The City of New London has teamed up with Eversource to encourage residents and businesses to take advantage of Energize Connecticut energy efficiency programs and resources.
“We have been actively working with Eversource since the beginning of the year to raise awareness of the benefits of energy efficiency across the city,” said New London Mayor Michael Passero. “We hosted a successful community-wide light bulb swap earlier in the year where nearly 400 people exchanged their old bulbs for new, energy-efficient LED bulbs, free of charge. People were excited about the event and eager to learn more, and we want to make sure we don’t lose the momentum.”
One program available to New London homeowners and renters is Home Energy Solutions℠, which includes an energy checkup and on-the-spot energy improvements performed by an Eversource-authorized contractor.
“Home Energy Solutions is a great first step for any household that wants to save energy, save money, and make their home more comfortable year-round,” Eversource’s Energy Efficiency spokesman Enoch Lenge said. “During this convenient, in-home service, the contractor will provide a number of services, including sealing around doors, windows, floor joists, and any other areas where cool, air conditioned air can escape. This service alone is valued at an average of $600.”
This overall Home Energy Solutions service is valued at an average of $1,000 and saves a typical customer $200 each year. The cost is only $99 but it will increase to $124 beginning September 1. The fee is waived for income-eligible residents.
New London businesses can participate in the Small Business Energy Advantage program, where expert technicians conduct a no-cost facility energy audit and propose custom recommendations for energy improvements. Financial incentives and interest-free financing is also available through the program to offset the cost of upgrading to energy-efficient technology.
Since 2013, New London has been active in Clean Energy Communities, the nationally-recognized Energize Connecticut program to help cities and towns save energy and increase the installation of renewable energy. Eversource is currently working with New London to help it reach its energy goals and reduce municipal building energy consumption by 20 percent by 2018.
Through Clean Energy Communities, New London residents and businesses that participate in Energize Connecticut programs – such as Home Energy Solutions or Small Business Energy Advantage – help the city earns points toward a grant. These “Bright Idea Grants” fund community-selected energy saving projects, like the light bulb swap that took place in April.
Since 2010, more than 2,100 New London residents and more than 195 businesses have participated in Energize Connecticut programs. Collectively, they have saved more than 12.8 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and nearly 391,000 CCF of natural gas (one CCF equals 100 cubic feet) -- the equivalent of approximately 8,600 tons of carbon dioxide emissions avoided or 1,500 cars off the road for one year.
For more information, visit EnergizeCT.com or call 1-877-WISE-USE (947-3873).