The Board of Selectmen passed a Resolution on Aug.
22, 2005 to commit to the goal of making at least 20 percent
of our municipal energy purchases from clean energy resources by the
year 2010. The 20 percent by 2010 Campaign is a Connecticut
not-for-profit initiative to encourage community action in support
of putting Connecticut's consumers on a path to having 20 percent of
their electricity supply come from clean, renewable energy sources
by the year 2010. There is no penalty if the town does not reach the
stated goal.
This program is designed to provide communities that make this
commitment with opportunities to purchase and support clean energy
at no cost by making the purchase of clean energy a viable and
attractive option for both businesses and residents. It will reduce
demand on the state's transmission and distribution system through
the installation of on-site clean energy systems; reduce emission of
harmful environmental pollutants including greenhouse gases that
cause global warming and support energy independence through the use
of locally-produced sustainable energy resources.
As a Clean Energy Community Bethany is eligible to earn a free
solar photovoltaic electric system ($20,000 minimum value) for every
100 residential/business users that sign up for the Ct Clean Energy
Option offered by CL&P and UI to their customers. Choosing this
option may add five to ten dollars per month to a typical electric
bill. However, choosing the CT Clean Energy Option will also make
our air cleaner by reducing the amount of airborne pollution that
comes our way from power plants in the Midwest.
September 18th 7:00 - 8:30PM “CT Energy Conservation Programs” George Messier of the Connecticut Energy Council for Teachers will present a Bethany public forum on Connecticut’s Energy Conservation programs. This 1.5 hour presentation will discuss CT programs to audit, recommend and provide rebates or grants to reduce energy consumption in the home. It will also discuss the Energy Star program and promote clean energy awareness in the community. The presentation will feature visuals, discussion, and Q&A. This forum will be held in the commission room at town hall.
October 16th 7:00 - 8:00PM “Geothermal Home Heating” Michael Sumple of Advanced Geothermal Technology in New Milford, CT will discuss issues related to using Geothermal energy for home heating, including the design, construction, maintenance and costs associated with installation and use. It will also discuss the payback and efficiency of this heating system. This presentation will be held in the commission room at town hall.
November 20th 7:00 - 8:00PM “Solar Hot Water Systems” Mark Bergander of Magnetic Development, Inc will present the advantages of using Supplemental Solar Hot water for domestic applications. Solar hot water has demonstrated faster payback than PV and simpler installation. This forum will be held in the commission room at town hall.
The
Global Warming Club from Amity High School is helping to sign up people for
Clean Energy. Pictured here at Bethany Town Hall after 180 sign-ups are (left to
right): Dakota Spear, Lucia Rieur, Laura van Dyck, Julia Ruggiero and Aliza
Taft.
Connecticut Clean Energy Communities