| Please note that rebates and
incentives offered by city, state or federal
agencies are outside the control of Absolute Best
Service Company, and as such, we cannot be held
responsible for the accuracy of the information
contained herein. Also note that programs
change regularly. Check back often. If
you'd like to schedule service,
please
click here, or give us a call.
Financial
Incentives
Industry Recruitment/Support
Leasing/Lease Purchase
Property Tax
Exemption
Sales Tax
Exemption
State Grant
Program
State Loan Program
State Rebate
Program
Utility Grant
Program
Utility Loan
Program
Utility Rebate
Program
Rules, Regulations
& Policies
Appliance/Equipment Efficiency Standards
Building Energy
Code
Contractor
Licensing
Energy Standards
for Public Buildings
Green Power
Purchasing/Aggregation
Interconnection
Net Metering
Public Benefits
Fund
Renewables
Portfolio Standard
Related Programs &
Initiatives
Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data
Center
The U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels
and Advanced Vehicles Data Center (AFDC) provides a
wide range of information and resources to enable
the use of alternative fuels and other
petroleum-reduction options, such as advanced
vehicles, fuel blends, idle reduction and fuel
economy. The AFDC site offers a database of state
and federal laws and incentives related to
alternative fuels and vehicles, air quality, fuel
efficiency, and other transportation-related topics.
Green Power Network
The U.S. Department of Energy's Green Power Network
provides news and information on green power markets
and activities, including opportunities to buy green
power. This site provides state-by-state information
on green power marketing and utility green power
programs. In addition, the site lists marketers of
renewable energy credits (RECs), also known as green
tags or renewable energy certificates, which
represent the environmental attributes of the power
produced from renewable energy projects.
Weatherization Assistance Program
The U.S. Department of Energy's Weatherization
Assistance Program (WAP) enables low-income families
to reduce their energy bills by making their homes
more energy-efficient. Through this program,
weatherization service providers install
energy-efficiency measures in the homes of
qualifying homeowners free of charge. The WAP
program web site offers a state-by-state map of
opportunities, projects and activities.
Wind Powering America
The U.S. Department of Energy's Wind Powering
America site provides state-by-state information on
wind projects and activities, including wind working
groups, validated wind maps, anemometer loan
programs, small wind guides, state-specific news,
wind for schools, workshops and web casts.
CCEF - Operational Demonstration Program
Summary:
The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) created the
Operational Demonstration Program in August 2005 to
enable early-stage companies to demonstrate the
effectiveness of their own near-commercial,
clean-energy technologies. Through January 31, 2010,
the program will provide a total of $4 million in
funding for projects installed in Connecticut.
The program supports proposals for demonstration
projects that have a high likelihood of developing
into a commercial product within a reasonable period
of time -- generally, five years for fuel cells and
three years for most other clean-energy
technologies. Eligible resources include solar,
wind, ocean thermal, wave or tidal, run-of-the-river
hydro, fuel cells, hydrogen generation and storage
technologies, landfill gas, low-emission advanced
biomass-conversion technologies, and usable
electricity from combined heat and power (CHP)
systems with waste-heat recovery systems.
Additionally, the CCEF's authorizing statute
includes a provision allowing the fund to support
"other energy resources and emerging technologies
which do not involve the combustion of coal,
petroleum or petroleum products, municipal solid
waste or nuclear fission." Projects must have a
capacity of at least one kilowatt (kW), or the
functional equivalent for hydrogen generation.
Funding for the Operational Demonstration Program
will be provided in the form of an unsecured loan,
with repayment contingent upon the product achieving
"commercial success." The CCEF will also collect an
additional percentage of product revenues for
products that exceed a higher revenue threshold. The
fund requires a front-loaded 25% cash cost-share for
any funding provided; in-kind contributions are
accepted under certain conditions. The maximum
amount of funding for each individual award is
$750,000. Requests for funding above $500,000 must
be justified, however, by the unique nature of the
project, the project’s large scale, or compelling
potential benefits for Connecticut electric
ratepayers.
Applicants must be entrepreneurs, developers or
integrators of the technology they hope to
commercialize, and must have a demonstrated
long-term interest in commercializing the
technology. The CCEF has accepted applications on a
rolling submission basis, and evaluates project
proposals based on technology viability, short-term
and long-term market opportunities, and other
criteria.
The CCEF was created in April 1998 as part of
legislation deregulating the state's
electric-utility industry. It seeks to accelerate
Connecticut’s technology economy by investing to
develop clean-energy technologies, supporting the
creation of clean-energy supply and educating
Connecticut’s residents about the importance of
clean energy to the state's energy future. The CCEF
is financed by a surcharge on ratepayers' electric
bills, and is managed and administered by
Connecticut Innovations.
Back to Top
New Energy
Technology Program
Summary:
Connecticut's New Energy Technology program aims to
develop innovative energy-efficient technologies and
renewable-energy technologies in order to save
energy, improve air quality and generate employment
opportunities in Connecticut. Grants are available
to applicants who submit promising pre-commercial
technologies that conserve energy or facilitate the
use of renewable energy. Individual awards up to
$10,000 will be awarded to as many as five "small
firms" -- a firm that employs 30 or fewer people --
each year. Previous award recipients have used grant
funding for product development, prototype testing,
patent application, business plan development,
payroll, and product marketing and promotion at
trade shows.
In addition to providing grant funding, the
Connecticut Office of Policy and Management (OPM)
offers guidance to recipients to find additional
technical and financial assistance. This assistance
could include locating potential industry partners,
or identifying and applying for other state and
federally sponsored programs.
The following program schedule applies:
-
November: Grant application
period opens
-
Early February: Grant application
period closes
-
February: Tier I review of grant
applications completed
-
March: Tier II review of grant
applications completed
-
April/May: Grant award documents
mailed
-
September 30: Combined financial
and progress report from grant recipients
received and reviewed*
-
October 31: Progress report
submitted to U.S. Department of Energy*
Back to Top
CCEF - CT Solar
Lease
Summary:
Note: Depending on the cost and efficiency of
the leased system, the cost of electricity generated
from the leased solar system might initially exceed
the cost of conventional electricity. However, the
program provides for an effective fixed price of
electricity for up to 20 years and the CCEF expects
that Connecticut homeowners will experience a
significant financial benefit as a result.
CT Solar Lease allows homeowners to lease a
photovoltaic (PV) system, with fixed monthly
payments, for a term of 20 years. This program,
which takes advantage of federal tax credits for
solar energy, is available to owners of one- to
four-family homes with a household income not
greater than 200% of the area's median income. No
down-payment is required.
Homeowners may choose an eligible installer to
design and price a PV system. All electricity
generated by a leased PV system reduces the
homeowner's electric bill. At the end of the 15th
year, the homeowner may (1) buy the system at a
reduced cost, (2) extend the lease for another five
years at a reduced monthly payment, or (3) remove
the system -- at the homeowner's expense -- and
return the system to the program operator. At the
end of the full 20 year term, the homeowner would
have options (1) and (3) above. If a participating
homeowner decides to sell the home, the lease must
be assumed by the new homeowner, or the initial
homeowner must continue to abide by the terms of the
lease.
The homeowner is responsible for paying all repairs
and maintenance during the lease, as well as
insurance. However, the CT Solar Lease program
requires PV installers to warranty labor for the
system for five years, and manufacturer warranties
are required for the PV modules (20 years) and
inverters (five years). The program assumes
ownership of the renewable energy credits (RECs)
associated with a PV's systems electricity
generation. A substantial portion of the value of
these RECs will be set aside for the benefit of the
homeowner to be used to cover operation and
maintenance expenses associated with the system,
including inverter replacement as well as the cost
to purchase or return the system.
The CCEF, which is investing $38.6 million in this
program, aims to support 1,000 PV installations
through 2011. CT Solar Leasing, LLC, a non-bank
subsidiary of U.S. Bancorp, will finance the
purchase and installation of the systems. AFC First
Financial Corporation is a partner in the
development of CT Solar Lease Program and manages
the application and approval processes for residents
and handles the lease payments. Gemstone Lease
Management, LLC is a partner in the development of
the program and manages the day to day operations of
CT Solar Leasing, LLC.
