Energy Fund Conservation Programs Still On Track

BERLIN — The Home Energy Solutions program and the WRAP program for low-income customers are among various energy-efficiency programs and services still available for customers of the Connecticut Light & Power Company (CL&P). Customers have been questioning CL&P as to the status of these programs and others following media reports about a recent Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) decision regarding energy-efficiency programs.

CL&P recently completed its review of the DPUC decision and has determined how funding will be allocated. CL&P administers these energy-efficiency programs for its customers on behalf of the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund (CEEF). The funding comes primarily from a surcharge on customer electric bills. CEEF programs and budgets are regulated and approved by the DPUC.

While total commitments for 2008 are already greater than its original year-end projections, the DPUC’s decision enables CL&P to continue to provide these valuable CEEF programs to its customers, said the company in a prepared release.

“CL&P has a long history of supporting energy-efficiency programs. We are committed to providing these services to our customers now and in the future,” said Ronald Araujo, manager, CL&P conservation and load management.

The residential, in-home programs are accepting and processing new applications, though customers submitting these new applications may experience a longer wait time for appointments. The residential new home construction program is completing currently approved projects.

For commercial and industrial customers, CL&P has already made commitments to business customer projects that will fully utilize its budget for the remainder of this year. CL&P, however, is accepting inquiries for future CEEF program projects.

Anyone planning on constructing a new facility in 2009 or beyond, is encouraged by CL&P to contact it for assistance in designing in with energy-efficiency options. Commercial and industrial customers have been leading the way in energy savings in the state, CL&P noted; in 2007, Connecticut businesses saved almost 236 million kilowatt-hours through participation in CEEF programs.

That is enough electricity to power more than 25,000 typical homes for a year. 2007 saw the number of CL&P business customers participating increase by approximately19 percent; 2008 participation levels are also trending higher.

“The customer-driven demand for programs that save energy is a positive trend for Connecticut,” said Jeff Gaudiosi, chairman of the CEEF. “Reducing consumption offsets the pressure to build more power plants and results in fewer toxins emitted into our atmosphere. Energy-efficiency also reduces the strain on our region’s electric system, helping to ensure energy security for all our citizens.”

Energy costs and a growing awareness of the environmental effects of energy use continue to drive the demand for these very effective programs. In 2007, Connecticut’s program was ranked number one (along with California and Vermont) in a national review of exemplary energy efficiency programs by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.

For questions or additional information visit www.cl-p.com or call 877-WISE USE.