Rocky Hill, Conn., February 20, 2007 – Norfolk has earned the Leadership Reward from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund in recognition of its status as the first Connecticut municipality with 10% of its households enrolled in the CTCleanEnergyOptions program. To qualify for this distinction, Norfolk joined a growing list of municipalities in the state that have become “Connecticut Clean Energy Communities.” Through the Connecticut Clean Energy Communities Program, a partnership between the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) and SmartPower, Connecticut cities and towns can earn this designation by reaching two milestones: (1) committing to purchasing 20% clean energy by the year 2010 and (2) having at least 100 residents and small businesses or 10% of households sign up for the CTCleanEnergyOptions program, offered to customers of United Illuminating and CL&P. By meeting these two important clean energy milestones, Norfolk will now receive an “earned”, 1-kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) system that may be installed on a municipal building of its choice.
As the recipient of the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund’s Leadership Reward Norfolk will receive a bonus 4-kilowatt solar PV system for its efforts in enrolling residents and businesses in the program. Combined with its “earned” system, Norfolk now has available a total of 5-kilowatts for installation on a municipal building.
The 1-kilowatt solar PV systems are provided by CCEF to qualifying cities and towns as an incentive for municipalities and their residents and small businesses to adopt clean energy. Once installed, the solar PV systems will reduce the municipalities’ energy costs by converting sunlight into electricity for municipal buildings and will serve as an educational tool for city and town residents. The solar PV systems are valued at approximately $10,000 apiece. Municipalities may earn additional 1-kilowatt systems for every 100 local residents or small businesses that enroll in the CTCleanEnergyOptions program.
“We are delighted that Norfolk has qualified for a CCEF-provided solar energy system,” said Lise Dondy, president, Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. “As the first municipality with a 10% penetration rate, Norfolk is demonstrating that clean energy works for the smallest towns as well as the largest cities.”
“Norfolk’s Clean Energy Task Force, with its unprecedented commitment to clean energy, deserves all of the credit for helping our town earn the Leadership Reward,” said Susan M. Dyer, first selectwoman, Norfolk. “The task force did a fantastic job in getting the word out to our residents and business community who worked together for the good of the town and the environment.”
“The government, citizens and small businesses of Norfolk are truly leading by example,” said Jonathan Edwards, chief operating officer for SmartPower. “They are helping to create cleaner air, a healthier community and energy independence today and for future generations.”
By supporting both the SmartPower 20% by 2010 clean energy campaign and the CTCleanEnergyOptions program, cities and towns are sending a strong signal that clean energy issues are important to all of us. Residents can find more information on the Connecticut Clean Energy Communities Program and other community-based clean energy initiatives at www.ctcleanenergy.com/communities , www.ctcleanenergyoptions.com or www.gocleanenergy.com.
About the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF)
CCEF was created by the Connecticut General Assembly and is administered by Connecticut Innovations, a quasi-public organization. CCEF promotes the development and commercialization of clean energy technologies; the creation of clean energy supply; and the demand for electricity from clean, renewable sources in Connecticut in order to strengthen Connecticut’s economy, protect community health, improve the environment, and promote a secure energy supply for the state. CCEF’s funding comes from a surcharge on electric ratepayers’ utility bills. For more information on CCEF, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.
About Connecticut Innovations, Inc (CI).
Connecticut Innovations (CI) is a quasi-public organization dedicated to driving a vibrant, entrepreneurial, technology-based economy in Connecticut. CI stimulates high-tech growth by investing in: early-stage Connecticut technology companies; university/industry research collaborations; technology transfer; and, clean energy initiatives through the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. CI also fosters collaboration among government, business, non-profit and academic organizations to advance technology growth and promotes public policies consistent with CI’s mission. For more information on CI, please visit www.ctinnovations.com.
About SmartPower
SmartPower is a non-profit marketing campaign dedicated to promoting clean energy. SmartPower’s 20% by 2010 campaign encourages institutions, municipalities and individuals to make a commitment to obtain 20% of their electricity from clean sources by 2010. Please visit www.smartpower.org or www.gocleanenergy.com.
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