Back to Top
Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems
Summary:
Connecticut provides a property tax exemption for
"Class I" renewable energy systems* and hydropower
facilities that generate electricity for private
residential use. The exemption is available for
systems installed on or after October 1, 2007, that
serve single-family homes or multi-family dwellings
limited to four units.* In addition, "any passive or
active solar water or space heating system or
geothermal energy resource" is exempt from property
taxes, regardless of the type of facility the system
serves.
Connecticut municipalities are also authorized, but
not required, to offer a property tax exemption for
(1) the amount by which the assessed valuation of an
active solar energy heating or cooling system
installed after October 1, 1976, and before October
1, 2006, exceeds the assessed value of a
conventional heating or cooling system, and (2) the
amount by which the assessed valuation of a passive
or hybrid solar energy heating or cooling system
installed on or after April 20, 1977, exceeds the
valuation at which such real property would be
assessed if built using conventional construction
techniques. Such assessments are in effect for the
first 15 years following construction or addition to
a building.
An exemption claim must be filed with the assessor
or board of assessors in the town in which the
property is placed on or before the first day of
November in the applicable assessment year.
Applications are not required each year as long as
no major alterations are made to the renewable
energy system. Contact your local tax assessor's
office for more information.
* A "Class I renewable energy source" is defined
as “(A) energy derived from solar power, wind power,
a fuel cell, methane gas from landfills, ocean
thermal power, wave or tidal power, low emission
advanced renewable energy conversion technologies, a
run-of-the-river hydropower facility provided such
facility has a generating capacity of not more than
five megawatts, does not cause an appreciable change
in the river flow, and began operation after July 1,
2003, or a sustainable biomass facility with an
average emission rate of equal to or less than .075
pounds of nitrogen oxides per million BTU of heat
input for the previous calendar quarter, except that
energy derived from a sustainable biomass facility
with a capacity of less than five hundred kilowatts
that began construction before July 1, 2003, may be
considered a Class I renewable energy source, or (B)
any electrical generation, including distributed
generation, generated from a Class I renewable
energy source.”
Back to Top
Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Energy-Efficient
Products
Summary:
In Connecticut, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)
and certain “residential weatherization products”
are exempt from the state's sales and use tax. In
addition to CFLs, the exemption applies to
programmable thermostats, window film, caulking,
window and door weather strips, insulation, water
heater blankets, water heaters, natural gas and
propane furnaces and boilers that meet the federal
Energy Star standard, windows and doors that meet
the federal Energy Star standard, oil furnaces and
boilers that are not less than 84% efficient and
ground-source heat pumps that meet the minimum
federal energy efficiency rating.
Back to Top
Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Solar and Geothermal
Systems
Summary:
Connecticut enacted legislation in June 2007 (HB
7432) that established a sales and use tax exemption
for solar energy equipment and geothermal heat
pumps. (Geothermal heat pumps had previously been
exempted from the state's sales and use tax, but the
exemption was set to expire on June 30, 2007.) HB
7432 added passive and active solar water-heating
systems, passive and active solar space-heating
systems, and solar-electric systems to the list of
exempt technologies. The exemption includes
equipment related to eligible systems, and sales of
services relating to the installation of eligible
systems. The exemption has no expiration date.
Back to Top
CCEF - Community Innovations Grant Program
Summary:
The Community Innovations Grants Program, originally
launched in June 2006 as a pilot program, provides
funding for communities to increase voluntary
support for clean energy and to build model
sustainable communities.
Under new program funding made available in December
2008, up to 50 municipalities are eligible to
receive a micro-grant of $4,000, and up to 45
municipalities are eligible to receive a micro-grant
of $2,000. Cities or towns must commit to the
state's "20% by 2010 Campaign" and the EPA Community
Energy Challenge. Municipalities that have
previously received a Community Innovations Grant
are not eligible for this grant. At least 10
"at-large" recipients may receive a micro-grant of
up to $1,000. “At-large” recipients include
individuals who live in cities and towns that have
not yet committed to the “20% by 2010” campaign, as
well as non-profit organizations based in
Connecticut.
Block grants are awarded to eligible communities,
and the funds are managed by a local energy task
force in each participating community. In turn,
these energy task forces, through a grant-giving
process, provide micro-grants to organizations and
citizens to start local projects that support
clean-energy awareness and education within their
communities. Applicants for individual micro-grants
may apply to the local energy task force for funds
ranging from $250 to $2,000 to support a
public-awareness project or education project
addressing the benefits and availability of clean
energy.
This program is supported by the Connecticut Clean
Energy Fund (CCEF), a public benefits fund created
by the Connecticut General Assembly in 1998 and
administered by Connecticut Innovations, a
quasi-public organization. The CCEF promotes the
development and commercialization of clean-energy
technologies and stimulates markets for electricity
from renewable sources. The CCEF is funded by a
surcharge on electric ratepayers’ utility bills.
Back to Top
CCEF -
On-Site Renewable DG Program
Summary:
Note: In December 2008, the CCEF announced
that it will not accept any new pre-applications or
applications for photovoltaic (PV) systems under the
On-Site Renewable DG Program after January 15, 2009.
All pre-applications and applications received under
the OSDG program are date-stamped and will be
evaluated in the order received. Funding will be
awarded until the program budget allocations are
fully committed. The CCEF will announce future
developments and program changes on its web site.
Connecticut's On-Site Renewable Distributed
Generation (DG) Program provides grants to support
the installation of systems that generate
electricity at commercial, industrial and
institutional buildings. Systems utilizing solar
photovoltaics (PV), wind, fuel cells, landfill gas,
low-emission advanced biomass-conversion
technologies, run-of-the-river hydropower, wave or
tidal power, or ocean-thermal power are eligible.*
Most program support will target PV and fuel-cell
projects. Projects that have potential to reduce the
federally mandated congestion charges in Connecticut
will be favored. This program is supported by the
Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), which, after
exceeding -- by four megawatts (MW) -- its objective
of incenting the installation of 5 MW of
customer-side DG projects by mid-2007, has committed
to adding 16.5 MW to Connecticut’s renewable
generating capacity by 2010.
The total funding allocated for all selected
projects under the On-Site Renewable DG Program is
$66.24 million through 2010. All projects must have
a minimum system capacity of 10 kilowatts (kW), and
projects must use an energy-generation device that
is commercially available and offers warrantees,
spare parts and service commensurate with commercial
status. Facilities must be located in Connecticut
within the service territory of Connecticut Light
and Power (CL&P) or United Illuminating (UI). Award
recipients are required to operate the system for at
least 10 years for wind-energy projects and fuel
cells, and for at least 15 years for PV projects.
The maximum individual project award is $4 million,
with the exception of PV-only projects, which are
limited to $850,000 per project. In addition, grants
of up to $50,000 per installation are available to
support site-specific technical studies and
financial feasibility studies. Furthermore, eligible
clean-energy projects installed in the congested
area of southwestern Connecticut on or before June
30, 2008, receive a premium of 2¢ per kilowatt-hour
(kWh), based on the estimated lifetime output of the
system. The actual grant amount will be determined
by an assessment of the difference between the host
site's cost of energy that would be displaced by the
proposed on-site generating equipment, and the total
cost and value of the energy provided by the DG
system. The following funding limits and evaluation
timeframes apply to individual projects:
-
Solar: incentives range from
$3.50 per watt (PTC**) to $4.75 per watt,
depending on applicant type, system size and
LEED certification; 20-year evaluation
timeframe. Incentive funding for PV projects is
limited to 200 kW (PTC) per project. PV projects
are limited (in kW-AC) to the difference between
a facility's most recent 12 months' peak demand
and the “base load.”
-
Fuel cells: up to $4.70 per watt;
10-year evaluation timeframe. Fuel-cell projects
with a capacity up to 1,000 kW are eligible for
an incentive up to $4.70 per watt. Fuel-cell
projects with a capacity greater than 1,000 kW
are limited to an incentive of $3.20 per watt.
-
Small wind: $3.60 per watt;
15-year evaluation timeframe.
-
Small biomass: $3.30 per watt;
10-year evaluation timeframe.
-
Landfill gas: $3.20 per watt;
10-year evaulation timeframe.
