Westport Signs Clean Energy Communities Pledge, Launches Promotion

The Town of Westport has signed a pledge recommitting to the Clean Energy Communities program, an Energize Connecticut initiative that incentivizes Connecticut cities and towns to improve energy efficiency and promote the use of clean and renewable energy. The town joins more than 60 other Connecticut municipalities that have already taken the pledge.

Under the expanded Clean Energy Communities program, Westport has pledged to reduce municipal building energy consumption by 20 percent by 2018, and to voluntarily purchase 20 percent of its municipal electrical needs from renewable sources by 2018. Connecticut Light and Power (CL&P) and the Clean Energy Finance & Investment Authority (CEFIA), the Clean Energy Communities program administrators, will work with Westport to help the town achieve these goals.

Through participation in energy-saving and renewable energy programs, Westport can earn points towards rewards. For example, when residents or businesses receive a Home Energy SolutionsSM (HES) assessment, install a renewable energy system such as a solar photovoltaic array or solar hot water system, apply for energy improvements using new CEFIA financing products or upgrade older equipment or lighting to more energy efficient models, they earn points for the town.  In addition, because Westport has opted into the Commercial – Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program, the town can earn points for applications and completed C-PACE projects at commercial and industrial properties.

“The Clean Energy Communities program provides an incentive for the town of Westport, our residents and businesses to further embrace energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies,” said Westport First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff. “By participating in these programs, residents and businesses can lower their energy costs through reducing their energy consumption, and the more that residents and businesses participate, the more they help the town overall in Clean Energy Communities.” 

Westport has already earned its first “Bright Idea Grant,” which is achieved when a community earns 100 points through participation in energy efficiency programs. The grant will be used for a community-selected energy-saving project. Similarly, for every 100 points earned through participation in renewable initiatives, Westport can earn a renewable energy system equivalent to a 1 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system. The town previously earned a 7 kW solar PV system through the program that was installed at Staples High School.

Westport is partnering with CL&P-authorized energy specialists, New Energy Smart Energy and New England Conservation Services, to launch a town-wide HES promotion, called “Stay Cool Westport.”  HES is a convenient home energy improvement service provided by CL&P, UI and the natural gas companies designed to help people save money on their monthly energy bills. For those who sign up, the specialists will come to your home or apartment and install energy-efficient products and perform weatherization services. Services include locating and professionally sealing critical air leaks, replacing incandescent lights with energy-saving bulbs and insulating hot water pipes.

While these services are valued at an average of $1,000, the cost for the HES service is only $75 for homes heating with electricity or natural gas, $99 for homes heated with fuel oil and propane, and is free for those who meet income eligibility guidelines. For every Westport resident that completes a HES assessment before August 31, 2013, the entire $75 or $99 co-pay will be donated by New England Smart Energy or New England Conservation Services to the “Westport Warm-Up Fund,” which provides heating assistance to Westport residents in need.

Residents should call 877.WISE.USE (877.947.3873) to sign up for a HES service.

Residents or businesses seeking more information on energy-saving and renewable energy programs should visit EnergizeCT.com.

Communities interested in becoming a Clean Energy Community or recommitting to the program should visit EnergizeCT.com/communities.