Equity and Affordability
About
- A foundational element of DEEP's energy and technology research and initiatives is a commitment to understanding and addressing clean energy and energy efficiency programs through an equity lens.
- All four of BETP's offices, the Office of Affordable Housing Energy Retrofits, the Office of Buildings and Transportation Decarbonization, the Office of Energy Supply and Infrastructure, and the Office of Telecommunications and Broadband are committed to developing programs that:
- Generate data-driven insights that unpack how social factors such as income and demography influence energy and technology burdens, program participation and service quality.
- Ensure programs and incentives provide carveouts for affordable and accessible energy and technology resources to the most vulnerable communities, especially those that have been historically overlooked and under-funded.
Initiatives
Home Energy Solutions – Income Eligible
Home Energy Solutions – Income Eligible offered by Energize CT is a program that provides customers who meet income requirements with a no cost in-home assessment and weatherization services. Home Energy Solutions
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is funded by the US Department of Energy and helps income-eligible customers minimize energy-related costs and fuel usage in their homes through energy upgrades and home improvement measures. Typical measures may include heating system tune-ups and repairs, blower door guided air-sealing, attic and sidewall insulation, and health & safety inspections. Weatherization Assistance Program
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program is administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services and provides winter heating cost assistance to more than 75,000 income-eligible households every year, regardless of their heat source. Connecticut Energy Assistance Program
Non-Profit Heating Assistance Services
Non-Profit Heating Assistance Services provide year-round emergency utility and energy assistance to low-to-moderate-income households that don’t qualify for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program. Every town in Connecticut is aided by Operation Fuel’s statewide network of local fuel banks. Non-Profit Heating Assistance Services
Weatherization Barriers Remediation Program
The Weatherization Barriers Remediation Program addresses health and safety issues, such as mold and asbestos, that inhibit the completion of residential weatherization and energy efficiency measures. This program will play an important role in connecting low-income families with services that improve the safety and comfort of their homes while stabilizing energy bills. Weatherization Barriers Remediation Program
Equitable Energy Efficiency (E3)
Equitable Energy Efficiency (E3) Proceeding is a collaborative initiative with the utilities, Connecticut Energy Efficiency Board, and other stakeholders to develop strategies for ensuring that the benefits of energy efficiency are shared equitably among residents and businesses. Equitable Energy Efficiency
Electric Vehicles Rebate Program (CHEAPR)
Electric Vehicles Rebate Program (CHEAPR) provides customers who participate in certain income qualified programs, with additional rebates when purchasing or leasing new eligible vehicle or a used eligible vehicle. Electric Vehicles Rebate Program
PURA Electric Vehicle Charging Program
PURA Electric Vehicle Charging Program supports the installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the state, focusing on equity and inclusion. This program provides rebates to residents and businesses for the installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
PURA Electric Vehicle Charging Program
Shared Clean Energy Facility (SCEF)
The Shared Clean Energy Facility (SCEF) Program was established by Public Act 18-50 Section 7(c) to support the deployment of renewable energy resources and provide on-bill electric savings for participating subscribers. Subscribers receive on-bill credits from clean energy facilities in the state without needing to spend their own money or install their own solar panels. Shared Clean Energy Facility
PURA’s Energy Storage Solutions Program
PURA’s Energy Storage Solutions Program provides customers with upfront and performance incentive payments for energy storage installations at their home or business. 40% of the program’s upfront incentive levels are reserved for low-income and underserved customers. PURA’s Energy Storage Solutions Program
PURA’s Residential Renewable Energy Solutions Program
PURA’s Residential Renewable Energy Solutions Program allows customers to sell their generated power and renewable energy certificates (RECs) back to the grid. Additional incentives are available for customers with incomes below 60% of the state median income or if the solar installation is in an economically-distressed community. PURA’s Residential Renewable Energy Solutions Program
Sustainable, Transparent, and Efficient Practices (STEPS) for Solar Development
Sustainable, Transparent, and Efficient Practices (STEPS) for Solar Development identifies policies, legislative actions, and best practices, particularly related to the procurement, siting, and permitting of ground-mounted solar systems in Connecticut. One objective of the initiative is to promote equity and environmental justice through community engagement. Sustainable, Transparent, and Efficient Practices (STEPS) for Solar Development
Content last updated June 2022