-
Hydro: to be determined; 20-year
evaluation timeframe.
The CCEF takes
ownership of the renewable energy credits (RECs)
associated with electricity generation by PV and
wind projects 50 kW-PTC and larger that receive
funding. In turn, the CCEF compensates PV system
owners based on the estimated present value of the
system's RECs over 15 years.
The grant (excluding the southwestern Connecticut
premium) will be disbursed in installments to the
owner of the equipment, based on project milestones
and according to the following schedule, regardless
of technology:
-
Delivery of generating equipment
to site: 50%.
-
Startup, commissioning and
inspection: 40%.
-
After six months of successful
operation: 10%.
The final grant
payment will be awarded provided that the system has
produced at least 70% of the projected AC energy
production during the first six months of operation,
as verified by the CCEF's independent consulting
engineer.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. All
applicants are encouraged to schedule
pre-application discussions with the CCEF staff
before submitting an application under this program.
* The CCEF is also authorized to fund "other
energy resources and emerging technologies which do
not involve the combustion of coal, petroleum or
petroleum products, municipal solid waste or nuclear
fission.” Resources and technologies not listed
above will be addressed on a case-by-case basis,
with substantial weight being given to those
resources and technologies approved as a "Class I"
renewable-energy source by the Connecticut
Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC).
** PTC is the acronym for PVUSA Test Conditions.
Back to Top
CCEF -
Project 150 Initiative
Summary:
The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund’s (CCEF) Project
150 Initiative was authorized by legislation enacted
in June 2003 (P.A. 03-135) that requires the state's
two electric distribution companies -- CL&P and UI
-- to enter into long-term electricity purchase
agreements to obtain at least 150 megawatts (MW) of
"Class I" renewable energy. The eligible
technologies generally include photovoltaics (PV),
solar thermal energy, geothermal energy, wind
energy, ocean thermal energy, wave and tidal energy,
fuel cells, landfill gas, low-impact hydropower,
hydrogen, low-emission biomass, combined heat and
power (CHP), and electricity generated by
alternative fuels. Pricing under these contracts
includes a premium of up to 5.5¢ per kilowatt-hour
(kWh). Legislation required that long-term
electricity-purchase contracts be in place by
October 1, 2008, and must arise from projects that
also receive funding from the CCEF. Projects must
have an aggregated capacity of at least 1 MW and
must have begun operation after July 1, 2003.
The CCEF announced the third round of project
funding in April 2008 and the last day to submit
proposals was May 30, 2008. The Connecticut
Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) opened
docket 08-03-03 as required for the approval
process.
The Round 3 funding announcement requested pricing
in terms of an “all-in” energy price denominated in
cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) (nominal). For all
projects, the price paid by the distribution company
is based on the energy delivered to a specified
Connecticut “node.” Project developers were directed
to energy pricing inclusive of all capital costs,
fuel costs, fixed and variable O&M costs, and any
other costs associated with delivering the
contracted energy output of the facility to the
bid-specified point of delivery. The contract period
for successful Round 3 proposals is between 10 and
20 years. In addition, the CCEF announced it would
award at least $50,000 to each project selected for
an electricity purchase agreement under the Project
150 Initiative.
The first round of Project 150 Initiative funding
was made available in early 2005. The second round
of funding was made available in May 2006 and was
revised in November 2006. The first two rounds of
funding will support a total of 124.2 MW of eligible
projects. As of May 2009, zero MW have been built as
a result of this project.
Back to Top
CHIF -
Energy Conservation Loan
Summary:
Energy Conservation Loans for single families are
available through the Connecticut Housing Investment
Fund, Inc. (CHIF) to owners of one- to four-family
homes who meet established income limits for family
size and location. These loans may be used for a
variety of energy conservation improvements.
Interest rates vary in accordance with the
borrower's family size and income, and the loan may
be repaid over 10 years.
Loans for large residential properties are available
through the Multi-Family Energy Conservation Loan
Program. The terms of this loan are similar to loans
for single-family dwellings, with a higher principal
available on the loan.
Applications for these programs are available from
the program web site above. In addition to the
application, the borrower must submit copies of the
past two years' federal tax returns (with schedules)
and a copy of a monthly mortgage statement or coupon
(or a release of mortgage or deed).
Back to Top
DPUC - Low-Interest Loans for Customer-Side
Distributed Resources
Summary:
Long-term financing is available to retail end-use
customers for the installation of customer-side
distributed resources. Customer-side distributed
resources are defined by Conn. Gen. Stat. § 16-1 as
"(A) the generation of electricity from a unit with
a rating of not more than sixty-five megawatts on
the premises of a retail end user within the
transmission and distribution system including, but
not limited to, fuel cells, photovoltaic systems or
small wind turbines, or (B) a reduction in the
demand for electricity on the premises of a retail
end user in the distribution system through methods
of conservation and load management, including, but
not limited to, peak reduction systems and demand
response systems." This program, administered by
Banc of America Leasing & Capital for the
Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC),
took effect in March 2006.
The maximum total amount of financing for projects
under this program is $150 million. Capital costs
and project-development costs are eligible. Interest
rates are fixed and will be determined at the time
the application is approved by Banc of America.
Loans will be collateralized by way of equipment, or
other collateral or credit enhancements required by
Banc of America.
The following conditions apply:
-
Financing is available for
customer-side projects with a minimum capacity
of 50 kilowatts (kW) and a maximum capacity of
65 megawatts (MW).
-
The generator must have begun
operation after January 1, 2006.
-
New or incremental capacity is
eligible for financing. Existing capacity is not
eligible.
-
Financing is available to the
owner or owners of a qualified project.
-
Financing is available to
customers of Connecticut Light and Power (CL&P)
and United Illuminating (UI) for projects
located in these utilities' service territories.
-
Financing is not available for
emergency generation for hospitals, nursing
homes or other facilities to the extent they are
required to have emergency generation under
state and federal law.
-
Gas air conditioning and gas
chillers are not eligible for financing.
-
Financing is available for
projects funded by the Connecticut Clean Energy
Fund (CCEF), and CL&P’s and UI’s
energy-conservation programs.
Back to Top
CCEF -
Solar PV Rebate Program
Summary:
The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund's (CCEF) solar
photovoltaic (PV) program offers qualified
installers monetary incentives that will be passed
on to customers in the form of rebates. This program
has supported residential, non-profit, and
governmental installations from 2004 to 2008. In
2009, the program is only available to residential
customers in service territories of United
Illuminating Company or Connecticut Light & Power.
The rebate level for residential systems is
$1.75/watt (W) (PTC rating)* for the first five
kilowatts (kW) and $1.25 for the next five kW, with
the payment adjusted based on expected system
performance. The funding cap is $15,000 per project.
Factors considered in calculating the rebate
include: PV panel selection, inverter efficiency,
system orientation and tilt, and shading on the
site.
Businesses are not eligible for rebates under this
program. However, businesses could be eligible for
grant funding through CCEF's On-Site Renewable
Distributed Generation Program.
Participation by installers is limited to those
selected through a request for proposals (RFP)
process. Installers are responsible for all
paperwork necessary to obtain the rebate from the
CCEF on behalf of state residents. A list of
approved installers is available on the program web
site. The program operates on a rolling basis, with
no specific application deadlines.
* PTC is the acronym for PVUSA Test Conditions.
Back to Top
Connecticut Energy Efficiency Incentive Program
Summary:
Connecticut electricity customers that install
energy efficiency equipment and reduce their energy
use during peak hours may be eligible for a rebate
up of up to $600 per kilowatt (kW) saved. Any
customer, whether building a new facility or
retrofitting an existing facility, that is located
in Connecticut is eligible to apply. The key
consideration for qualifying is that the customer's
proposed energy efficient retrofits/new building
plans must result in peak demand savings during the
winter peak (5 pm and 7 pm in December and January)
and summer peak (1 pm and 5 pm in June, July, and
August).
Examples of energy efficient technologies that could
qualify include lighting and lighting controls, HVAC
systems, refrigeration, motors and variable
frequency drives (VFD's) and energy efficient
improvements to overall manufacturing processes.
Businesses, non-profits, and government facilities
interested in these rebates should review the
website listed above and contact Larry Kata for
application details.
