The Connecticut Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority and Energy Efficiency Fund are the building blocks of our clean energy economy. Proceeds from the auction of carbon credits, and small surcharges paid by ratepayers fund Connecticut’s effective clean energy and energy efficiency programs.

The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority

As of July 1, 2011, the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund became part of the new Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA). CEFIA’s stated mission is to promote, develop and invest in clean energy and energy efficiency projects that strengthen Connecticut’s economy, protect public health, improve the environment, and to promote a secure and sustainable energy supply for the state. CEFIA supports many programs, including:

• The Small Solar System Rebate, which provides rebates that towns can offer to their residents. Towns that sign up 100 residents receive a free solar system for a public building.
• Wind power programs that give incentives for businesses to install wind turbines on site. This program provided a portion of the funding for the Phoenix Press wind turbine in New Haven, which has saved the business as much as $35,000 a year.

Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund

Since 1998, the Energy Efficiency Fund (EEF) has given CT residents the opportunity to take advantage of affordable energy efficiency options and created incentives for homeowners and businesses within the state to invest in clean, renewable energy. Connecticut communities have been recognized as leading the way in statewide clean energy and received the Green Power Pilot Award in 2006 from the Federal EPA. EEF programs offer residents:

• Home energy audits and weatherization.
• Incentives to replace old household appliances with newer, more energy efficient models.
• Rebates on energy-saving lighting products and air conditioners.

Victory! CT Energy Efficiency Fund Restored in 2011

The CT Energy Efficiency Fund helps promote energy efficiency solutions for Connecticut businesses and residents alike. These programs yield significant environmental benefits that protect our air and water quality, while reducing 414,391 tons of CO2 that contribute to climate change and already supply the energy equivalence of 10,352 homes.

In 2010, former Governor M. Jodi Rell approved a measure to redirect 35% of the funds from CEEF’s Energy Conservation and Load Management Fund into the State’s General Fund in order to balance the state’s deficit. The program was set up to help utilities implement plans to increase conservation, invest in renewable energy, and to improve energy efficiency. Under this order, $28 million per year would be swept from the Energy Conservation and Load Management Fund to help pay off the state’s debts. This compromised the effectiveness of the fund, by leaving utilities interested in participating with an unpredictable and inconsistent funding stream.

Governor Malloy Signs PA 10-179

During the 2011 legislative session, the Connecticut General Assembly passed a bill intended to replace the funds from the Energy Conservation and Load Management Fund. Governor Dannell Malloy signed the bill into law, mandating that the fund be restored and giving stability to important conservation and efficiency programs that save energy and create jobs in Connecticut.

CCE is committed to advancing Connecticut’s renewable energy policies ,and will continue to work to ensure that the Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Funds remain fully funded.

updated by lburch 2/9/12