DERBY, CT - As part of an overall commitment to reduce energy consumption across Connecticut towns, Derby Mayor Anthony Staffieri recently received a Home Energy Solutions (HES) assessment at his house to kick off the Town’s signing of the Clean Energy Communities pledge, an Energize Connecticut initiative that incentivizes Connecticut municipalities to improve energy efficiency and promote the use of clean, renewable energy.
“I’m excited that Derby is now a part of the program, and I hope that my signature on this pledge helps community members to take the first step towards energy efficiency,” said Mayor Staffieri. “Our town aims to reduce energy consumption by 20 percent by 2018, and committing to becoming a Clean Energy Community is just one thing town leaders can do to lead their residents in making wiser, innovative energy choices.”
Staffieri also added that Derby residents should take advantage of the HES program, like he did, to see how they can cut energy costs in their homes.
Through participating in the Clean Energy Communities program, Derby can earn points when residents, businesses or municipalities participate in energy efficiency programs such as HES, Small Business Energy Advantage or Retro Commissioning programs, all of which are energy improvement services designed to help people or businesses use energy more efficiently and save money on their monthly energy bills.
For every 100 points earned through participation in these programs, Derby will receive a “Bright Idea Grant” of $5,000 that can be used toward a community-selected energy-saving project, such as hiring an energy auditor to benchmark municipal buildings or to leverage existing funds to make energy-saving improvements to a school.
Clean Energy Communities program administrators, the Clean Energy Finance & Investment Authority (CEFIA) and The United Illuminating Company (UI), will work with Derby to help the town meet goals laid out in its Comprehensive Energy Plan.
Pictured, from left to right, is Mayor Staffieri signing the pledge, along with Sheri Borrelli, Senior Business Development Professional, Conservation Load Management, UI.
Communities interested in renewable energy and energy efficiency that want to become a Clean Energy Community or recommit to the program, should visit www.ctcleanenergy.com/communities.
