides group pricing discounts on the sale or lease of solar energy installations: The more homeowners in town that participate in the program, the greater the discount.

Energize Connecticut: Do’s and Don’ts of the Heating Season

The East Haven Patch reports that residents can get advice on the “Do’s and Don’ts” of winter home weatherization through the Home Energy Solutions program. Through the program, certified contractors evaluate your entire home including heating and air conditioning systems, lighting, windows, duct work and appliances to help you understand how your home uses energy.

Wolcott Elementary ribbon-cutting celebrates clean energy efforts

West Hartford News reports that a ribbon cutting ceremony will celebrate the installation of a 10.8 kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic system at Wolcott Elementary School in West Hartford. The solar system was earned through the Clean Energy Communities program, an Energize Connecticut initiative designed to help homes and businesses save money and use clean energy. Through the Clean Energy Communities program, West Hartford has earned a total of 17 kW of solar PV.

Plainville Wood-Panel Maker Hailed As Model For Manufacturing Efficiency

The Hartford Courant reports that Modern Woodcrafts, a wood paneling manufacturer worked with Energize Connecticut and its partners to designate about $134,000 in efficiency investments that ended up knocking out about a third of the company's energy use. Contractors installed new air compressors, thermostats, curtains to block air near loading docks, compact fluorescent bulbs, and motion-sensor-controlled lights in the warehouse. A variable-speed exhaust system was added to the finishing room and exit signs were changed to LED models. The upgrades were financed through a $52,000 incentive and a zero percent loan that was put on the company's utility bill. The loan payments and energy cost savings balanced out, so in the company's 29-month repayment period, there are still net savings. Annually, after the loan is repaid, Modern Woodworks will save about $35,000 in electric costs a year.

New Haven Fantasy of Lights features 'ENERGY STAR' display

The New Haven Register reports that Energize Connecticut unveiled a newly-designed ENERGY STAR^® LED display at the 2012 Fantasy of Lights. The display is one of twenty-one displays that have gone green with LED light bulbs. These bulbs save energy, money and last a long time. They also enable the Fantasy of Lights to be brighter and more colorful.

Energize Connecticut to offer green building courses

The Hartford Business Journal reports that Energize Connecticut will start providing construction courses through the Connecticut Green Building Council beginning December 4, 2012. The courses will provide green professional building skills training to professionals such as builders, renovators, and building maintenance professionals, helping them achieve proper accreditation for sustainability in construction.

A Win-Win Program Saving Money, Helping Others

Shore Publishing reports that the town of Madison, Connecticut, and its Energy & Efficiency Committee partnered with Energize Connecticut  to offer local homeowners and renters the opportunity to reduce their energy costs and at the same time provide a donation to the Madison Foundation's Neighbor to Neighbor Fund.

Bridgeport Hospital ‘treats’ energy efficiency with care

Environmental Headlines reports that Bridgeport Hospital, one of the largest employers in the City of Bridgeport, worked with Energize Connecticut's partners to improve its equipment, conserve energy and save money. The Hospital participated in the Energy Opportunities and Operations & Maintenance programs to implement energy efficiency upgrades including new lighting sensors, an energy management system, and variable speed drives. The hospital is projected to save $357,108, or 2.2 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy annually, with a lifetime energy savings of $5,145,620, or 32.1 million kWh.

The Best $75 A Connecticut Homeowner Can Spend

The Hartford Courant reports that at $75 an Home Energy Solutions audit is the best deal in Connecticut homeownership.  Aside from a full-house energy assessment, the $75 covers some quick fixes: Technicians seal ductwork leaks, install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators and energy-efficient compact florescent bulbs throughout the house.

Connecticut officials unveil new E-House

The Register Citizen reports that Connecticut officials and Energize Connecticut unveiled the state’s second E-House  at Oliver Wolcott Technical High School. The E-House was drafted, constructed and assembled by Oliver Wolcott and Windham Technical high school students and faculty and represents a laboratory for learning green construction while promoting clean energy and energy efficiency curricula.

Mayor receives home energy assessment: O’Brien encourages all residents to take part

The New Britain Harold reports that New Britain Mayor Tim O'Brien had an Home Energy Solutions assessment conducted on his circa-1830 home and is hoping other residents will have their homes assessed. The assessment’s cost is $75, and homeowners can receive up to $700 of improvements in the few hours it takes to do the assessment. Possible improvements include; identifying and sealing air leaks from windows, doors, attics and ductwork; installing low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators and hot water pipe insulation; and replacing incandescent bulbs with energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Hartford trash museum opens recycling exhibit

The Hartford Business Journal reports that the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority Trash Museum in Hartford worked with the Energize Connecticut to open a new Energy-Recycling Connection exhibit. The exhibit will teach visitors about energy and materials conservation.

Manchester, Middletown see green tech learning centers

The Hartford Business Journal reports that the former 32,000-square-foot Marlow's department store building in Manchester, Connecticut, has been renovated with various energy savings measures, such as ENERGY STAR^® appliances and efficient lighting, with help from Energize Connecticut. The green improvements will be for twelve apartments. The building will also serve as a green laboratory for area students from Eastern Connecticut State University, Manchester Community College, and regional vocational schools.

Chelsea Piers Sports Facility Builds Energy-Saving Rink

Westfair Communications Online reports that the Chelsea Piers rink in Stamford, Connecticut, installed energy-efficient lighting and built a high-efficiency ammonia ice rink with help from Energize Connecticut. Compared with a traditional ice rink, the ammonia rink will save the sports facility more than $63,000 a year on its energy bill, as well as 7,562 tons of coal, 32 million pounds carbon dioxide, 9,000 pounds of nitrogen oxide and 18,000 pounds of sulfur oxide.

Connecticut Launches New Clean Energy Communities Program

The Hartford Courant reports that as part of the Energize Connecticut initiative, the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund and the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority have joined forces to launch a new and improved version of the nationally recognized Clean Energy Communities program. The program incentivizes Connecticut municipalities to improve energy efficiency and promote the use of renewable energy. With the expansion of the program, communities across the state are being asked to renew their pledges to support renewable energy and energy efficiency. The addition of the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund as a program administrator provides support and incentives for municipal energy reduction.