Small Businesses Find a Way to Lower Energy Costs This Summer; Take Advantage of Innovate Program

Senators Looney and Harp urge small business and homeowners to sign up now; make improvements before it’s too late

West Haven: This summer’s record heat-wave has sent energy costs soaring and Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney (D-New Haven) joined Senator Toni Harp (D-New Haven), the manager of the Infinity Auto Group and representatives from the United Illuminating Company for a news conference to highlight how businesses and residents can lower their energy costs this summer.

The Infinity Auto Group is one of thousands of businesses in Connecticut which has taken advantage of the Small Business Energy Advantage Program (SBEA), a program offered by the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund. The Fund was created by the General Assembly and is administered by Connecticut Light & Power and the United Illuminating Company. In 2009 the SBEA helped more than 1,300 small businesses across Connecticut save a total of more than $5 million.

“The summer heat wave and rising energy costs put a strain on many businesses—fortunately some relief is available,” said Senator Looney. “I’m encouraging businesses to take advantage of the services provided by the Energy Efficiency Fund. Together we can lower energy costs for businesses, create jobs, and strengthen our economy.”

“The motivation for small business owners and residents to take advantage of these energy efficiency programs should be self-evident: there are significant monthly savings to be realized in air conditioning costs at this time of year, and in heating costs throughout the winter,” Senator Harp (D-New Haven) said. “At the state level we encourage these programs to reduce overall energy consumption because it’s environmentally sound, and because a fundamental economic principle assures us that if we successfully decrease consumer demand, it’s quite likely lower utility rates will follow.”

“In today’s competitive environment, energy efficiency is a key element in maintaining a healthy bottom line.” noted UI's Roy W. Haller. “Small Business Energy Advantage is designed to provide cost-effective, turnkey energy-saving services for small commercial and industrial customers who do not have the time, financial resources, or in-house expertise necessary to analyze and modify their energy usage. This is a program with lasting benefits that will help a business improve its energy efficiency while helping to develop long-term, sustainable energy management strategies.”

The SBEA program offers small business energy customers with the expertise and means to analyze and reduce their energy usage. Contractors assess the facility to determine potential energy-saving actions, prepare a proposal detailing possible measures, estimate the energy savings, and calculate the complete cost to achieve those actions.

The energy-efficient improvements translate into monthly electric bill savings that result in a quick payback and low out-of-pocket investment for small businesses. The no-interest loan payments for qualified customers appear right on the electric bill. In most cases, the monthly loan payment is less than or equal to the dollars saved by the efficiency measures.

Infinity Auto Group used the SEBA to have a free energy audit conducted and is now having technicians install new lighting and lighting controls within the building and improve refrigeration controls on vending machines. The total cost of the work is more than $15,000: CEEF is providing about $6,400 in incentives and a loan for approximately $9,000 will cover the balance. The monthly savings from the energy upgrades more than covers the cost of the loan.

A similar program is available for private households. The Home Energy Solutions program is available to all residents to help improve efficiency and lower cost. For a $75 fee, efficiency experts visit homes and apartments to conduct a comprehensive energy assessment and can make improvements and perform services worth $700 or more. Technicians locate and seal drafts, cracks and leaks throughout the home; evaluate wall and attic insulation; provide and install energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs; provide and install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators; and offer helpful advice on how to save even more money.

More than 16,000 state residents took advantage of the Home Energy Solutions program last year and tens of thousands are still eligible to have their homes audited. Windham residents and businesses realized more than $1.13 million in total savings from energy efficiency and conversation benefits provided by the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund. To schedule a visit with a Home Energy Solutions technician or to learn about the SEBA Program call 1-877-WISE-USE (947-3873).