Ameresco is the independent energy company
selected by the Department of Public Utility Control
to manage this energy efficiency program, intended
to save 5 megawatts (MW) of electricity. The program
is funded by the ratepayers Federally-Mandated
Congestion Charge.
Back to Top
Furnace and Boiler Replacement Rebate Program
Summary:
Connecticut’s Furnace Replacement Rebate Program
encourages households to replace existing
residential furnaces or boilers with more
energy-efficient models. The program provides
rebates of up to $500 to households that purchase
and install replacement natural gas, propane or oil
furnaces and boilers between July 1, 2007, and June
30, 2017. Rebates are available for replacement
natural gas furnaces or boilers that meet or exceed
federal Energy Star standards, and for propane and
oil furnaces and boilers that are at least 84%
efficient. The amount of the rebate, which depends
on household income, decreases as income rises. The
program is administered by the Connecticut Office of
Policy and Management (OPM).
Only natural gas, oil and propane furnaces/boilers
installed in existing residential structures
containing a maximum of four units are eligible.
Rebates are not available for new
construction/installation. The rebate amount may not
exceed the total cost of the replacement
furnace/boiler.
Back to Top
The United Illuminating Company - Energy Conscious
Blueprint Grant Program
Summary:
The United Illuminating Company (UI) Energy
Conscious Blueprint Program provides design grants
and implementation grants to assist designers,
project owners and architects of commercial or
industrial buildings with the additional cost of
modeling, analysis, actual design and implementation
of energy-efficient buildings. Customers with
commercial, industrial, and governmental new
construction, additions, or major renovation
projects are eligible to participate. UI offers a
wide variety of structured and custom options and
works closely with the customer throughout all
stages of the project. Incentives may be based on a
dollar amount per square foot or on the percentage
by which the building exceeds the energy efficiency
code.
In addition, the Energy Conscious Blueprint Program
offers rebates for new construction, major
renovation and equipment replacement to increase the
electric energy efficiency of non-residential new
construction and major renovation projects. The
rebates are customized to the individual project and
will vary likewise. Any customer interested in
learning more about the Energy Conscious Blueprint
program should contact the United Illuminating.
Back to Top
Connecticut Light & Power - Small Business Energy
Advantage Program
Summary:
Connecticut Light and Power (CL&P) Small Business
Energy Advantage Program is a combined rebate and
loan program offered to some of CL&P's business and
industrial customers for making energy efficiency
improvements to their facilities. Business customers
with an average 12-month peak demand between 10 kW
and 200 kW qualify, and while all industrial
customers within that range are eligible, CL&P
prefers industrial customers with loads below 50 kW.
Municipal and governmental facilities are also
eligible. A contractor conducts an energy assessment
of the facility and submits a proposal of possible
energy-efficiency measures, estimated energy
savings, customer incentives, and financing options.
Once approved by CL&P, exact rebate amount is
determined. In addition to the rebate, the remaining
cost of the project can be paid off in the form of a
zero interest loan directly from CL&P.
Back to Top
Connecticut Light & Power - Small Industrial and
Commercial Energy Efficiency Loan Program
Summary:
Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) offers the Small
Industrial and Commercial Loan Program to industrial
and commercial customers for the installation of
electric energy-saving measures. Eligible industrial
customers are those that have been in business at
least three years, with a good credit history, fewer
than 100 employees, and an average demand over 200
kilowatts (kW). Commercial customers must have an an
average demand between 200-350 kW and have been in
business a minimum of three years. Loans are not
available for customers or projects that qualify for
CL&P’s Energy Conscious Blueprint or Small Business
Energy Advantage programs. The loan is interest-free
and has a maximum five-year payback period. The
maximum loan amount is $100,000 and the minimum is
$5,000.
Back to Top
Norwich Public Utilities - Zero Percent Financing
Program
Summary:
In partnership with three local banks, Norwich
Public Utilities (NPU) is offering a zero percent
loan for eligible energy efficiency improvement
projects for commercial and industrial customers.
Eligibility is determined by a technical evaluation
of the customer's facility, and the evaluation must
show that the proposed energy efficiency
improvements would result in a positive cost benefit
and project payback of five years or less. After the
loan is approved, the customer chooses a contractor
to complete the work outlined in the NPU report. The
customer must submit project plans and
specifications to NPU for review, and changes to the
proposed project have to be approved by NPU prior to
construction. NPU will make interest payment(s)
directly to the lender.
Back to Top
The United Illuminating Company - Small Business
Energy Advantage Program
Summary:
The Small Business Energy Advantage Program is a
combined rebate and loan program offered to small
business customers of the United Illuminating
Company (UI) for energy efficiency improvements. UI
sends a representative to complete an energy audit.
Based on the results, UI recommends certain energy
efficient measures to be carried out by pre-approved
energy efficiency professionals. The business
customer then receives a rebate of up to 30% of
lighting and up to 40% of non-lighting installation
upgrades. The remaining costs may be paid off as a
zero interest loan on the business’ monthly utility
bill.
Back to Top
Connecticut Light & Power - Commercial Energy
Efficiency Rebates
Summary:
Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) offers rebates for
certain energy-efficiency equipment purchased by the
utility's commercial and industrial customers.
Rebates are available for retrofits of
energy-efficiency HVAC equipment, lighting, motors
and vending machines. The rebates have fixed amounts
and are provided on a per-unit basis. They vary by
the type of efficiency measure and are paid directly
to customers after they install pre-designated
measures using qualified, licensed contractors.
Funding for these programs is limited, and rebates
are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information and specific application forms,
see the program web site or call 1-877-WISE-USE.
Back to Top
Connecticut Light & Power - Energy Opportunities
Efficiency Program
Summary:
The Connecticut Light & Power Company (CL&P) Energy
Opportunities Program and Retro Commissioning
Program help business, industrial and municipal
customers improve the energy efficiency of their
existing facilities by offering custom financial
incentives (including express rebates, zero or low
interest loans, and/or incentive payment based on
upgrades completed) on various retrofit
possibilities. Although similar programs, Energy
Opportunities and Retro Commissioning have slightly
different eligibility requirements, which are
available on the program websites. For both
programs, CL&P energy experts work with customers to
identify energy-saving equipment opportunities to
consider. Program administrators will prepare a
contractual commitment to be signed prior to
ordering any equipment, which will detail all the
energy-efficiency measures, the estimated energy
savings, and the anticipated incentive dollar
amount. Once the project is completed and measures
have been verified, customers will receive the
incentive payment. Eligible customers are
commercial, industrial or municipal customers of any
size that are on CL&P's commercial or industrial
rate, and that are engaged in a retrofit project;
new construction is not eligible. For more
information visit the program websites or call
1-877-WISE-USE (1-877-947-3873
Back to Top
Connecticut Light & Power - Home Services and
Rebates
Summary:
Through the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund,
Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) offers several
rebate programs for its customers. Rebate funding is
limited and available on a first-come, first-served
basis.
AC/HVAC
Customers may receive $500 rebate for installing
ENERGY STAR electric central air conditioning or
electric heat pump systems. The systems must meet
certain Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and
certain Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). Installations
may be on new or existing homes. Equipment must be
installed by a licensed contractor.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
CL&P Geothermal rebates are based on performance
measurements rather than rated capacity, since
design and installation impacts performance.
Geothermal equipment must be ENERGY STAR-rated and
A.H.R.I.-rated to qualify (Air Conditioning Heating
and Refrigeration Institute: www.ahrinet.org).
Customers wishing to apply must also submit a
completed Verification of Installed Performance
(VIP) worksheet. The rebate is $500 per ton for
successfully commissioned geothermal systems. The
geothermal rebate is capped at $1,500 per customer
meter.
Back to Top
Connecticut Light & Power - Operation and
Maintenance Program
Summary:
All Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) commercial and
industrial customers are eligible for the Operation
and Maintenance Program that helps improve the
maintenance and operation of electric equipment.
CL&P will pay 50% of the cost for analysis and up to
50% for the installation of all measures which meet
the program requirements. Providing the recommended
installations occur, the 50% cost to the customer
for analysis will be reimbursed at project
completion. Measures are decided by the result of
the energy assessment and vary at each facility.
