Now through September 15, 2013, the City of Waterbury is participating in a comprehensive energy efficiency campaign, called “Energize Waterbury,” as part of the Energize Connecticut initiative. The campaign’s goal is to save residents money through increased participation in Connecticut’s energy efficiency programs, which are administered by Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P).
Over the next several months, Energize Waterbury “Green Team” members will be working closely with city officials, Waterbury legislators, various neighborhood councils and community groups to raise awareness of the benefits of energy efficiency. “Green Team” members will be seen throughout the city, enrolling residents in programs and leading special events to provide residents with more information on available programs. Energy efficiency and renewable energy programs are available for existing homes, apartments, condos, and for homeowners building new homes or remodeling. There is special pricing available for Waterbury residents and many free services for income-eligible customers.
Programs include Home Energy Solutions? (HES), a popular service that brings CL&P-authorized energy professionals right to your house, condo or apartment, where they will locate and seal critical air leaks, replace incandescent lights with energy-saving bulbs, insulate your hot water pipes and evaluate your heating and cooling equipment, insulation and major appliances.
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 and $99 for homes heated with fuel oil and propane. There is no charge for customers who meet income guidelines, and those customers may also be eligible for additional services such as free refrigerator, furnace and insulation upgrades.
Also as part of Energize Waterbury, residents who live on or close to the natural gas main are encouraged to learn more about energy-efficient natural gas. There are special financing options and loans at low-interest rates from local lenders and state energy efficiency programs that can help Waterbury residents with the cost of installing natural gas equipment.
Waterbury recently became the 50th municipality in the state to commit to the expanded Clean Energy Communities program, pledging to reduce its municipal building energy consumption by 20% by 2018, and to voluntarily purchase 20 percent of its municipal electric needs from renewable sources by 2018.
As part of this program, when residents or businesses participate in HES, install a clean energy system such as a solar photovoltaic array or solar hot water system, or upgrade older equipment or lighting to more energy efficient models, they earn points for the city. For every 100 points earned through participation in energy efficiency programs, Waterbury will receive a “Bright Idea Grant” of $15,000 that can be used toward a community-selected energy-saving project. Similarly, for every 100 points earned through participation in renewable initiatives, Waterbury will earn a clean energy system equivalent to a 1 kW solar photovoltaic system.
For more information on Energize Waterbury or to sign up for a program, please call 877.WISE.USE (877.947.3873) or visit www.energizect.com/communities/programs/Energize-Waterbury.
Information on Energize Waterbury events can also be found by visiting the City’s events calendar at www.waterburyct.org.
There are two events happening next week:
Home Energy Solutions? (HES) Library Presentation
Tuesday, June 25
6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Silas Bronson Library, 267 Grand Street
This presentation will provide guests with information on the popular Home Energy Solutions? (HES) program, which brings CL&P-authorized energy professionals to your house, condo or apartment to conduct $1,000 worth of energy-saving services for only $75 for homes heating with electricity or natural gas, $99 for homes heated with fuel oil and propane, and free for those who meet income eligibility guidelines.
Lighting Fair
Wednesday, June 26
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in front of Waterbury City Hall, 235 Grand Street
The City of Waterbury and CL&P are hosting this lighting fair to encourage residents to purchase compact fluorescent and LED bulbs. Energy experts will be on-hand during these lighting fairs to explain the Energize Waterbury campaign and to help residents learn more about energy-efficient lighting. Energy efficient lighting will be available to purchase at a discounted price at the fairs, while supplies last.