| Last week I read an interesting article
in the Register Citizen about the Granby Board of Education’s
initiative to save on heating costs by turning the thermostat
in schools down one degree from 68 to 69. The board
estimated that they could save up to $40,000 just by
making this small change. I certainly applaud their
innovative approach to finding additional savings and
I think they are on the right track. Many of us have
already taken similar steps to lower our home energy
bills.
This year, in addition to our normal energy assistance
program, the state announced the release of four million
dollars in federal stimulus funds to help homeowners
and businesses pay for the installation of solar-powered
hot water heating systems. Solarization is an expensive
project, but yields incredible long term results. The
state Department of Socials Services has a similar Weatherization
Assistance Program that provides an energy audit for
qualifying homeowners and renters to determine weatherization
projects tailored specifically to their home. Cash assistance
is then provided to help make the necessary changes
to anything from heating system tune-ups to the installation
of new doors and windows.
Apart from weatherization and energy savings incentive
programs, the state also provides traditional energy
assistance to eligible individuals through the Connecticut
Energy Assistance Program and the Connecticut Heating
Assistance Program. The application site in Granby is
at the Granby Social Services office located at 15C
North Granby Road. Their phone number is: 844-5351.
Operation Fuel provides up to $500 for home heating
bills to qualifying seniors with income less than $48,800
and married seniors with income less than $63,800. In
order to help you identify potential assistance and
savings, I have available on my website,
www.SenatorKissel.cga.ct.gov, an easy to use interactive
tool detailing government and utility sponsored programs
to help you lower your energy costs and usage.
For more information about the Solar Thermal Incentive
Program, visit www.ctcleanenergy.com/solarthermal,
call (860)563-0015 or e-mail solarthermal@ctcleanenergy.com.
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