Some of the more common measures include:
modifications to existing EMS systems, pumps, and
fans, HVAC and compressed air systems.
Back to Top
Connecticut Light & Power - Small Business Energy
Advantage Program
Summary:
Connecticut Light and Power (CL&P) Small Business
Energy Advantage Program is a combined rebate and
loan program offered to some of CL&P's business and
industrial customers for making energy efficiency
improvements to their facilities. Business customers
with an average 12-month peak demand between 10 kW
and 200 kW qualify, and while all industrial
customers within that range are eligible, CL&P
prefers industrial customers with loads below 50 kW.
Municipal and governmental facilities are also
eligible. A contractor conducts an energy assessment
of the facility and submits a proposal of possible
energy-efficiency measures, estimated energy
savings, customer incentives, and financing options.
Once approved by CL&P, exact rebate amount is
determined. In addition to the rebate, the remaining
cost of the project can be paid off in the form of a
zero interest loan directly from CL&P.
Back to Top
Summary:
Groton Utilities, a municipal utility, offers
incentives for its commercial and industrial
customers to install energy-efficient equipment in
their facilities through several efficiency programs
described in detail on the website above. Rebates
for
·
energy-efficient lighting retrofits and vending
machine controls (based on the number of
kilowatt-hours (kWh) saved)
· new
energy-efficient lighting
· high-efficiency
motors (based on the number, type, and efficiency
rating of units installed)
· HVAC equipment
(based on the system size and efficiency)
In most cases, the rebate is limited to 50% of the
total project cost. Applications are available on
the utility's web site, and in some cases an
application must be submitted for approval before
construction begins. Groton Utilities may perform a
post-installation inspection at the utility's
discretion.
Groton Utilities also offers cash incentives for
customers who participate in the utility's Demand
Response Program. This voluntary program requires
customers to reduce electricity consumption when the
electric system is severely constrained and the
price of electricity is high.
Back to Top
Groton Utilities - Residential Energy Efficiency
Rebate Program
Summary:
Note: Due to possible funding constraints, all
rebate applications for HVAC equipment must be
pre-approved before purchasing any equipment.
Rebates are available for lCFLs, energy-efficient
appliances, central air-conditioning units and heat
pumps. All items must meet or exceed efficiency
standards included in the program guidelines.
The Residential Low-Income Water Heater Wrap Program
provides free insulation for water heaters and water
heater pipes to low-income residents. Qualifying
income levels for this program can be found in the
program guidelines. Also, energy assessment
services, which may include Air and Duct testing and
sealing, are offered for free by calling
1-888-403-3500.
Groton Utilities also offers cash incentives for
customers who participate in the utility's Demand
Response Program. This voluntary program requires
customers to reduce electricity consumption when the
electric system is severely constrained and the
price of electricity is high.
Back to Top
Norwich Public Utilities - Commercial Energy
Efficiency Rebate Program
Summary:
Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) provides rebates to
its commercial, industrial, institutional, and
agricultural customers for high-efficiency HVAC
systems, premium efficiency electric motors, heating
equipment for natural gas systems, and lighting
retrofits. The rebates have fixed amounts and are
primarily provided on a per-unit basis. Rebates for
HVAC systems vary between $150-$300 per ton, while
rebates for motors vary between $45-$700 depending
on the HP and efficiency rating. Completed and
signed applications must be submitted within 30 days
of the equipment installation to be eligible for
rebates. For customers who use natural gas heating
systems, NPU offers incentives of varying amounts on
water heaters, boilers, furnaces and programmable
thermostats. In addition, NPU offers a lighting
retrofit program for commercial facilities.
Customers must contact NPU for more information.
In addition to these rebates, Norwich Public
Utilities’ customers can also participate in the NPU
Light Bulb Program and purchase compact florescent
bulbs (CFLs) from the Energy Star Lights catalog at
a direct discount.
Back to Top
Norwich Public Utilities - Residential Energy
Efficiency Rebate Program
Summary:
Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) provides residential
customers a $60 rebate on the ENERGY STAR-qualified
appliances purchased between January 1, 2009 and
December 31, 2009. Eligible appliance purchases
include refrigerators/freezers, dishwashers, washing
machines, electric water heaters, air conditioners
and dehumidifiers. The program is limited to one
rebate per appliance per residential electric
utility account. Rebate requests must be postmarked
by December 31, 2009 to be considered. See the
website above for additional information and
application materials. For customers who use natural
gas heating systems, NPU offers rebates of varying
amounts on water heaters, boilers, furnaces and
programmable thermostats.
In addition, NPU customers may be eligible to
participate in the free-of-charge Residential Home
Energy Savings Program. This program entails a home
visit by a NPU technician who will conduct a blower
door test to identify and eliminate air leaks in the
home, replace customers' incandescent light bulbs
with new CFL bulbs, install low-flow shower heads
and sink aerators to lower water usage, and
generally conduct an inspection of energy usage, all
at no cost to the customer.
Norwich Public Utilities’ members can also
participate in the NPU Light Bulb Program and
purchase compact florescent bulbs (CFLs) from the
Energy Star Lights catalog at a direct discount.
Back to Top
The United Illuminating Company - Cool Choice
Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Summary:
The Cool Choice Program offers rebates to
commercial, industrial or agricultural customers of
the United Illuminating Company that install
high-efficiency air conditioning and air to air heat
pump systems. The amount of the rebate varies
depending on the specific type of technology and the
efficiency, but ranges from $70 to $200 per ton.
Pre-approval from participating electric utility or
sponsor required if the rebate total is greater than
$5,000.
Back to Top
The United Illuminating Company - Energy Conscious
Blueprint Rebate Program
Summary:
Through the United Illuminating Company’s Energy
Conscious Blueprint Program, custom and prescriptive
rebates are available to increase the energy
efficiency of non-residential new construction and
major renovation projects. Customers with commercial
and industrial new construction, additions or major
renovation projects are eligible to participate. The
rebates are customized to the individual project and
will vary likewise. Customer must apply for this
program before any construction starts.
In addition to these rebates, the Energy Conscious
Blueprint Program has a grant component that covers
larger capital projects.
Back to Top
The United Illuminating Company - Energy
Opportunities Program
Summary:
The Energy Opportunities Program is offered by The
United Illuminating Company (UI) to any of its
commercial, industrial, or governmental customers
who are interested in retrofitting their existing
building in an energy efficient manner. A retrofit
is defined as replacement of existing equipment that
is operational and has at least 25 percent of its
useful life remaining. UI offers rebates for a wide
range of technologies ranging from lighting to
refrigeration to HVAC equipment measures. Possible
financing is available to qualifying customers.
Generally, measures that have a shorter energy
payback period are eligible for incentives under
this program; technologies that have a longer
payback can receive funding under the UI Energy
Conscious Blueprint Program.
Back to Top
The United Illuminating Company - Express Lighting
Rebate Program
Summary:
In conjunction with Connecticut Power and Light, the
United Illuminating Company offers the Express
Lighting Rebate Program to its commercial and
industrial customers for installing energy efficient
lighting fixtures into already existing facilities.
New construction projects are not eligible. There
must be at least a 10% system wattage reduction
between the old and new system wattage for the
project to qualify. A wide range of lighting
equipment is eligible for rebates on a per-unit
basis ranging from $10 to $50 per fixture.
Back to Top
The United Illuminating Company - MotorUp Commercial
Rebate Program
Summary:
The United Illuminating Company's MotorUp Premium
Efficiency Motor Initiative gives rebates to
industrial, commercial, institutional, and
agricultural customers for installing
premium-efficiency, three-phase motors. Rebates vary
depending on the size and efficiency of the motor.
To qualify for an incentive, the motor(s) must
operate a minimum of 2,000 hours per year and meet
efficiency standards listed on the application.
Back to Top
The United Illuminating Company - Residential Energy
Efficiency Rebate Program
Summary:
Through the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, The
United Illuminating Company (UI) offers several
rebate programs for its customers. Rebate funding is
limited and available on a first-come, first-served
basis.
