Connecticut

Clean Energy and Global Warming

New Incentive Program - Bring Solar Energy to your town!

Solar panelsIn 2005, the CT Clean Energy Fund created a new solar incentive program. If your town commits to purchase clean energy as part of the 20% by 2010 campaign and 100 citizens in your town sign up for the CT Clean Energy Options, your town will qualify for a 1KW solar electric system worth $10,000! For each additional 100 sign-ups your town will earn another 1KW system. Help bring solar to your town and make your home a clean energy community. For details, visit http://www.ctcleanenergy.com/communities/

Why Clean Energy:

Traditional sources of energy generation such as coal, oil, and nuclear power cause numerous environmental and health related problems, including: increasing ozone smog, contributing to climate change, triggering asthma attacks and aggravating respiratory problems. They also cause national security concerns over dependence on foreign oils and the proliferation of nuclear materials.

What is Clean Energy

Clean energy sources include solar, wind, geothermal, small hydroelectric, landfill methane, sustainably harvested and clean-burning biomass, and fuel cells. Clean energy does not contribute to global warming and air pollution, and it can be produced locally. For list of clean energy technologies and their descriptions, click here.

20% by 2010 Clean Energy Campaign:

The solution is to develop strong consumer demand for clean, renewable energy sources. The goal of the 20% by 2010 - Clean Energy campaign is to put Connecticut consumers on a path to having 20% of their energy supply come from clean sources by the year 2010. Both individuals and municipalities can support clean, renewable energy.

In 2003, Clean Water Action, Environment Northeast, the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network and Smart Power joined forces to convince New Haven to become the first town to commit to support clean energy, and New Haven committed to purchase clean energy in February 2004. Since that time over 35 other towns and the state government have taken the 20% by 2010 challenge, sending a strong message to make more clean energy. (Click here to view list of towns involved)

New Incentive Program- Bring Solar Energy to your town!

In 2005, the CT Clean Energy Fund created a new solar incentive program. If your town commits to purchase clean energy as part of the 20% by 2010 campaign and 100 citizens in your town sign up for the CT Clean Energy Options, your town will qualify for a 1KW solar electric system worth $10,000! For each additional 100 sign-ups your town will earn another 1KW system. Help bring solar to your town and make your home a clean energy community. For details, visit Connecticut Innovations.

How to help?
  1. Support clean energy at home- sign up for one of the CT Clean Energy Options.
  2. Spread the word: Help us raise awareness and educate others about this option
  3. Support a 20% by 2010 clean energy campaign in your town. In 2006 and 2007 Clean Water Action is supporting campaigns in Bloomfield, Torrington, North Haven, Danbury, Rocky Hill, South Windsor, Enfield, Guilford, Madison, and Vernon.
For more information contact: Colin Bennett at cbennett@cleanwater.org or 860-232-6232.