Connecticut Debuts Clean Energy Communities Program

Connecticut Debuts Clean Energy Communities Program

The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) has announced a new program---Connecticut’s Clean Energy Communities. The program will offer a free solar energy system to municipalities that commit to purchase clean energy representing 20 percent of their electricity use by 2010.

The program also requires their residents and businesses to sign up directly for the clean energy choice option available early next year through Connecticut Light & Power and United Illuminating. The program was created to support statewide efforts to increase the use of clean energy and demonstrate that clean energy systems are viable throughout the state.

“Greater use of clean energy,” said Lise Dondy, chief operating officer, Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, “strengthens the state’s economy, protects community health, improves the environment and leads to a more secure energy supply for state residents."

Several cities and towns across Connecticut have already made the commitment to the 20 percent by 2010 clean energy campaign including New Haven and Portland, while new clean energy systems have been installed in communities such as South Windsor, Granby, Hartford, Rocky Hill, New Haven, North Canaan and Stamford.

“As a state and a nation, our power consumption and the green house gas emissions associated with current electricity generation methods continue to increase,” said Bryan Garcia, program director, Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, “Clean energy production, whether it’s through the sun, wind, biomass or fuel cell power, is a way to help an environmentally sound future. Clean energy choice and initiatives like the 20 percent by 2010 campaign are key steps in that process.”

The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund was established by the Connecticut General Assembly in 1998. CCEF is funded from a surcharge on Connecticut ratepayer’s electric bills. CCEF invests in clean energy technologies such as biomass, landfill gas, fuel cells, solar, wave and wind and other initiatives consistent with legislative mandates.

Published 12/15/2004