Press Releases
09/28/2020
DEEP Seeks Input to Help Make Energy Efficiency Programs More Equitable
Input Sought from Wide Range of Stakeholders by Oct. 5
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) having launched a request for written comments to make its energy efficiency programs more equitable and inclusive, seeks input and engagement from a wide range of stakeholders.
For more than a decade, Connecticut has been ranked as one of the top states in the nation for energy efficiency, but as recent events in our country have shown, widespread issues of inequity and racial injustice persist. DEEP endeavors to ensure that its programs are working for all people, particularly those who most need the cost-saving benefits these programs provide.
DEEP works with the electric and gas utilities, and the Energy Efficiency Board to create and deliver energy efficiency programs that save Connecticut homes and businesses over $67.5 million per year while helping to reduce air emissions and our impact on a changing climate. While DEEP has taken several actions to increase program access and affordability (as well as further actions to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses and residents), much can be done to address equitable participation in these programs.
Given the focus of this “Equitable Energy Efficiency Proceeding,” DEEP seeks input and engagement from the public to ensure our decisions are community-driven and centered around the needs and priorities of those we serve. We want to hear from a wide range of stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and community groups that might not typically participate in public comment processes.
In particular, DEEP seeks input in the following areas:
- Understanding Energy Vulnerability in Connecticut: How can DEEP make sure that diverse voices are included in plans related to energy efficiency programs? What social or physical barriers prevent you, members of your community, or communities you serve from accessing energy efficiency programs?
- Effective Partnering with Diverse Communities: How can DEEP equally consider diverse communities in its outreach and meaningfully connect with residents and businesses that are burdened by high energy bills? What unique energy opportunities and challenges do low-income residents and small/local businesses face?
- Measuring Energy Equity: How can DEEP identify underserved communities to prioritize for cost-saving energy efficiency measures? What metrics should be used to measure the effectiveness of the programs?
We invite commenters to submit their responses to DEEP.EnergyBureau@ct.gov on or before October 5 at 4:00 p.m. Any questions may be directed to Rose.Croog@ct.gov.
This flyer (also linked in Spanish here) is a simplified version of our request for written comments and is intended for broader community outreach. The request for comments may be accessed through a link included in the flyer and outlines some specific issues for which we are requesting comments. We hope that you will share this flyer with members of your community and encourage them to participate in the public comment process. We welcome the opportunity to review your comments.
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Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110