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Energy Improvement Incentives Program

There are numerous energy conservation programs now available to save residential and business owners money on utilities and to reduce their carbon footprint. This page helps the home and business owner to decide which program best suits their needs by providing some examples of energy savings programs.

Commercial Residential

For a full array of the commercial and residential programs offered, visit Energize Connecticut.

For Commercial Customers

Connecticut Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE)

Connecticut Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) is an innovative program that is helping commercial, industrial and multi-family property owners access affordable, long-term financing for smart energy upgrades to their buildings.

C-PACE allows building owners to finance qualifying energy efficiency and clean energy improvements through placing a voluntary assessment on their property tax bill. Property owners pay for the improvements over time through this additional charge on their property tax bill and the repayment obligation transfers automatically to the next owner if the property is sold. Similar to a sewer tax assessment, capital provided under the C-PACE program is secured by a lien on the property, so low-interest capital can be raised from the private sector with no government financing required.

Operation Fuel

Regardless of your business type, you may qualify for Operation Fuel assistance.

  • Energy efficiency workshops designed exclusively for small business owners
  • A credit of $250 on your electric utility bill for the first 375 customers to complete a first-time commercial energy audit
  • A credit of $1,000 or more (not to exceed the total cost of your project) for the first 200 customers to install energy saving measures
  • Personalized assistance from a Small Business Advocate dedicated to answering your questions and assisting you throughout your entire project

Energy Conscious Blueprint

For new construction, major renovations, and new or replacement equipment.

In the past, many businesses let budgets dictate the level of technology or advanced building practices they used in construction projects. The result was a lost opportunity. Today, financial incentives and technical assistance allow you to make smart energy decisions that deliver cost savings and better building performance, and they allow you to determine your energy future.

Financial incentives are designed to offset the premium cost of purchasing and installing energy-efficient electric and natural gas equipment. Combining both opportunities, when appropriate, allows you maximize energy cost savings. Energy efficiency is a proven way to reduce the cost of doing business.

PRIME: Process Re-engineering for Increased Manufacturing Efficiency

Manufacturing operations are among the most energy-intensive in the U.S., electronics and plastics industries in Connecticut are no exception. Fortunately, energy-efficient technologies and smart energy management practices make it possible to significantly reduce energy use and control energy costs.

Your Connecticut manufacturing business can take advantage of a number of energy efficiency programs funded through the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, as well as renewable energy programs through the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority. You can benefit from cash incentives and from full-service energy efficiency programs like Process Re-engineering for Increased Manufacturing Efficiency (PRIME).

Traditionally, manufacturers operate on a “push” basis – accumulating excess inventory and scrambling to find customers so they can push the product out. Lean manufacturing techniques promote a “pull” approach – producing to the customer’s immediate needs. This approach reduces costs and ultimately is better for customers.

Access to this type of specialized training is often limited to very large businesses that have the foresight and resources to invest in the training. Now, with support from Energize Connecticut, the PRIME program makes lean training available to more manufacturers. With technical and financial assistance, you can apply lean techniques to your business. Besides reducing costs and streamlining your operations, you’ll be taking steps to determine your energy future.

Call 877-WISE-USE (877-947-3873) for more information.

Replace Inefficient Equipment and Save

Make energy efficiency a determining factor in your decision to upgrade equipment. 

In today's competitive environment, energy efficiency may not be at the top of your list when it comes to replacing functioning equipment. But energy cost savings and other benefits can deliver attractive returns on investment and savings for years to come. Now, with support from Energize Connecticut, and the metalworking, you have the financial and technical assistance that will enable you to upgrade to energy-efficient equipment.

Energize Connecticut makes upgrading to energy-efficient equipment affordable. Our energy experts work with you to maximize energy cost savings by replacing or modifying inefficient, functioning equipment such as lighting, HVAC, chillers, motors, controls, water heaters and commercial cooking equipment.

We help you upgrade to high-efficiency alternatives by reducing upfront costs with:

  • Financial incentives up to 40% of the installed costs
  • Zero-interest or low-interest rate financing
  • The program also offers “express rebates” for common measures for fast and convenient savings.

Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Tax Credits

The Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP) provides resources to help you take advantage of federal income tax incentives for qualifying energy efficiency and renewable energy investments. Congress first passed the incentives in 2005 as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and has amended them several times since then.

TIAP is sponsored by a coalition of public interest nonprofit groups, government agencies and other energy efficiency organizations in the energy efficiency field.

For Residential Customers

Home Energy Solutions

If your family’s combined gross annual income is below the state’s 60% income median, you may qualify for no-cost energy-saving services. Incomes over that level can pay a low fee for the same evaluation. A technician certified by the Building Performance Institute will come to your home and make energy-saving improvements to reduce drafts and help you save on your lighting and hot water bills. If your home qualifies for additional services such as insulation or a more energy-efficient refrigerator, they will arrange for contractors to come back to your home and do the work. Depending on your circumstances, you may receive these services at no cost.

Through a partnership of multiple state and utility organizations, we are able to service your home for a nominal fee and provide you an opportunity for big savings on your home’s energy use. All this is made possible by the efforts of The Hamden Energy Use and Climate Change Commission. Contractors for the Home Energy SolutionsSM program will come to your home to provide immediate improvements as part of the program. The opportunity for even bigger savings exists because the Commission has contracted reduced pricing with insulation, heating and cooling, other contractors and incorporated product rebates from the Energy Efficiency Fund.

  • Special rebates and financing for insulation
  • Special rebates and financing for upgrading certain heating and cooling systems
  • Federal tax credits for many kinds of energy improvements to your home or business
  • Solar leasing

Natural Gas Boiler Conversion Incentives

Incentives are valid for Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation (CNG) and Southern Connecticut Gas Company (SCG) residential customers who purchase and install a qualifying natural gas boiler within the promotional period specified. CNG & SCG incentives are only available to new CNG or SCG fuel switch customers.

Solarize Hamden

  • Add a solar system to your home without the high up-front costs of ownership. The CT Solar Lease™ offers a no-money-down opportunity to install a solar system on your property.
  • Save on your electric bill. With your CT Solar Lease™, you pay a fixed or escalated monthly payment - you choose! Pay less than your current electric bill and lock in predictable bills for years to come.
  • Peace of mind through the life of your lease. Your CT Solar Lease™ includes comprehensive insurance and warranty coverage provided by Assurant. Call one number for all property and warranty issues. Going solar has never been easier!

Solarize Hamden is part of Solarize Express, a unique discount buying program that uses a tiered-pricing structure, town-supported education and outreach and one competitively selected installer to dramatically reduce the cost of solar. The more residents sign up for Solarize, the more the cost comes down.

United Illuminating SmartLiving Center

Visit the United Illuminating SmartLiving Center on the Boston Post Road in Orange. The SmartLiving Center is an interactive, professionally staffed facility that serves as a high-profile resource for promoting energy-efficient products, services and ideas to educate customers about energy efficiency. This educational facility features seminars, special events and student tours – all geared toward teaching residents how to use energy wisely while keeping an eye on the environment and not sacrificing comfort or style.

Town Energy Improvement News