Savings and participation numbers up from 2013 as Energize Connecticut energy efficiency programs deliver huge energy, cost and environmental benefits to residents  

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. – March 31, 2015 – More than 990,000 Connecticut residents, businesses and municipalities took advantage of Energize Connecticut’s home and business energy efficiency solutions in 2014. As a result, they saved $81 million in energy costs for the year, according to a report recently released by the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Board (EEB).

The EEB’s 2014 Programs and Operations Report was released earlier this month to members of the Connecticut General Assembly and other policymakers, energy efficiency advocates, and stakeholders throughout the state. This annual report details the steps that the Energy Efficiency Fund has taken to empower the state’s residents, businesses and municipalities to use energy more efficiently and save money through Energize Connecticut (Energize CT) programs administered by Eversource and The United Illuminating Company, Connecticut Natural Gas and Southern Connecticut Gas.

“Energize Connecticut is helping people change the way they use energy,” said William Dornbos, Senior Attorney at Acadia Center and Chair of the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Board. “Connecticut residents, businesses and communities are realizing the positive return on investment, both economic and environmental, that energy efficiency delivers. Energy efficiency immediately helps to lower costs at home, generates jobs, and makes our businesses more competitive.” 

As the result of participation in Energize CT energy-saving programs in 2014, Connecticut’s residents, businesses and municipalities saved:

• 387.8 million kilowatt hours of electricity; 6.3 million ccf (one ccf equals 100 cubic feet) of natural gas; 2.1 million gallons of fuel oil and propane
• $81 million in energy costs
• $978.3 million in energy costs over the lifetime of the measures

The energy saved in 2014 reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 255,000 tons, which is the equivalent of taking nearly 38,000 cars off the road for a year. 

Savings numbers are up from 2013, which saw $53.4 million saved throughout the year and $630 million over the lifetime of the measures. 

More than 989,000 Connecticut households took advantage of Energize CT services in 2014, saving approximately $43.9 million overall. More than 6,000 Connecticut businesses and municipalities saved money and energy in 2014 as a result of Energize CT, saving approximately $37.2 million for the year. These numbers are up from 2013, which saw 477,000 homeowners and renters, and 4,000 businesses and municipalities take advantage of Energize CT services.

Energize CT services for homeowners and renters include in-home services such as Home Energy SolutionsSM (HES), rebate and retail product programs, and a program for the construction of new homes. Commercial, industrial and municipal programs include free energy audits for small businesses; rebates, incentives and financing options for the purchase of new energy efficient equipment, or for incorporating energy efficiency measures into new construction; and training programs to help implement company-wide energy efficiency behavioral changes.

Energize CT’s community and educational outreach in 2014 included smart energy curriculum training for 471 educators, partnerships with 120 Clean Energy Communities, hands-on "green construction" training support for the Connecticut Technical High School System, and partnerships with the CT Science Center, The Discovery Museum, the Stepping Stones Museum for Children, the Trash Museum, and the SmartLiving Center. 

To view the entire 2014 report and more specific information regarding residential, business, community and educational programs and initiatives, please visit EnergizeCT.com/about/CEEF.

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.

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