Energy Funding Opportunities for Connecticut Municipalities
As a municipality, you cannot access the cost savings provided by energy tax credits in the way businesses and households can. However, there are several opportunities available to cities and towns, to help save money on energy or fund energy efficiency projects.
That’s why we’ve compiled this list of currently available energy funding opportunities for municipalities in Connecticut. These are all active programs that may be able to help fund your efficiency or clean energy project and save on energy costs.
Clean Cities Coalition Network
Spearheaded by the US Department of Energy, the Clean Cities Coalition Network aims to inspire positive change through alternative fuel use and fuel-saving technologies in vehicles.
In Connecticut, there are three Clean City coalitions:
- Capitol Clean Cities of Connecticut
- Connecticut Southwestern Area Clean Cities
- Greater New Haven Clean Cities Coalition
Department of Energy
The federal Department of Energy States and Local Communities Office offers a host of programs, including:
- State & Local Energy Efficiency Action Network which provides resources and technical assistance to states and local decision-makers when it comes to energy efficiency.
- Energy Star for the Public Sector which provides information on financing energy efficiency projects.
Energize Connecticut (CT)
The Energize CT initiative helps nonprofits, municipalities, and all customers to save energy with rebates, financing and services for energy efficiency and clean energy improvements.
The initiative was set up through a partnership of the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, the Connecticut Green Bank, the State of Connecticut, and the local electric and gas utility companies.
One of the programs offered is the Clean Energy Communities Program. The program itself helps community leaders, residents, and local businesses in Connecticut set clean energy goals, and all but eight Connecticut municipalities are participating in the program.
The website also provides data on each of the participating municipalities on energy efficiency, energy usage and achievements through the program. It’s a great way to see what others have achieved and benchmark your own communities efforts.
Siting Clean Energy on Connecticut Brownfields
There may be opportunities for Connecticut municipalities, as well as private organizations, to build in areas that are or have been perceived to be polluted. These areas are known as brownfields.
State and federal funding may be available to those proposing clean and energy-efficient projects for these contaminated sites. Some of the Federal energy grants that are available under this program include:
- Assessment Grants: funding for initial brownfield site assessment work, including environmental assessments and community consultation
- Cleanup Grants: funding to complete cleanup and decontamination works
- Area-wide Planning Pilot Program: funding to research, plan and develop strategies for regenerating specific areas
- Technical Assistance, Training, and Research Grants: funding for organizations to conduct research, training and technical assistance to address brownfield challenges
- State and Tribal Response Program Grants: non-competitive funding to establish state and tribal brownfield response programs
Here is a full list of the grants and programs available under this plan, as well as details on how to apply.
Sustainable CT
Sustainable CT is a voluntary certification program to recognize thriving and resilient Connecticut municipalities. It provides a wide-ranging menu of best practices, and municipalities can choose Sustainable CT actions, implement them, and earn points toward certification. Sustainable CT also provides opportunities for grant funding to help communities promote economic well-being and enhance equity,
And if You’re Looking to Save Money on Your Energy Bills
Here at PowerOptions, we’re a nonprofit helping other nonprofits and public entities to develop comprehensive energy strategies that save money on costs and achieve sustainability goals.
As the largest energy consortium in New England, we leverage the power of the group to negotiate extremely favorable energy supply arrangements with the strongest customer protections in the market today against added or unexpected costs. Representing more than 450 organizations across Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut, we take care of everything from the compulsory competitive procurement, to negotiating the contract, to on-going monitoring and management. You can find out more here.