AC/HVAC
Customers may receive $500 rebate for installing
ENERGY STAR electric central air conditioning or
electric heat pump systems. The systems must meet
certain Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and
certain Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). Installations
may be on new or existing homes. Equipment must be
installed by a licensed contractor.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
CL&P Geothermal rebates are based on performance
measurements rather than rated capacity, since
design and installation impacts performance.
Geothermal equipment must be ENERGY STAR-rated and
A.H.R.I.-rated to qualify (Air Conditioning Heating
and Refrigeration Institute: www.ahrinet.org).
Customers wishing to apply must also submit a
completed Verification of Installed Performance
(VIP) worksheet. The rebate is $500 per ton for
successfully commissioned geothermal systems. The
geothermal rebate is capped at $1,500 per customer
meter.
Back to Top
The
United Illuminating Company - Small Business Energy
Advantage Program
Summary:
The Small Business Energy Advantage Program is a
combined rebate and loan program offered to small
business customers of the United Illuminating
Company (UI) for energy efficiency improvements. UI
sends a representative to complete an energy audit.
Based on the results, UI recommends certain energy
efficient measures to be carried out by pre-approved
energy efficiency professionals. The business
customer then receives a rebate of up to 30% of
lighting and up to 40% of non-lighting installation
upgrades.. The remaining costs may be paid off as a
zero interest loan on the business’ monthly utility
bill.
Back to Top
Energy Efficiency Standards for Appliances
Summary:
Note: The federal government has imposed and
updated appliance efficiency standards through
several legislative acts,* and now has standards in
place or under development for 30 classes of
products. In general, states which had set standards
prior to federal action may enforce their own
standards until the federal standards take effect.
States that had not set standards prior to federal
action must use the federal standards. This summary
addresses (1) state appliance standards that will be
in place until the federal standards take effect and
(2) products for which the federal government is not
currently developing an efficiency standard. Much of
the information in this summary comes from the
Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP).
Connecticut enacted efficiency standards through
legislative action in 2004 and 2007. This law (C.G.S.
Section 16a-48) covers the following products not
currently preempted by federal standards:
(Dates listed in parenthesis signify the year the
standard takes effect.)
-
Commercial refrigerators and
freezers (2008)
-
Bottle-type water dispensers
(2009)
-
Large packaged air conditioning
equipment (2009)
-
Commercial hot food holding
cabinets (2009)
-
Hot tubs (2009)
-
Swimming pool pumps (2010)
Note that the
state standards for commercial refrigerators,
commercial freezers and large packaged air
conditioning equipment will be implemented until the
federal standards take effect.
The standards do not apply to products manufactured
in Connecticut and sold outside the state, products
manufactured outside Connecticut and sold at
wholesale inside the state for final retail sale and
installation outside the state, products installed
in mobile manufactured homes at the time of
construction, or products designed exclusively for
installation and use in recreational vehicles.
Testing procedures must be adopted or developed if
such procedures are not provided for in
Connecticut’s Building Code. Manufacturers must
certify to the Secretary of the Office of Policy
Management that products comply with the
regulations.
The standards must be reviewed biennially and
increased if it is determined that increased
efficiency standards would serve to promote energy
conservation and would be cost-effective for
consumers who purchase and use new products.
Standards for additional products may be established
upon determination that they would serve to promote
energy conservation in the state, would be
cost-effective for consumers who purchase and use
such new products, and that multiple products are
available which meet such standards.
* These acts include the National Appliance
Energy Conservation Act of 1987, the Energy Policy
Act of 1992, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.
Back to Top
Connecticut Building Energy Code with Green Building
Provisions
Summary:
Much of the information presented in this summary
is drawn from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE)
Building Energy Codes Program and the Building Codes
Assistance Project (BCAP).
The Connecticut Office of the State Building
Inspector establishes and enforces building,
electrical, mechanical, plumbing and energy code
requirements by reviewing, developing, adopting and
administering the state building code. Compliance is
determined through construction documents submitted
to the relevant local building official showing
detailed building data and features, and equipment
systems governed under the code. Variances and
interpretations of the code are granted through the
Connecticut Department of Public Safety.
HB 7432, enacted in June 2007, added provisions to
strengthen the state's building code, and required
the state building inspector and the Codes and
Standards Committee to revise the state building
code by January 1, 2008. The new code applies to all
buildings (including residential buildings) and is
designed to provide optimum cost-effective energy
efficiency over the useful life of the building.
HB 7432 also created a requirement for certain
building projects (not including residential
buildings) with no more than four units to follow
approved green building guidelines. The provision
applies to buildings constructed after January 1,
2009, that are projected to cost at least $5
million, and building renovation projects started
after January 1, 2010, that are projected to cost at
least $2 million. Building projects which meet this
criteria must achieve a silver rating from LEED,* a
two-globe rating in the Green Globes USA design
program, or an equivalent standard. However, an
exemption is generally granted for a building if the
Institute for Sustainable Energy finds, in a written
analysis, that the cost of compliance significantly
outweighs the benefits.
Back to Top
Solar
and Wind Contractor Licensing
Summary:
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP)
is authorized to issue licenses for solar-thermal
work, solar-electric work and wind-electric work.
"Solar thermal work" is defined as "the
installation, erection, repair, replacement,
alteration, or maintenance of active, passive and
hybrid solar systems that directly convert ambient
energy into heat or convey, store or distribute such
ambient energy." Solar electricity work is defined
as "the installation, erection, repair, replacement,
alteration, or maintenance of photovoltaic or wind
generation equipment used to distribute or store
ambient energy for heat, light, power or other
purposes to a point immediately inside any structure
or adjacent to an end use." (Note that the
definition of "solar electricity work" contains
"wind electricity work.")
The DPC has adopted regulations governing the
following types of licenses:
-
A person who holds a PV-1 Limited
Solar Electric Contractor license may perform
only work limited to solar-electric systems (and
wind-energy systems). The requirements to
qualify for this license examination are two
years as a solar journeyperson or equivalent
experience and training.
-
A person who holds a the PV-2
Limited Solar Electric Journeyperson license may
perform solar-electric work (including
wind-energy work) only while in the employ of a
licensed electrical contractor. The requirements
to qualify for this license examination are the
completion of a registered apprenticeship
program or one year equivalent experience and
training.
-
A person who holds a ST-1 Solar
Thermal Contractor license may perform only work
on solar thermal work systems. The requirements
to qualify for this license examination are two
years as a solar journeyperson or equivalent
experience and training.
-
A person who holds a ST-2 Solar
Thermal Limited Journeyperson license may
perform only work on solar thermal systems. The
requirements for this exam are an apprenticeship
program which included instructions in solar
thermal work or equivalent experience and
training.
In addition, the
DCP may issue a solar-thermal apprentice's permit
for the performance of solar-thermal work for the
purpose of training. Such work may be performed only
under the supervision of a licensed solar thermal
contractor or journeyman. Any apprenticeship program
established to provide education and training for
those seeking licensure for plumbing and piping work
or for heating, piping and cooling work must provide
all people entering the program with education and
training in solar thermal work.
There are no state-sponsored training programs for
solar contractors. Training and apprentice programs
are available through independent trade schools and
labor unions. License applications and instructions
are available on the program web site.
Back to Top
Green Building Standards for State Facilities
Summary:
Note: Note: As of February 2009, regulations
governing green building standards for state
facilities had not yet been adopted. This process
likely will be completed later in 2009, according to
the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management.
Public Act No. 06-187, enacted in 2006, required the
Connecticut Office of Policy and Management, in
consultation with the commissioner of public works,
the commissioner of environmental protection and the
commissioner of public safety, to adopt building
construction regulations for state facilities. The
construction standards must be consistent with or
exceed the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Silver
rating for new commercial construction and major
renovation projects, or an equivalent standard,
including a two-globe rating under the Green Globes
USA design program. Certain state building projects
were originally exempt from the standard, but Public
Act 07-242 removed those exemptions. State funded
building projects that now must comply with the
standard include:
-
Any new construction of a state
facility with a projected cost $5 million or
more, and for which all budgeted project bond
funds are allocated by the State Bond Commission
on or after January 1, 2008.
-
Renovation of a state facility
that is projected to cost $2 million or more, of
which $2 million or more is state funding,
approved and funded on or after January 1, 2008.
