As a partner of the Energize Connecticut initiative, The United Illuminating Company (UI), along with the Connecticut Food Bank, is providing LED light bulbs and educational energy efficiency materials at food pantries within UI territory over the next month. These outreach efforts will encourage CT Food Bank patrons to replace their old incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR® LEDs and take additional steps to make their homes more energy efficient by participating in the Home Energy Solutions – Income Eligible (HES-IE) program.
“UI strives to assist Connecticut residents in making the best use of its energy efficiency programs to help reduce their energy bills,” said Elizabeth Murphy, senior program manager, The United Illuminating Company. “Partnering with the Connecticut Food Bank allows us to reach those most in need. We will provide these families with energy saving information, and can potentially assist them in improving the overall comfort of their home while reducing their energy bills. And that’s important.”
Families who use the services of the food pantries will be provided with 4 LED light bulbs and a packet of information for further reducing home energy use. The packet will include an HES-IE program brochure, LED lighting fact sheet and an HES-IE application which allows homeowners and renters to sign up for the free program.
“The energy saving LED bulbs and the information shared about the programs offered through the Energize Connecticut initiative will help people save on utility costs and stretch the budget they might have to put food on the table,” said Connecticut Food Bank Interim CEO Paul O’Leary. “We are grateful for support from The United Illuminating Company and the programs of the Energize Connecticut initiative that will help hungry people in our state.”
Families on a fixed or limited income and in need of support to help with their everyday expenses can also take part in HES-IE at no cost. HES-IE, which offers a home energy assessment coupled with on-the-spot weatherization and energy efficiency services, is available to assist residents in reducing their electric and heating costs.
Distribution of these items will begin Nov. 17 and will run a 30 day cycle as the participating pantries come into pick up supplies for their customer base. Participating Food Pantry locations include: Ansonia, Bridgeport, Derby, East Haven, Fairfield, Hamden, Milford, New Haven, Shelton, Stratford, Trumbull, West Haven and Woodbridge.
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.
###