WESTON, CT—Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) today met with Weston First Selectman Gayle Weinstein and Weston residents to discuss Solarize Weston, a new town and state-sponsored initiative designed to significantly increase residential solar power.

Earlier this year, Weston was selected through a competitive process to participate in Solarize Connecticut, a program offered by Connecticut’s Green Bank - the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority – and  SmartPower, a nonprofit organization, to boost residential solar and make it more affordable.

“Investments in solar technology are critical to our nation's efforts to save energy, lower costs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil,” Himes said. “With the support of Connecticut's Green Bank, Weston's solar initiative is helping residents save money on their electric bills while making the town a cleaner, more energy efficient place to live. This is another example of the Green Bank’s success in financing clean energy programs, and it is more evidence of why I’m pushing for a similar model at the national level.”

“The Town of Weston believes strongly in supporting green energy initiatives,” Weinstein said. “Not only will this program allow our residents to save money by reducing their electric bill, it is also the right thing to do for our environment.”

Solarize Connecticut offers group discounts through a pre-selected installer to reduce the cost of solar. The program relies on the community to provide outreach and education to create awareness and build interest, and it establishes a clear end date that encourages residents to act. Weston is one of 11 towns across the state currently participating in Solarize Connecticut.

Weston is working with Ross Solar, based in Danbury, as part of the program. Residents who sign a contract before Nov. 14 are eligible for discounts on solar panel systems and installation. For more information about Solarize Weston, visit www.solarizect.com/weston

In Congress this year, Himes has made it a priority to find new ways for the federal government to encourage individuals and companies to reduce their energy consumption, while helping the marketplace grow and thrive. In April, Himes helped introduce legislation to establish a Federal Green Bank, modeled after Connecticut’s Green Bank, to help finance the development of clean energy and energy efficiency projects. The Green Bank Act of 2014 will create an independent, self-sustaining nonprofit corporation that would serve as a catalyst for leveraging capital to expand energy development and conservation.