As part of the initiative launched on March 1 by First Selectman Michael Freda and the North Haven Energy Task Force during the Solarize CT campaign, The first 300 North Haven residents who sign up for a Home Energy Solutions (HES) assessment by calling 1-877-WISE-USE will receive all services for free.
The town has earned Bright Idea Grants through the Clean Energy Communities (CEC) program and is using this money to give back to the community by absorbing the $99 co-pay for these HES assessments. CEC is a statewide program launched through the Energize Connecticut initiative. Municipalities have pledged to reduce their energy consumption in municipal buildings by 20 percent by 2018 and have 20 percent of municipal building energy come from clean renewable energy sources by 2018. Participating towns are rewarded for meeting specific goals with Bright Idea Grants that can be used toward energy efficient projects. To date, North Haven has earned three Bright Idea Grants worth $10,000 each, for a total of $30,000.
HES offers on-the-spot weatherization and energy efficiency services to homeowners and renters for on-the-spot savings, as well as incentives and additional resources to further reduce energy use. A home energy assessment is a “physical checkup” determining how much energy a home uses, and is recommended for anyone looking to lower their monthly home energy bills and is also required before obtaining solar.
“We are extremely proud of the effort we have put forth towards establishing ourselves as a leader in energy efficiency throughout the state,” said North Haven First Selectman Michael Freda. “This has been a mutual effort between the town and our committed residents, and we are elated to have the ability to reward their determination by offering free Home Energy Solutions assessments to further improve their homes and help reduce their energy bills.”
In 2010, the town received funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and used that money to provide HES assessments for free to residents. The campaign proved successful, and is the basis for offering these same services again. Over the last six years, 1,900 residents – more than 21 percent of the town – have participated in the HES program.
“A home energy assessment is beneficial for anyone looking to obtain cost-effective ways to save energy and make their homes more comfortable,” said Evan Seretan, Home Energy Solutions senior program manager, The United Illuminating Company. “An energy assessment is also critical to properly size a solar photovoltaic (PV) system and will unlock available rebates offered through the Connecticut Green Bank.”
“North Haven, a Gold Star Clean Energy Community, is one of the most active municipalities in the CEC program already completing 100 percent benchmarking of their municipal and Board of Education buildings and redeeming their Bright Idea Grants for an energy saving project,” said Sheri Borrelli, Clean Energy Communities program manager, The United Illuminating Company. “ The town has also completed residential, business and community outreach resulting in 20 percent residential program participation and 15 percent commercial and Small Business Energy Advantage participation.“
The free HES assessments are limited to the first 300 residents. Those looking to participate please call 1-877-WISE-USE.
About Energize Connecticut
Energize Connecticut helps you save money and use clean energy. It is an initiative of the Energy Efficiency Fund, the Connecticut Green Bank, 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.
###