-
New construction of a facility
that is projected to cost $5 million or more, of
which $2 million or more is state funding, and
is authorized by the Connecticut General
Assembly on or after January 1, 2009.
-
Renovation of a public school
facility that is projected to cost $2 million or
more, of which $2 million or more is state
funding, and is authorized by the General
Assembly on or after January 1, 2009.
PA 07-242 also
established mandatory efficiency requirements for
certain equipment purchased by the state. On or
after January 1, 2009, residential furnaces and
boilers purchased by the state shall meet or exceed
fuel consumption efficiency standards detailed in
the bill. The Connecticut Department of
Administrative Services and each other budgeted
agency, exercising procurement authority must also
procure equipment and appliances that meet or exceed
the energy conservation standards set forth in the
federal Energy Policy and Conservation Act, and meet
or exceed federal Energy Star standards. Also, when
purchasing equipment based on competitive bids, the
purchasing agency must analyze the bids based on
life-cycle cost analyses.
Back to Top
Connecticut - Green Power Purchase Plan
Summary:
In April 2004, Connecticut's governor signed an
executive order directing state-government agencies
and universities to purchase an increasing amount of
electricity generated by renewable resources. Under
terms of the order, the state government has a goal
to increase "Class I" renewable-energy purchases to
20% of electricity used in 2010, 50% in 2020 and
100% in 2050. The order also authorizes the use of
savings generated by state energy efficiency and
conservation projects to fund green power purchases.
Class I renewable-energy resources include solar,
wind, new sustainable biomass, landfill gas, fuel
cells (using renewable or non-renewable fuels),
ocean thermal power, wave or tidal power,
low-emission advanced renewable-energy conversion
technologies, and new run-of-the-river hydropower
facilities with a maximum capacity of five megawatts
(MW).
In 2006, Governor Rell issued Connecticut's Energy
Vision for a Cleaner, Greener State, which sets a
separate set of goals for the state. Specifically,
it states that by 2020, 20% of all energy used and
sold in the State will come from renewable (clean)
resources.
Back to Top
Connecticut Municipalities - SmartPower 20% by 2010
Campaign
Summary:
As of December 2008, more than seven dozen
Connecticut municipalities have committed to
purchase "clean energy" to account for a minimum of
20% of their electricity consumption by 2010. Cities
and towns that meet two additional criteria are
eligible to receive a free renewable energy system
-- a wind turbine, a photovoltaic system or a
solar-thermal system -- from the Connecticut Clean
Energy Fund.* To be eligible, towns must also: (1)
join the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's
Community Energy Challenge, which requires them to
reduce energy consumption by 10%; (2) successfully
register at least 100 residents and small businesses
-- or 10% of households -- for the
CTCleanEnergyOptions program, a voluntary green
power program available to customers of United
Illuminating and CL&P.* As of December 2008, there
were approximately 39 such communities.
Back to Top
Interconnection
Guidelines
Summary:
In December 2007, the Connecticut Department of
Public Utility Control (DPUC) approved new
interconnection guidelines for distributed energy
systems up to 20 megawatts (MW) in capacity.
Connecticut's interconnection guidelines apply to
the state's two investor-owned utilities --
Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) and
United Illuminating Company (UI) -- and are modeled
on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC)
interconnection standards for small generators.*
Connecticut's interconnection guidelines, like
FERC's standards, include provisions for three
levels of systems:
-
Certified, inverter-based systems
no larger than 10 kilowatts (kW) in capacity;
-
Certified systems no larger than
2 megawatts (MW) in capacity; and
-
All other systems no larger than
20 MW in capacity. Note that the guidelines
include "additional process steps" for
generators greater than 5 MW.
Connecticut's
guidelines include a standard interconnection
agreement and application fees that vary by system
type. However, Connecticut's guidelines are stricter
than FERC's standards, differing from the federal
standards in several significant ways:
-
Customers are required to install
an external disconnect switch and an
interconnection transformer.
-
Customers must indemnify their
utility against "all causes of action,"
including personal injury or property damage to
third parties.
-
Customers are required to
maintain liability insurance in specified
amounts based on the system's capacity.
-
Utilities must collaboratively
submit to the DPUC a status report on the
research and development of area network
interconnection standards.
The guidelines
address requirements for study fees and include
technical screens for each level of interconnection.
Utilities and customers must follow general
procedural timelines.
Back to Top
Connecticut -
Net Metering
Summary:
Connecticut's two investor-owned utilities --
Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) and
United Illuminating Company (UI) -- are required to
provide net metering to customers that generate
electricity using "Class I" renewable-energy
resources, which include solar, wind, landfill gas,
fuel cells, sustainable biomass, ocean-thermal
power, wave or tidal power, low-emission advanced
renewable-energy conversion technologies, and
hydropower facilities up to two megawatts (MW) in
capacity. Legislation enacted in June 2007 (HB 7432,
Section 39) raised the individual system capacity
limit to 2 MW* and extended net metering to all
customer classes. These changes took effect October
1, 2007.
There is no stated limit on the aggregate capacity
of net-metered systems in a utility's service
territory. Any customer net excess generation (NEG)
during a monthly billing period is carried over to
the following month as a kilowatt-hour (kWh) credit.
At the end of an annualized period, the utility pays
the customer for any remaining NEG at the utility's
avoided-cost rate. In January 2008, the Connecticut
Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) ordered
CL&P to calculate the reimbursement for PV systems,
for any NEG at the end of an annualized period, on a
time-of-use/generation basis. This significantly
increases the financial benefits of net metering for
PV system owners.
Net-metered customers with systems greater than 10
kilowatts (kW) are assessed for the state's
competitive transition assessment and the state's
systems benefits charge, based on the amount of
energy consumed by the customer from the facilities
of the utility without netting any electricity
produced by the customer.
Back to Top
Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF)
Summary:
Connecticut's 1998 electric restructuring
legislation (Public Act 98-28) created separate
funds to support energy efficiency and renewable
energy.* The efficiency fund is known as the
Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund (CEEF), and the
renewables fund is known as the Connecticut Clean
Energy Fund (CCEF).
A surcharge on Connecticut ratepayers' utility bills
provides the funding for the CCEF. In 2000-2001 the
charge was set at $0.0005 per kilowatt-hour (0.5
mill per kWh), rising to $0.00075 per kWh (0.75 mill
per kWh) in 2002-2003 and "not less than" $0.001 per
kWh (1 mill per kWh) beginning July 1, 2004. The
CCEF is administered by Connecticut Innovations, a
quasi-governmental investment organization granted a
significant amount of flexibility by the Connecticut
General Assembly to develop programs and fund
projects that meet the fund's mission. Connecticut
Innovations receives guidance from the Clean Energy
Advisory Committee, whose members are appointed by
the Connecticut General Assembly, Connecticut's
governor and the chairman of Connecticut
Innovations. The CCEF is governed by the Renewable
Energy Investment Board, which is statutorily
appointed. The Department of Public Utility Control
(DPUC) is required to approve a comprehensive plan
for the fund.
The CCEF is authorized to invest in solar-electric
energy, solar-thermal energy, wind energy,
ocean-thermal energy, wave or tidal energy, fuel
cells, landfill gas, hydrogen production and
hydrogen conversion technologies, low-impact
hydropower, low-emission advanced biomass conversion
technologies, alternative fuels produced in
Connecticut and used for electricity generation
(including ethanol and biodiesel), usable
electricity from combined heat and power (CHP)
systems with waste-heat recovery systems, thermal
storage systems, geothermal, and "other energy
resources and emerging technologies which have
significant potential for commercialization and
which do not involve the combustion of coal,
petroleum or petroleum products, municipal solid
waste or nuclear fission."
Programs began in earnest in January 2000.
Connecticut Innovations has utilized a variety of
funding mechanisms to support the mission of the
CCEF, including grants and rebates, convertible
debt, equity investments and subsidies for various
ventures. With CCEF funding, Connecticut Innovations
has created and currently administers the Solar PV
Rebate Program, the Fuel Cell Performance Monitoring
Program, the CT Clean Energy Communities Program,
the CT Clean Energy Community Innovations Grant
Program, the Clean Energy Climate Solutions Program,
the Solar Curriculum Project, the Operational
Demonstration Program, the SmartPower marketing
campaign, the On-Site Renewable DG Program and the
Project 150 Initiative.
