Shelton Awarded Clean Energy 'Bright Idea' Grant

HARTFORD — State Reps. Jason Perillo (R-113), Larry Miller (R-122), and Senator Kevin Kelly (R-21) today applauded the awarding of the Town of Shelton with a $15,000 Bight Idea Grant. Shelton is among 23 municipalities in Connecticut receiving grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 through their participation in the statewide Clean Energy Communities program. The grant can be used toward energy-saving projects in the Shelton community. Shelton achieved the maximum efficiency points of 100, earning them the maximum grant award.

The Town of Shelton was presented a plaque by representatives of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Energy Efficiency Board, Northeast Utilities, and the United Illuminating Company.

“Shelton stands out as a leader in municipal clean energy initiatives,” said Rep. Perillo.  “Our community made a priority of reducing energy consumption while championing strong environmental citizenship.  Clearly the residents of Shelton share our commitment to cleaner energy use and consumption.”

“This grant through the Clean Energy Communities Program is a tremendous recognition of the commitment of the Shelton community to reducing energy waste and increasing environmental responsibility,” said Rep. Miller.  “This grant will assist in expanding Shelton’s ability to promote smart energy consumption.”

“Shelton made an impressive city-wide commitment to embrace energy efficiency,” said Sen. Kelly. “Over the past year we saw many energy upgrades in both municipal buildings and private homes. I congratulate the city on receiving this recognition and encourage residents and officials to continue pursuing clean energy projects.”

Through community-wide participation in energy-saving and renewable energy programs, including resident and business participation, the community receives points toward rewards, including “Bright Idea Grants.” The Town of Shelton saved 10,669,484 kWh between January of 2010 and December 31st of 2013.  Additionally, Shelton avoided emissions of 5, 278 tons of CO2, the equivalent of taking 920 cars off the road for one year.

Shelton achieved their savings a number of ways.  In 2013 they joined the Clean Energy Communities program and installed new high-efficiency chiller in the high school and are in the process of retro-commissioning the Community Center.  1, 286 homes (8% of the community) have participated in residential programs, while the town is also currently benchmarking all its municipal and Board of Education buildings through the EPA Portfolio Manager.

Under the Clean Energy Communities program, municipalities sign a pledge to reduce municipal building energy consumption by 20 percent by 2018, and to voluntarily purchase 20 percent of its municipal electric needs from renewable sources by 2018.   To date, 92 Connecticut cities and towns have signed the pledge.