Energy Management Options for Businesses

Managing energy use and costs can be an intimidating challenge. However, Connecticut businesses have many options available to help manage and control their energy use and costs.

Here are a few options worth exploring if you’re looking to reduce your energy consumption and, potentially, your electric bill. For more information about any of these energy management opportunities, please contact CBIA’s Kevin Hennessy (860-244-1979) .

Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund

Supports a variety of energy efficiency programs that provide financial incentives to help you reduce the amount of energy used in your business. The Fund is supported by all CL&P and UI customers through the Combined Public Benefits Charge on their electric bill and by customers of Connecticut Natural Gas, Southern Connecticut Gas Company and Yankee Gas Services Company through a conservation charge on gas bills. Programs include rebates and financing options and are administered by Connecticut’s electric and gas utilities.

Connecticut Energy Efficiency Incentive Program

Provides financial incentives to help you reduce the amount of energy used in your business. The program was established under Connecticut’s Energy Independence Act and is funded through a charge on electric bills. The 5 MW energy efficiency rebate program was approved by the Department of Public Utility Control and is managed by Ameresco. Under this program, Ameresco offers rebates based on peak demand saved to customers with facilities in Connecticut. The program is open to both customers building new facilities and customers retrofitting their existing facilities.

Connecticut Electric Efficiency Partners

Reduces the demand for electricity, particularly peak-demand power, based on the use of demand-side technology. The Partners Program was established under Connecticut’s Act Concerning Electricity and Energy Efficiency. Currently there are five technologies that have been approved under the program; they include, ice based thermal storage, gas chillers and solar assisted air conditioning. Customers can apply for financial grants for use of approved technologies.

Connecticut Clean Energy Fund

Supports a variety of clean energy programs that provide financial incentives to help Connecticut ratepayers install clean energy capacity. The Fund is supported by all CL&P and UI customers through the Combined Public Benefits Charge on their electric bill. Programs include on-site distributed generation (Photovoltaics and Fuel Cells) and American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funded Solar Thermal and Geothermal Ground Source Heat Pumps.

Generation Service Charge

The Generation Service Charge is the rate you pay for the generation portion of your electric bill (approximately 60% of the overall electric bill). Connecticut businesses can shop around for the best Generation Service Charge rate. They can compare prices offered by competitive suppliers and their electric utility to determine which price and offer makes the most sense for them. CBIA’s Energy Connections program helps our members analyze the various options available to them.