Esty Takes Energy Challenge at Home in Cheshire

Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Daniel Esty and his wife, Elizabeth, opened their 1929 Dutch Colonial home on Preston Terrace to energy experts on Monday as part of the "Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge." 

The program involves 14 towns in the state whose residents will work to reduce their energy use by 20 percent. 

For $75, homeowners get an energy audit which shows where leaks occur and how to better insulate to save energy and money on home fuel bills. The audit includes the replacement of inefficient light bulbs around the house with new compact florescent bulbs.

The towns involved in the energy challenge will receive points for participation which can be redeemed for energy efficient products such as solar-powered LED street lights.

Participating towns are: Bethany, Cheshire, East Haddam, East Hampton, Glastonbury, Lebanon, Mansfield, Portland, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport, Wethersfield, Wilton and Windham.

For more information on receiving an energy audit, go to www.ctenergychallenge.com