02/28/2018
Connecticut’s Energy Efficiency Programs Fuel Job Creation and Economic Growth in 2017
Every dollar invested in energy efficiency generates $7 back into Connecticut’s economy, according to the 2017 Programs and Operations Report released today by the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Board (EEB).
The energy efficiency improvements made in 2017 will save Connecticut homeowners, renters, cities and towns, and businesses of all sizes more than $841 million over the life of those measures.
“Last year’s results prove that energy efficiency works for Connecticut,” said Taren O’Connor of the Office of Consumer Counsel and Chair of the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Board. “The savings are used by residents to support household expenses. It helps businesses and municipalities pay local salaries and be more competitive, and overall, it contributes to the quality of life in our state. Unfortunately, the state budget passed in October 2017 diverted approximately 33 percent of the customer-funded programs, which will have harmful consequences for future economic growth and job creation in Connecticut.”
The state’s energy efficiency programs and services are supported by customers through a small charge on electric and natural gas bills, marketed under the statewide brand Energize Connecticut, and provided by Eversource, United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas, and Connecticut Natural Gas.
“Energy efficiency is our lowest cost fuel; in other words, it is a low-cost substitute for new generation,” said Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Deputy Commissioner Mary Sotos. “It is more important than ever that we protect these vital programs, as they not only drive economic growth, but also contribute to a healthier and cleaner state environment.”
In 2017, these programs and services achieved the following results:
- Generated 34,000 jobs
- Delivered a $1.4 billion increase to the gross state product
- Completed more than 94,000 residential energy efficiency projects and rebates, including approximately 28,000 projects for lower-income families
- Performed energy-efficient improvements to nearly 27,000 multifamily units across the state
- Partnered with more than 6,000 businesses, non-profit organizations, and public sector customers, making their buildings more energy efficient and their organizations more sustainable, profitable and competitive
- Avoided greenhouse gas emissions of nearly three million tons for the life of the measures (about the same as removing approximately 654,000 cars from the road for a year)
- Delivered lifetime energy savings of 4.2 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity, 97.8 million ccf (one ccf equals 100 cubic feet) of natural gas, and 29.3 million gallons of fuel oil and propane
For more information on Connecticut’s customer-funded energy efficiency programs and services, as well as 2017 results, please visit EnergizeCT.com/2017-Annual-Legislative-Report.
About Energize Connecticut
Energize Connecticut helps you save money and use clean energy. It is an initiative of the State of Connecticut, the Connecticut Green Bank, Eversource, UI, SCG and CNG, with funding from a charge on customer energy bills. Information on energy-saving programs can be found at EnergizeCT.com or by calling 877.WISE.USE.
Energize Connecticut helps you save money and use clean energy. It is an initiative of the State of Connecticut, the Connecticut Green Bank, Eversource, UI, SCG and CNG, with funding from a charge on customer energy bills. Information on energy-saving programs can be found at EnergizeCT.com or by calling 877.WISE.USE.
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