On Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016, United Illuminating (UI), a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc., donated 576  ENERGY STAR^® LED light bulbs and weatherization services information to Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS) in New Haven. This donation was delivered alongside a weekly contribution from the Connecticut Food Bank to the IRIS food pantry. As part of the Energize Connecticut Initiative, UI recently partnered with the Connecticut Food Bank to host energy efficiency education events at UI service territory food pantries and encouraged residents to replace incandescent bulbs with ENERGY STAR LED bulbs.

Four free LED bulbs were distributed to each of the 144 families that visited the pantry on Dec. 14. Each family will reduce their energy consumption by roughly 2,212 kilowatt-hours (kWh), or over $420, over the lifetime of the four bulbs received. This event will generate an estimated total of over 300,000 kWh or $60,000 in energy cost savings over the lifetime of the 576 bulbs distributed to IRIS clients.

Additionally, each family received a packet of information about further reducing home energy usage. This package included a pamphlet highlighting the Home Energy Solutions-Income Eligible (HES-IE) program which is available to anyone on a fixed or limited income. Every family in attendance was automatically qualified, and those who take advantage of the program will receive a no-cost home energy assessment featuring on-the-spot weatherization and energy efficiency services dedicated to helping them reduce electric and heating costs.

In addition to the food pantry, IRIS provides a variety of services to help refugees integrate into American culture such as English lessons, job placement, and housing assistance. To learn more, volunteer or donate, please visit www.irisct.org.