In addition, each of Connecticut's municipal
electric utilities is required by statute (Conn.
Gen. Stat. § 7-233y) to establish a fund to provide
renewable energy, energy efficiency, conservation
and load-management programs. To support these
funds, a surcharge is imposed on the customers of
electric municipal utilities according to the
following schedule: 1.0 mills on and after January
1, 2006; 1.3 mills on and after January 1, 2007; 1.6
mills on and after January 1, 2008; 1.9 mills on and
after January 1, 2009; 2.2 mills on and after
January 1, 2010; and 2.5 mills on and after January
1, 2011. Municipal electric utilities must adopt a
comprehensive plan for the expenditure of the monies
collected, and the plans must be consistent with the
comprehensive plan of the state's Energy
Conservation Management Board (ECMB).
Back to Top
Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund (CEEF)
Summary:
Connecticut's original electric-industry
restructuring legislation (Public Act 98-28),
enacted in April 1998, created separate funds to
support energy efficiency and renewable energy.* The
efficiency fund is known as the Connecticut Energy
Efficiency Fund (CEEF), and the renewables fund is
known as the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF).
The mission of the CEEF is to advance the efficient
use of energy, to reduce air pollution and negative
environmental impacts, and to promote economic
development and energy security.
The CEEF is funded by a surcharge of $0.003 per
kilowatt-hour (3 mills per kWh) on Connecticut Light
and Power (CL&P) and United Illuminating (UI)
customers' electric bills. Each of the two utilities
administers and implements efficiency programs with
monies from its ratepayer fund, in accordance with a
comprehensive plan approved by the Connecticut
Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC). The
utilities develop their plans with advice and
assistance from the state's Energy Conservation
Management Board (ECMB).
The two utilities are authorized to implement the
following types of programs: (1) Conservation and
load-management programs, including programs that
benefit low-income individuals; (2) research,
development and commercialization of products or
processes which are more energy-efficient than those
generally available; (3) development of markets for
such products and processes; (4) support for
energy-use assessment, real-time monitoring systems,
engineering studies and services related to new
construction or major building renovation; (5) the
design, manufacture, commercialization and purchase
of energy-efficient appliances and heating, air
conditioning and lighting devices; (6) program
planning and evaluation; (7) indoor air-quality
programs relating to energy conservation; (8) joint
fuel-conservation initiatives programs targeted at
reducing consumption of more than one fuel resource;
and (9) public education regarding conservation. A
limited percentage of the fund may be used for
non-electric projects, such as furnaces and boilers
for low-income residents. Preference is given to
projects that maximize the reduction of federally
mandated congestion charges.
The Connecticut General Assembly has redirected
monies from the CEEF to the state's general fund on
two separate occasions, spanning three full years.
From July 2003 to July 2005, $1 million per month
was taken from the CEEF. Likewise, from August 2006
to July 2007, $1 million per month was redirected
from the CCEF to the general fund.
In addition, each of Connecticut's municipal
electric utilities is required by statute (Conn.
Gen. Stat. § 7-233y) to establish a fund to provide
renewable energy, energy efficiency, conservation
and load-management programs. To support these
funds, a surcharge is imposed on the customers of
electric municipal utilities according to the
following schedule: 1.0 mill on and after January 1,
2006; 1.3 mills on and after January 1, 2007; 1.6
mills on and after January 1, 2008; 1.9 mills on and
after January 1, 2009; 2.2 mills on and after
January 1, 2010; and 2.5 mills on and after January
1, 2011. Municipal electric utilities must adopt a
comprehensive plan for the expenditure of the monies
collected, and the plans must be consistent with the
comprehensive plan of the ECMB.
Furthermore, companies that distribute natural gas
must develop a gas-conservation plan, with
assistance from the ECMB, and programs to implement
the plan. These plans are financed by a flat amount
negotiated with and ordered by the DPUC.
Back to Top
Renewables
Portfolio Standard
Summary:
Established in 1998 and subsequently revised several
times, Connecticut's renewables portfolio standard (RPS)
requires each electric supplier and each electric
distribution company wholesale supplier to obtain at
least 23% of its retail load by using renewable
energy by January 1, 2020. The RPS also requires
each electric supplier and each electric
distribution company wholesale supplier to obtain at
least 4% of its retail load by using combined heat
and power (CHP) systems and energy efficiency by
2010.
Separate portfolio standards are required for energy
resources classified as "Class I," "Class II," or
"Class III." Class I resources include energy
derived from solar power, wind power, fuel cells
(using renewable or non-renewable fuels), methane
gas from landfills, ocean thermal power, wave or
tidal power, low-emission advanced renewable energy
conversion technologies, certain newer
run-of-the-river hydropower facilities not exceeding
five megawatts (MW) in capacity, and sustainable
biomass facilities. Emissions limits apply to
electricity generated by sustainable biomass
facilities. Electricity produced by end-user
distributed generation (DG) systems using Class I
resources also qualifies. Class II resources include
trash-to-energy facilities, certain biomass
facilities not included in Class I, and certain
older run-of-the-river hydropower facilities.
Class III resources include: customer-sited CHP
systems, with a minimum operating efficiency of 50%,
installed at commercial or industrial facilities in
Connecticut on or after January 1, 2006; (2)
electricity savings from conservation and load
management programs that started on or after January
1, 2006,; and (3) systems that recover waste heat or
pressure from commercial and industrial processes
installed on or after April 1, 2007. The revenue
from these credits must be divided between the
customer and the state Conservation and Load
Management Fund, depending on when the Class III
systems are installed, whether the owner is
residential or nonresidential, and whether the
resources received state support.
Electric providers must meet the standard with at
least 20% Class I resources and 3% Class I or II
resources by January 1, 2020, and 4% Class III
sources by 2010, and thereafter, according to the
following schedule:
-
On and after 1/1/2006:
2.0% Class I + 3% Class I or II
-
On and after 1/1/2007:
3.5% Class I + 3% Class I or II + 1% Class III
-
On and after 1/1/2008:
5.0% Class I + 3% Class I or II + 2% Class III
-
On and after 1/1/2009:
6.0% Class I + 3% Class I or II + 3% Class III
-
On and after 1/1/2010:
7.0% Class I + 3% Class I or II + 4% Class III
-
On and after 1/1/2011:
8.0% Class I + 3% Class I or II + 4% Class III
-
On and after 1/1/2012:
9.0% Class I + 3% Class I or II + 4% Class III
-
On and after 1/1/2013:
10.0% Class I + 3% Class I or II + 4% Class III
-
On and after 1/1/2014:
11.0% Class I + 3% Class I or II + 4% Class III
-
On and after 1/1/2015:
12.5% Class I + 3% Class I or II + 4% Class III
-
On and after 1/1/2016:
14.0% Class I + 3% Class I or II + 4% Class III
-
On and after 1/1/2017:
15.5% Class I + 3% Class I or II + 4% Class III
-
On and after 1/1/2018:
17.0% Class I + 3% Class I or II + 4% Class III
-
On and after 1/1/2019:
19.5% Class I + 3% Class I or II + 4% Class III
-
On and after 1/1/2020:
20.0% Class I + 3% Class I or II + 4% Class III
RPS requirements
may be satisfied by purchasing electricity generated
using Class I or Class II resources within the
jurisdiction of the regional independent system
operator (ISO New England). Renewable energy credit
trades and purchases are tracked through the NEPOOL
Generation Information System (NEPOOL-GIS).
Renewables within the jurisdiction of New York,
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware are
also eligible, provided that the Connecticut
Department of Public Utilities (DPUC) determines
these states have an RPS comparable to
Connecticut's.
Electric providers that fail to comply with the RPS
during an annual period must pay $0.055 per kWh to
the DPUC; these payments will be allocated to the
Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) for the
development of Class I renewables.
Public Act 07-242 of 2007 required the Connecticut
Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative (CMEEC) to
develop portfolio standards for the municipal
electric utilities in the state, and to report
standards annually to the group that manages
Connecticut Innovations, Inc.
Back to Top
|
