Wilton Signs Clean Energy Communities Pledge, Launches Town-Wide Promotion

The Town of Wilton has signed a pledge to commit to the Clean Energy Communities program, an Energize Connecticut initiative that incentivizes Connecticut cities and towns to improve energy efficiency and promote the use of clean and renewable energy. The town joins over 60 other Connecticut municipalities that have already taken the pledge.

Under the expanded Clean Energy Communities program, Wilton has pledged to reduce municipal building energy consumption by 20 percent by 2018, and to voluntarily purchase 20 percent of its municipal electrical needs from renewable sources by 2018. Connecticut Light and Power (CL&P) and the Clean Energy Finance & Investment Authority (CEFIA), the Clean Energy Communities program administrators, will work with Wilton to help the town achieve these goals.

“Wilton has always embraced energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives and we are excited to join the Clean Energy Communities program, which will ensure that our community continues to grow in both of these areas,” said Wilton First Selectman Bill Brennan. “I hope that by signing the pledge, residents and businesses are encouraged to participate in energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, which will help lower their overall energy costs, and contribute to Wilton’s participation in the Clean Energy Communities program.”

Through participation in energy-saving and renewable energy programs, Wilton can earn points towards rewards. For example, when residents or businesses receive a Home Energy SolutionsSM (HES) assessment, install a renewable energy system such as a solar photovoltaic array or solar hot water system, apply for energy improvements using new CEFIA financing products or upgrade older equipment or lighting to more energy efficient models, they earn points for the town.  In addition, because Wilton has opted into the Commercial – Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program, the town can earn points for applications and completed C-PACE projects at commercial and industrial properties.

Wilton has already earned its first “Bright Idea Grant,” which is achieved when a community earns 100 points through participation in energy efficiency programs. The grant will be used for a community-selected energy-saving project. Similarly, for every 100 points earned through participation in renewable initiatives, Wilton can earn a renewable energy system equivalent to a 1 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system. The town previously earned 5 kW of solar PV through the program that was combined with a donation of 15 kW by former Wilton resident, Ron French, resulting in a 20 kW system installed at Wilton High School.

For Wilton residents that sign up for a HES service, CL&P-authorized energy specialists will come to your home or apartment and install energy-efficient products and perform weatherization services. Services include locating and professionally sealing critical air leaks, replacing incandescent lights with energy-saving bulbs and insulating hot water pipes. While these services are valued at an average of $1,000, the cost for the HES service is only $75 for homes heating with electricity or natural gas, $99 for homes heated with fuel oil and propane, and is free for those who meet income eligibility guidelines.

Residents should call 877.WISE.USE (877.947.3873) to sign up for a HES service.

Residents or businesses seeking more information on energy-saving and renewable energy programs should visit EnergizeCT.com.

Communities interested in becoming a Clean Energy Community or recommitting to the program should visit EnergizeCT.com/communities.