Energy efficiency reduces the amount of energy needed to get the same job done. It also eliminates energy waste. The benefits of being more efficient with energy use include:
- reduced air pollution and climate change contributors
- lower energy costs
In Connecticut, there are programs and initiatives to help homes and businesses use less energy and also to make energy efficiency equitable across income levels.
Common Energy Efficiency Examples
So, what approaches can be used to improve the energy efficiency of your home or business? Here are several widely used examples:
- using Energy Star LED light bulbs that provide the same amount of light, while using 70-90% less energy
- window treatments that reduce air and heat leakages
- attic insulation to keep heat inside the home in the winter while keeping hot air out during the summer
- computer sleep mode to automatically lower power usage when not being used
- smart Wi-Fi controlled thermostats that automatically regulate heating and cooling by adjusting to your preferred temperature and schedules so that you don't pay for energy usage when no one is home.
Role of Energize CT
EnergizeCT is regarded as "Connecticut's one-stop shop for all things energy efficient. It is an initiative supported by several organizations:
- Energy Efficiency Fund
- Connecticut Green Bank
- DEEP
By visiting homes and businesses, or providing online virtual assessments, EnergizeCT performs energy audits in order to make recommendations for efficiency upgrades.
Energy Efficiency and the Environment
Since electricity is created by burning fossil fuels, electric energy efficiency provides a cost effective way to lower carbon emissions which contribute to global warming.
Secondly, by consuming less fossil fuels to generate electricity, we can also reduce carbon dioxide air pollution, along with black carbon, methane and greenhouse gases.
Making Energy Efficiency Equitable
Energy efficiency does not happen by itself. It often requires home upgrades, in one form or another, which may be costly for lower-income households.
The benefits of energy efficiency should be made accessible and equitable for all, including residents who are already paying disproportionately higher electricity bills, with respect to their income.
Equitable Energy Efficiency (E3) Programs In Connecticut
Connecticut is making conscious efforts to ensure that energy efficiency is accessible to all income levels, including underserved homes. The state's E3 (i.e. Equitable Energy Efficiency) programs strive to realize the ideal of energy efficient homes for everyone. Objectives include:
- equitable access to the outcomes of energy efficiency
- eliminate program access barriers based on low to moderate income tiers
- mitigate high energy burdens for low-income and underserved residences
- prioritization of communities that have been historically deprived of important resources
- program design based on the real-life needs and experiences of residents
Connecticut is making energy efficiency plans to
- develop policies for energy efficiency
- improve home energy efficiency
- invest in programs for greater energy efficiency
- improve the energy management of state buildings
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
A significant barrier to creating an energy efficient home is the cost associated with upgrades, retrofits and other improvements. However, in order to achieve the end-goal of lower monthly energy costs, these initial improvements are often necessary.
Connecticut's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is funded by the United States Department of Energy. At the state level, it is administered by DEEP (the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection) in collaboration with local Community Action Agencies.
DEEP's role is to manage the overall WAP program and provide technical support. Local Community Action Agencies qualify households and help deliver services to actual residents.
Who is Eligible For WAP?
The Weatherization Assistance Progarm is available to homes who earn 60% of the State Median Income (SMI). However, priority is given to vulnerable groups such as the disabled, the elderly, homes with children and high energy users.
Resources for Home Energy Efficiency in CT
In addition to EnergizeCT and the Weatherization Assistance Program, Connecticut offers other resources for homeowners such as
- Connecticut Energy Assistance Fund which provides rebates and weatherization incentives
- Connecticut Housing Investment Fund (CHIF) which provides loans for energy conservation improvements
Other resources for home repairs include
- Capital for Change which provides loans for home improvements and energy conservation
- 211 Infoline which provides loan referrals and information on home improvement programs
- Hartford Community Loan fund which provides home improvement loans and accessibility grans for handicapped individuals.
- Habitat for Humanity which uses volunteers to build houses for low-income families with their ReStores division, providing discounted, used and surplus materials.
- Rebuilding Together which helps disabled, low-income and elderly home-owners with home improvement repairs.
- Veterans Affairs Regional Loan Center which provides loans and grants for eligible veterans to modify an existing home dwelling.
- USDA Rural Development Office which provides home improvement loans and grants for rural areas.
The Necessity of Energy Efficiency in Connecticut
As a state where residents pay high energy costs, energy efficiency is a necessary long-term solution for households of all income levels. Nonetheless, many resources and programs are now available to help individuals and families make this transition as affordable as possible so that both homes and businesses can start saving more.