Energy Efficiency Incentives Available To Residents, Businesses Facing Losses From Sandy

Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that $3 million in additional energy efficiency incentives are now available for residents and businesses replacing furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters and refrigerators as a result of damage from Storm Sandy.

“Many of the homes and businesses affected by Storm Sandy will be replacing damaged appliances, and heating and cooling equipment,” Governor Malloy said.  “This unfortunate situation does, however, provide a unique opportunity to help property owners improve, rather than just repair, their properties by making energy efficiency investments that will save them money for years to come.”

The incentives will apply for replacement of equipment with more energy efficient models between October 29 and December 31.  The deadline for applications for the incentives is December 31, 2012

In addition to these incentives, Governor Malloy also announced that special funding is available, in the form of low-cost financing for eligible equipment with optional on-utility-bill repayment for customers who make energy efficiency upgrades in equipment or insulation and air sealing while renovating or reconstructing their residence or business as a result of storm damage.

A special team has been formed to assist home owners and businesses through the application process for these increased incentives and financing options.

“The first priority of people who suffered damage from the storm is getting their lives back to normal as quickly as possible,” the Governor said.  “That’s why we have assembled a team of professionals from the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, UI, CL&P, FEMA and the Disaster Relief Centers who are ready to work.  Team members will provide information on rebate requirements and walk people through the process required to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Property owners will be also be encouraged to take advantage of the comprehensive energy efficiency assessments available under current programs and be allowed to do that after their lives are back to normal.  Rebates connected to those audits will have extended qualification times.

Anyone seeking information about the various energy efficiency incentives or financing options available for replacing or repairing equipment should call the Connecticut Energy Information Line at 1-877-WISE-USE (1-877-947-3873).

The $3 million for increased rebates for more energy efficiency replacement equipment will be financed largely with energy efficiency funds made available through the Northeast Utilities/NStar merger settlement agreement.

The Governor said key partners in the effort to maximize awareness of this assistance and to provide information about the most efficient and cost effective options available to those who suffered storm damage are:

• United Illuminating
• Connecticut Light & Power
• Connecticut Insurance Department and insurance companies
• Infoline 2-1-1
• FEMA and Disaster Relief Centers
• The Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund
• Energize Connecticut (www.energizect.com)
• Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (ww.ct.gov/deep)
• Connecticut Energy Information (www.ctenergyinfo.com)