12/23/2013 - Connecticut Light & Power and Yankee Gas Announce Energize Waterbury Campaign Results
Home Energy Solutions? and other energy-saving programs are still available to city residents
Energize Connecticut program administrators CL&P and Yankee Gas are pleased to announce the results of “Energize Waterbury,” the comprehensive, citywide energy efficiency campaign designed to save residents money through increased participation in Connecticut’s energy efficiency programs.
From May 6, 2013 through October 31, 2013, Energize Waterbury “Green Team” members worked closely with city officials, Waterbury legislators, various neighborhood councils, community groups, and local media to raise awareness of the benefits of energy efficiency. “Green Team” members were seen throughout the city, enrolling residents in programs and leading special events to provide residents with more information on available programs.
As a result of the campaign so far, Waterbury residents completed 3,445 Home Energy Solutions? (HES) services; 568 HVAC upgrades; 8 natural gas conversions; and 90 insulation upgrades. Residents also purchased 5,875 energy-saving light bulbs and fixtures at special Energize Waterbury lighting fairs.
These residents will collectively save 1,582,649 kilowatt hours of electricity, 140,604 ccf of natural gas and 2,976,715 gallons of oil each year. The savings are equivalent to the amount of electricity 188 homes would typically consume in one year, and result in avoided emissions of approximately 1,609 tons of CO2, which is the equivalent of taking 281 cars off the road for a year.
“Energize Waterbury went above and beyond expectations, and we are pleased that so many of our residents participated in the campaign,” said Mayor Neil M. O’Leary. “The campaign might be over, but we want residents to know that energy-saving programs are still available to help them reduce energy costs and increase the comfort of their homes.”
Waterbury residents can still participate in Home Energy Solutions, a convenient home energy improvement service provided by CL&P as part of the Energize Connecticut initiative. For those who sign up, CL&P-authorized energy specialists come to your home or apartment and install energy-efficient products and perform weatherization services. Services include locating and professionally sealing air leaks, replacing incandescent lights with energy-saving bulbs and insulating hot water pipes.
Home Energy Solutions participants typically reduce their energy costs by an average of $250 a year, but savings can be significantly higher when customers take additional steps to save energy, such as improving insulation or upgrading to high efficiency heating and cooling equipment. Rebates and low and no-interest payment plans are available to help residents purchase new equipment.
While these services are valued at an average of $1,000, the cost for the HES service is only $75 for homes heated by electricity or natural gas, $99 for homes heated with fuel oil and propane and is free for customers who meet certain income guidelines. Sign-up information, eligibility guidelines and program details can be found on EnergizeCT.com/hes or by calling 1-877-WISE.USE (1-877-947-3873).
About Energize Connecticut
Energize Connecticut helps you save money and use clean energy. It is an initiative of the Energy Efficiency Fund, the Clean Energy Finance & Investment Authority, 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.