Cheshire Signs Clean Energy Communities Pledge

Town to receive $10,000 Bright Idea Grant for community’s participation in Energize Connecticut programs

The Town of Cheshire has signed a pledge to commit to the Clean Energy Communities program, an Energize Connecticut initiative that incentivizes Connecticut cities and towns to support energy efficiency and renewable energy.

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

“Signing the Clean Energy Communities pledge demonstrates the town’s continued dedication toward implementing energy-saving and renewable energy technologies and practices at the municipal level,” said Cheshire Town Manager Michael Milone. “Our community as a whole has also previously demonstrated tremendous commitment to both, and we hope that residents and businesses continue to participate in the available programs.”

The town can earn points towards rewards through community-wide participation in energy-saving programs for residents and businesses. Programs include Home Energy SolutionsSM (HES) or upgrading to more efficient insulation, heating and cooling equipment, and lighting systems. For every 100 points earned through participation in energy efficiency programs, Cheshire is eligible to receive a Bright Idea Grant that can be used toward a community-selected energy-saving project.

Now that Cheshire has signed the Clean Energy Communities pledge, the town is eligible to receive its first $10,000 Bright Idea Grant, which was earned by having 1,652 homes, or 17% of the town’s households, participate in Home Energy Solutions. The Clean Energy Communities program allows communities to be rewarded with grants for energy efficiency projects completed since January 1, 2010. Cheshire will use its Bright Idea Grant money for either installing energy-saving windows in a town building or installing an electric vehicle car charging station. 

Cheshire residents and businesses can also help the town earn points towards renewable energy rewards. Available renewable energy program include installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system, which supplies energy to a home or business, or applying for energy improvements using new CEFIA financing products. Residents currently can take advantage of discounted pricing on solar PV and earn points for the town by participating in the Solarize Cheshire campaign, which runs through April 8. 

For every 100 points earned through participation in renewable initiatives, the town is eligible to receive a renewable energy system equivalent to a one kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic system. The town previously earned a 5 kW solar PV system that was installed at the Cheshire Public Library and has accrued enough points to earn an additional 2 kW. 

To date, 86 Connecticut cities and towns have pledged to reduce their municipal energy consumption and support clean, renewable energy.

Residents or businesses seeking more information on energy-saving and renewable energy programs available to them should visit EnergizeCT.com or call 877.WISE.USE (877.947.3873).

Residents interested in the Solarize Cheshire campaign should visit www.SolarizeCT.com and find information on Cheshire under “Our Towns.”

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