On Friday, one of the coldest days of the year, State Senator Thomas A. Colapietro (D-Bristol) joined with Thomas Morrow, Executive Director of the Bristol Community Organization, and Bristol area families receiving home heating assistance to explain why many Connecticut businesses and families are missing out on significant opportunities to save on energy costs.
Bristol – On Friday, one of the coldest days of the year, State Senator Thomas A. Colapietro (D-Bristol) joined with Thomas Morrow, Executive Director of the Bristol Community Organization, and Bristol area families receiving home heating assistance to explain why many Connecticut businesses and families are missing out on significant opportunities to save on energy costs.
“In this economy, everyone needs to save money, and one of easiest ways to do that is by lowering your energy expenses,” said Senator Colapietro. “Not many people are aware of this, but by switching to an alternative electric supplier, both families and businesses can save up to 10% or more on their electric bills immediately.”
According to the state Department of Public Utility Control, at the end of November 2009 only 17 percent (or 259,885) of Connecticut's residential and commercial customers had chosen their own electric supplier. If all 1,387,441 Connecticut customers switched they would save over $87 million this year on their electric bills.
Senator Colapietro continued, “Those in the market for a new Energy Star appliance can also save more money than they might expect. Not only will such an efficient appliance cost them much less to operate, but thanks to a new rebate program inspired by this summer’s popular ‘Cash for Clunkers’ initiative, rebates are now available to help lower their up front cost.”
Connecticut has been awarded $3.4 million in federal stimulus dollars and will be one of the first states in the country to offer a consumer rebate on Energy Star appliances, including refrigerators ($50), freezers ($50), clothes washers ($100), room air conditioners ($50) and central air systems ($500).
The program runs until April 30, 2010, and will be extended if funds are available. Each Connecticut residence is eligible for up to three rebates for room air conditioners, and one rebate per other qualified appliance.
Today’s news conference was held at the headquarters of the Bristol Community Organization (BCO), a private non-profit community action agency that seeks to help eliminate or alleviate the causes and effects of poverty in the greater Bristol area.
For families having difficulty keeping the heat on during these cold winter months, BCO provides home heating energy assistance, as well as home energy audits and weatherization in partnership with the Community Renewal Team, Inc. (CRT).
“February will bring some of the coldest weather we’ll see all year” said Thomas Morrow, Executive Director of the Bristol Community Organization. “I have seen applications for help with home heating increase by 238% since the recession began taking its toll two years ago. No family should have to go without heat in their own home during this cold winter. If you live in the Bristol area and you need help, please contact us.”
Households in Bristol, Plainville, Plymouth, Farmington, and Burlington with income less than $55,000 or already accepted for energy assistance through the BCO are automatically qualified for a home energy audit through CRT. The audits identify energy inefficiencies in a home, and once found, CRT will perform a home weatherization service for free, which may include window caulking, weather stripping, and new blown-in insulation.
For homes in need of entirely new windows, further assistance is also available. Thanks to a recent federal tax credit, homeowners may now receive $1 back for every $3 spent on new windows, up to a limit of $1500.
Further information on the energy efficient appliance rebate program can be found at www.ct.gov/opm/ApplianceRebates. Rebate forms will also be available in retail stores after February 1, 2010. To have a form mailed to you, call 1-877-WISE-USE (947-3873).
The Bristol Community Organization may be reached at (860) 584-2725 and online at http://www.bcoinc.org/. For additional information on home heating assistance in Bristol and other communities, visit the Senate Democrats’ heating assistance web site at http://www.senatedems.ct.gov/Energy.html.
