HARTFORD, CT – As the state legislature heads into its final weeks, Connecticut businesses, advocates, and workers stood together in a Tuesday press conference in the Connecticut Capitol Building to fight against energy proposals that would destabilize and threaten the future of Connecticut’s award-winning and consumer cost-saving energy efficiency programs.
“As lawmakers grapple with crafting energy policy this legislative session, energy efficiency should be elevated as a critical cost saving measure, not scapegoated and destabilized as proposals on the table would do,” said Andy Bauer, Chair of Portland’s Clean Energy Task Force. “My town of Portland has benefited in multiple ways from Connecticut’s energy efficiency program. Every community and all ratepayers save money because of this program.”
“Energy efficiency is the number-one demand reduction resource in the state and in the nation. It is a critical program to lower peak demand AND lower the cost of energy. If we don’t make energy efficiency part of the solution, we will increase costs. That does not benefit the ratepayer,” said Leticia Colon de Mejias, Founder, Green Eco Warriors.
“Instead of saving money for Connecticut residents, proposals to fund energy efficiency through bonds actually will result in higher costs because of interest payments and put this critical program at the mercy of the bonding process,” said Samantha Dynowski, State Director, Sierra Club Connecticut Chapter.
“Energy efficiency employs 49,000 workers in Connecticut. Dismantling our long-standing and award-winning energy efficiency programs would put those jobs at risk without creating any long term energy savings for the ratepayer,” said Aziz Dehkan, Executive Director, Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs.
“Energy efficiency is the best way for Connecticut residents to lower their electric bills in the long run, and these programs save far more than they cost. Every $1 invested in energy efficiency generates $3 in savings, which lowers costs for everyone. Over the last three years, energy efficiency investments through the Conservation and Load Management Program have benefitted more than one million residential, commercial, and industrial customers in every town in the state. Destabilizing energy efficiency funding will take away our options for reducing long term energy costs with little benefit to bills right now,” said Michelle Long, Owner, Energy Management Authority.
“Houses of worship are at the front lines of helping their communities. Our state’s energy efficiency programs help families, houses of worship, businesses, and everyone else use less electricity overall, which reduces energy costs, improves quality of life, and has proven health benefits. Energy efficiency must be protected,” said Terri Eickel, Executive Director, Interreligious Eco-Justice Network.
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