FAIRFIELD, CT – Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) and Fairfield First Selectman Ken Flatto joined The United Illuminating Company at a press conference today to outline a new Recovery Act program that will fully fund energy efficiency audits and improvements for qualifying homeowners in Fairfield. The audits will be funded through an Energy Efficiency Block grant provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
“The Town of Fairfield is very appreciative of receiving federal funding to give our residents the opportunity to participate in this free clean energy program for their own homes,” said Flatto. “The Fairfield community prides itself on our energy efficiency and we are always seeing new positive measures to achieve that.”
“UI is extremely pleased that through the use of the Federal Block Grant funds, Fairfield residents will be able to participate in the energy efficiency programs offered through the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund,” said Pat McDonnell, Director of Conservation and Load Management for The United Illuminating Company. “By supporting these programs, the Town of Fairfield is helping residents save money, preserve our natural resources, and helping to save the environment.”
The Town of Fairfield will provide a credit for the full cost of a home energy audit, normally $75, to the first 1,500 qualified homeowners that participate in The United Illuminating Company’s Home Energy Solutions program. Certified contractors will perform a no-obligation, energy-use evaluation and then make improvements on the spot. Technicians will:
• Conduct blower-door and duct tests to pinpoint drafts and then professionally seal leaks.
• Install water-saving equipment such as low-flow showerheads and faucet
aerators.
• Install energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs.
• Recommend further energy-saving actions and provide information on financing assistance from the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund.
In addition to the services above, participants may be eligible for rebates on certain central air conditioning systems and energy-efficient appliances. The program also provides other incentives for home insulation upgrades. The value of these services averages approximately $750 per home, but they are discounted to only $75 by the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund. Through Fairfield’s Recovery Act Home Energy Conservation Program, the services can now be offered for free.
“This is a smart use of Recovery Act funds that will create Connecticut jobs and help homeowners use less energy,” said Congressman Himes. “This project will have a real impact on people’s lives in Fairfield.”
Interested residents should call 1-877-947-3873 to apply. More information is available at http://www.fairfieldct.org/energyaudit.htm.