The Connecticut Department of Energy and
Environmental Protection presented “Summer Saver” Awards to 11
organizations, including the Bridgeport Board of Education and 211 Main
State, for their leadership and commitment to reducing energy usage and
air pollution during the critical “peak demand” summer months of 2013.
“The combined efforts of the 11 Summer Savers Award recipients
resulted in energy savings in kilowatt hours, peak electricity demand
and in carbon emissions,” DEEP Commissioner Rob Klee said. “Efficiency
efforts are of special significance in summer months when reducing peak
demand can help reduce the cost of power and when reducing emissions
from power plants helps prevent pollution that contributes to smog and
climate change.”
The combined efforts of these awardees resulted in energy savings of
over 381,354 kilowatt hours (or 381 megawatt hours) of electricity,
lowering peak electricity demand by 618 kilowatts and CO2 emissions by
175 tons. To achieve their savings, the awardees utilized various
incentives offered by the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund Small
Business and Commercial and Industrial programs available through the
Connecticut Light & Power Co. and The United Illuminating Co.
During a recent ceremony at the State Capitol, gold awards were given
to the city’s BOE for reduction by three schools totaling 53,517
kilowatt hours, or 21%, and 41 kilowatts in demand, or 23%; and 211 Min
State for reductions of 23,556 kilowatt hours, or 20%, and 15 kilowatts
in demand, or 21%.
The Summer Energy Savers Awards program was instituted to encourage
and reward Connecticut businesses and institutions who reduced their
electricity consumption during the summer months by 5% to 20% over the
previous two summers.
Increased summer energy demand, driven almost exclusively by usage of
air conditioners, plays a substantial role in increased consumer costs
for electricity. The Summer Saver Awards acknowledge the efforts of the
awardees that reduced their use on peak energy days in summer when it
is so critical to the state’s energy infrastructure.
Owners/operators of facilities that increase their energy efficiency
or initiate conservation measures this summer are invited to apply for
the Connecticut Summer Saver Awards.
To obtain an application or for more information about the program, visit summersaver.state.ct.us or call Ginger Teubner at 860-827-2630.