Inspired by personal experience with home energy assessment and his community’s past success, First Selectman leads residents to clean, energy-efficient future
As part of a statewide effort to reduce energy consumption and embrace clean energy cross Connecticut towns, Woodbridge’s First Selectman Ed Sheehy signed the Clean Energy Communities Municipal Pledge, marking the Town’s official commitment to improve its energy efficiency and promote the use of renewable energy sources. The Town of Woodbridge was a part of the original Clean Energy Communities program, which was expanded in 2012, and now asks municipalities to demonstrate even stronger support of energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Under the Energize Connecticut initiative, in conjunction with the Clean Energy Finance & Investment Authority (CEFIA) and the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, the Clean Energy Communities program incentivizes Connecticut municipalities who make the pledge and achieve milestones within the program.
“We are working towards a greener and cleaner community, and I encourage all businesses and residents to get on-board with this effort,” said First Selectman Sheehy.
With Sheehy’s signing of the Clean Energy Communities Municipal Pledge in late July, Woodbridge aims to reduce its energy consumption by 20 percent by 2018 and voluntarily purchase 20 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2018. By achieving success in saving energy and supporting clean, renewable energy, the town will be eligible to earn clean energy systems and grants that can be used toward energy efficiency projects. Under the original Clean Energy Communities program, the town of Woodbridge installed a 5 kW solar photovoltaic system at the Massaro Community Farm and worked with their Regional School District to install a 4 kW array at Amity High School. To-date, Woodbridge is among the 31 Connecticut towns that have signed the pledge.
In 2008, First Selectman Sheehy received a Home Energy Solutions (HES) assessment at his home, a comprehensive in-home weatherization service offered through the Energy Efficiency Fund. By sending a certified contractor to evaluate heating and air conditioning systems, lighting, windows, duct work and appliances, the HES assessment helps Connecticut residents like First Selectman Sheehy to become more energy efficient around their homes. In addition, the contractor makes on-the-spot improvements and provides valuable rebate information on appliances, HVAC systems and insulation.
“Once I learned that the Clean Energy Communities program had been expanded to further support energy efficiency and renewable energy, I knew recommitting to the program was the best way to lead our residents towards heightened energy efficiency awareness, especially after my favorable experience with the HES assessment at my home,” Sheehy commented.
Clean Energy Communities program administrators, The United Illuminating Company, Connecticut Light & Power and CEFIA, will work with Sheehy and the Woodbridge Clean Energy Task Force to help the town meet the goals laid out in its Comprehensive Energy Plan and in the Clean Energy Communities Municipal Pledge.
For more information on the Clean Energy Communities program, towns are encouraged to visit www.ctcleanenergy.com/communities. To learn about energy efficiency or clean and renewable energy programs through the Energize Connecticut initiative, please visit www.EnergizeCT.com or call 1.877.WISE.USE.
To keep up-to-date on the latest energy-efficient conversation happening in Connecticut, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/energizect.
