West Hartford Among 35 Communities to be Recognized for Commitment to Energy Efficiency

West Hartford is one of 35 Connecticut municipalities that will be recognized for their participation in the statewide Clean Energy Communities program, an Energize Connecticut initiative that incentivizes cities and towns to support energy efficiency and renewable energy.

A ceremony will take place on Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. at the state Capitol.

Municipal leaders from these communities will be joined by their state senators and representatives to celebrate their city or town earning its first “Bright Idea Grant” through the program, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 and can be used toward a community-selected energy-saving project.

Under the Clean Energy Communities program, municipalities sign a pledge to reduce municipal building energy consumption by 20 percent by 2018, and to voluntarily purchase 20 percent of its municipal electric needs from renewable sources by 2018.

Through community-wide participation in energy-saving and renewable energy programs, including resident and business participation, the community receives points toward rewards, including “Bright Idea Grants.”

To date, 78 Connecticut cities and towns have signed the pledge to support both renewable and energy efficiency initiatives.