Connecticut utilities detail energy savings spending plan
New Haven Register, October 4, 2015. Image credit: tpsdave
The plan produced by the utilities proposed to spend $250 million annually on energy saving efforts every year between now and the end of 2018. That’s a $20 million a year increase compared to what is currently being spent annually, said Dennis Schain, a DEEP spokesman.
Connecticut’s energy efficiency programs are funded through what is known as a combined public benefits charge on the electric bills of all Eversource Energy and United Illuminating customers. Consumers who use natural gas distributed by Connecticut Natural Gas, Southern Connecticut Gas Co. and Eversource Energy also pay what is called a “conservation charge” to fund energy saving efforts.
Schain said that according to the latest available data, every dollar that is invested in energy efficiency yields $2.80 in savings. That savings figures covers all Connecticut ratepayers, not just those who participate in energy efficiency programs, according to Schain.
Among the programs the state has are programs to bring energy efficiency to the poor and other underserved segments of Connecticut’s population. There is also a program to provide better training to energy efficiency workers, Schain said.