More than 100 clean energy supporters from across Connecticut gathered at the Legislative Office Building to celebrate the state's successful clean energy efforts during a forum hosted by the Connecticut Green Bank and Renewable Energy and Efficiency Business Association (REEBA).
The Forum on Connecticut's Clean Energy Economy focused on the state's leadership in helping its residents and businesses access clean, affordable energy and celebrated several initiatives including achieving governor Malloy's and the legislature's goal of deploying 30 megawatts (MW) of residential rooftop solar PV by 2022, which has been completed eight years ahead of target and significantly under budget. Forum attendees included members of the Connecticut legislature, solar industry and energy efficiency supporters, capital providers that offer financing for clean energy projects, and business customers from across the state that have implemented clean energy projects.
The forum also included three panel discussions. The first panel discussion focused on Connecticut's solar market and was moderated by Kerry O'Neill, managing director of residential programs at the Connecticut Green Bank. Panelists included Shaun Chapman, senior director of policy & electricity markets at Solar City; Mickey Toro, owner of C-TEC Solar; and Bernie Pelletier, community outreach manager at SmartPower.
"Five years ago, the marketplace needed convincing," said Toro. "Since then, as a result of the efforts of the state, the Green Bank, and other stakeholders, the market is now thriving. My company and others like it have grown, adding jobs right here in Connecticut and meeting the growing consumer demand. I see a bright future for solar in Connecticut."
"Connecticut's rising consumer demand for solar is fueling a booming contractor marketplace," said Bryan Garcia, President & CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank. "Successes like these are made possible through the state's efforts to attract private capital to the clean energy sector and create innovative financing products that support clean energy adoption. Governor Malloy's new proposal for 300 MW of residential solar by 2022 will produce more clean energy at a faster rate, create in-state jobs and economic development, and save ratepayer dollars."
The second panel discussion focused on the successful Energize Norwich pilot campaign, which converted residents and businesses to cleaner and cheaper natural gas using a group purchasing discount model and access to financing from local lenders. The panel was moderated by O'Neill and included panelists Jeff Brining, energy services division manager at Norwich Public Utilities; John Mancini, senior vice president at Eastern Savings Bank; Ray Currier, chief operating officer at CorePlus Federal Credit Union; and Rick Hatch, owner of R&W Heating Energy Solutions.
The final panel focused on the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program, the most successful program of its kind in the nation that also is celebrating its two year anniversary. C-PACE allows commercial property owners to access low cost financing for energy upgrades. The panel was moderated by Genevieve Sherman, acting director of commercial & industrial markets at the Connecticut Green Bank and included panelists David Ford, comprehensive solutions account executive at TRANE U.S., and Jeff Bishop, director of the center for sustainable business growth at Bridgeport Regional Business Council.
"Connecticut is helping create sustainable private markets for energy efficiency and renewable energy through its policy and financial innovations," said Paul Michaud, executive director of REEBA. "The state has become a model for other states across the country looking to accomplish those same goals."
For more information on Connecticut's clean energy economy and the Governor's new solar proposal, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com/SHREC.
About the Connecticut Green Bank
(formerly the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority ("CEFIA"):
The Connecticut Green Bank was established by Connecticut's General Assembly on July 1, 2011 as a part of Public Act 11-80. The Green Bank's mission is to lead the green bank movement by accelerating private investment in clean energy deployment within Connecticut and to achieve economic prosperity, job creation and energy security throughout the state. As the nation's first full-scale green bank, the organization leverages public and private funds to drive investment and scale-up clean energy deployment in Connecticut. For more information about the Connecticut Green Bank, please visitwww.ctcleanenergy.com.
About the Renewable Energy and Efficiency Business Association (REEBA):
The Renewable Energy and Efficiency Business Association promotes the sustainable deployment of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and demand-side management. REEBA was formed in 2010 to promote and give voice to a united clean energy industry. REEBA's membership includes project developers, energy services companies, and an array of electricity end-users including municipalities, schools, and commercial and industrial companies interested in implementing clean energy technologies. For more information about REEBA, please visit www.reeba.org.