Press Releases
10/07/2020
Governor Lamont Declares October 7 as Energy Efficiency Day in Connecticut
Connecticut Joins Coalition of State and Local Governments Recognizing the Importance of Energy Efficiency
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont announced today that he has signed a proclamation declaring Wednesday, October 7, 2020 as Energy Efficiency Day in the State of Connecticut in recognition of the importance of energy efficiency to the state’s environment, economy, and the well-being of Connecticut residents.
Connecticut joins a coalition of advocates, companies, government agencies, and utilities participating in the fifth annual Energy Efficiency Day, an initiative of dozens of energy efficiency advocacy groups around the United States. The event aims to raise awareness of the multiple benefits of energy efficiency, including lowering consumer bills, reducing pollution, supporting jobs, and making homes more comfortable.
“Energy efficiency is critically important, and that’s especially true today,” Governor Lamont said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on our country and our state, and there are many tools that will be brought to bear to help us on our path to recovery. Energy efficiency, with its myriad benefits of lowering bills for consumers, supporting an important job sector, and reducing pollution is an excellent, good sense tool for all of us to utilize.”
While Connecticut has the highest electricity prices in the continental United States, Connecticut residents consume less energy on average, compared to other states. Accordingly, the percentage of Connecticut residents’ income that goes toward energy bills is in line with the national average, despite the state’s comparatively high electricity costs.
For more than a decade, Connecticut has been ranked as one of the top states in the nation for energy efficiency. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (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. These programs directly and indirectly support the employment of 39,000 individuals in the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, lighting insulation, and advanced materials building sectors.
Connecticut is working hard to support and enhance its energy efficiency programs in light of recent national events. In his proclamation, Governor Lamont outlines how the state worked closely with energy efficiency contractors to ensure the safe delivery of energy efficiency programs that have the potential to alleviate energy affordability issues felt even more acutely by Connecticut residents and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, DEEP recently launched an Equitable Energy Efficiency Proceeding to define equity in the context of energy efficiency and expand the inclusion and participation of individuals in underserved communities. Through this proceeding, DEEP endeavors to ensure that its programs are working for all people, particularly those who most need the cost-saving benefits these programs provide.
Energy Efficiency Day will be an opportunity to recognize the importance of energy efficiency, celebrate Connecticut’s achievements in this field, and discuss new ways to support and improve energy efficiency programs in Connecticut.
For more information about Connecticut’s energy efficiency efforts, click here.
**Download: Governor Lamont’s proclamation declaring October 7 as Energy Efficiency Day
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