City of Waterbury Launches Energy Efficiency Campaign

“Energize Waterbury” focuses on saving residents money through increased participation in Connecticut’s energy efficiency programs

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.

“As Connecticut strives to become the most energy efficient state in the nation, Waterbury is excited to be kicking off this citywide campaign that is geared towards helping residents of all income levels save money through increased energy efficiency,” said Waterbury Mayor Neil M. O’Leary. “Working with the state and CL&P, we are taking a grassroots approach to ensure that our residents are aware of the programs, their financial and environmental benefits, and how they contribute to increased levels of comfort at home.”

Programs include Home Energy SolutionsSM (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.

HES participants will reduce their energy costs by an average of $200 a year, but savings can be significantly higher when customers take additional steps to save energy. As part of the Energize Waterbury campaign, high efficiency insulation and high efficiency heating and cooling equipment will be available at competitive prices for city residents.

“These competitive rates, combined with existing rebates and low and no-interest payment plans, will empower Waterbury residents to dive deeper into energy-savings,” said Jamie Howland, ENE (Environment Northeast) and First Vice-Chairman, Connecticut Energy Efficiency Board. “We can work with you to help you save the most and money and get your new equipment installed so that you can begin to experience a more comfortable home and start enjoying the benefits of long-term energy savings.”

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 percent 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.

Energize Waterbury is brought to you by CL&P and Yankee Gas in partnership with the City of Waterbury. 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 of Waterbury’s event calendar at www.waterburyct.org.

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.