Some are called Task Forces. Some are Commissions. Some are Ad-hoc Sub-Committees of their City Council and some are simply informal groups of local citizens. What they all have in common are the dedicated citizens who are committed to lead their towns and cities toward energy efficiency, conservation and increased use of renewable energy resources by their town governments, businesses and residents.
CLEAN ENERGY COMMUNITIES
Most of the town energy committees of the NW CT Conservation District assist their towns to become Clean Energy Communities of the CT Clean energy Fund. To do this, a town must accomplish a few things. By meeting the criteria, a town or city can qualify for one or more free clean energy systems from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. Along with the systems, people will have real-time access to the performance and operations of that system. To enhance the educational opportunities afforded by renewable technology, the CCEF has developed a school-based solar education program for Connecticut students.
The 20% by 2010 Campaign is a challenge to cities and towns, to obtain at least 20 percent of the electricity for all municipal facilities from clean renewable energy sources by the year 2010. AND a municipality must make a voluntary clean energy purchase of 5% in 2008, 9% in 2009 and 13% in 2010. Through the 20% by 2010 campaign, we will help to prove to all Connecticut citizens – and to the nation - that we have the power to make a difference.
1A Here are three easy steps to help your city or town commit to the 20% by 2010 Campaign: 1. Call CCEF at 860 563-0015 to coordinate a municipal clean energy resolution 2. Send a letter to a town official. Download a sample letter here 3. Send a Letter to the Editor of your local newspaper. Download sample letters here
1B Here are the ways to make a qualifying purchase: 1. CTCleanEnergyOptions program. We recommend that you call both of the independent companies that have been selected for this program, Community Energy and Sterling Planet. You should schedule a presentation by the representatives of those companies and ask about their incentive plans for municipalities OR 2. Purchase “Green-e certified” Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) from a clean energy supplier, such as Community Energy or Sterling Planet. You have the flexibility to choose the quantity, technology, location and price for your desired product. OR 3. Install a clean energy system at a municipal facility. Call the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund to learn about the incentives that are available for a variety of renewable technologies under our On-Site Renewable DG Program.
The EPA Community Energy Challenge is an opportunity for municipalities across the nation to identify simple and cost-effective measures that increase energy efficiency and renewable energy use while reducing air pollution and saving money. The EPA will provide technical assistance to every community that chooses to take the challenge. By joining the challenge, a community must agree to assess energy use in its schools, municipal buildings or wastewater facilities and set a target for reductions (at least 10% lower than your baseline) in energy use intensity (energy use per square foot). The timeframe for reductions is up to participants. To take the pledge, a community must complete and submit a Commitment Letter to the EPA. Please send an electronic copy of your commitment letter to CCEF at: info@ctcleanenergy.com.
This program, which was developed by the Department of Public Utilities Control, allows any CL&P or UI customer the opportunity to support clean energy made from approved renewable resources such as wind and small hydro. (PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS THE EASIEST WAY FOR INDIVIDUALS TO LOWER THEIR CARBON FOOTPRINT!) In order to qualify as a Connecticut Clean Energy Community, your city or town must meet the lesser of: (1) 100 points in a community or regional school district (NEW: any town within the RSD that commits to the 20% by 2010 and EPA Community Energy Challenge and makes a minimum purchase may elect to pool its points with another town or towns). OR (2) 1 Gigawatt-hour of clean energy demand created from a commercial and industrial (C&I) customer, OR (3) Points equal to 10% of the households in a community