Clean Energy FAQs
What is the Clean Energy Task Force?
The Clean Energy Task Force was established by the Town of Granby to pursue the goals set by the town in its commitment to the 20% by 2010 program.
What is the 20% by 2010 Campaign?
The 20% by 2010 Campaign is a program that challenges cities and towns to get 20% of their electricity from clean renewable sources by 2010.
What is the EPA Energy Challenge?
The EPA Energy Challenge is an opportunity for municipalities across New England to identify simple and cost-effective measures that increase energy efficiency and renewable energy use while reducing air pollution and saving money.
What is the Qualification Threshold?
Basic criteria
100 points within a community
Points equal to 10 % of households or
1 gigawatt-hour of Connecticut clean energy options
Each household that signs up for clean energy options counts as 1 point.
Each 100 MWh of clean energy purchased by local commercial or industrial customer counts as 10 points.
Each photovoltaic or solar thermal system installed is 3 points.
What are the benefits to the Town of Granby?
For each 400 points, Granby will be eligible for a free 4kW photovoltaic panel system. This system can be used to provide direct alternative energy to help meet Granby’s 20% requirement. With the system, Granby also will get two free monitoring systems that will enable citizens to learn about the electricity generated by the panel system, the carbon dioxide emissions avoided, and the costs saved.
How can I help the town reach the threshold?
Choices include two alternative energy companies – Sterling Planet or Community Energy
Sterling Planet uses 25% regional wind energy, 50% national wind energy and 25% NE small hydropower.
Community Energy uses 33% regional wind energy, 33% national wind energy and 34% NE small hydropower.
Both companies provide for 50% and 100% alternative energy options
Where does the clean energy come from?
Wind and hydropower are currently being used with this program. Solar, biomass and landfill gas are being considered.
What are the benefits of clean energy?
You are supporting the investment to establish more clean energy sources and reduce the dependence on nuclear, coal, oil and natural gas generated sources plus the reduction in emissions.
How many Granby households are currently enrolled in the program?
Currently Granby has 138 households (3.5%) signed up and a total of 165 points. (Click here to see the numbers on the CTCleanEnergy.com website.)
What is the cost of the clean energy?
Sterling Planet
100% option – 1.19¢ per kWh ($8.33 per month for 700 kWh)
50% option - .595¢ per kWh ($4.16 per month for 700 kWh)
Community Energy
100% option – 1.3¢ per kWh ($9.10 per month for 700 kWh)
50% option - .65¢ per kWh ($4.55 per month for 700 kWh)
Average Connecticut household uses about 700 kWh per month.
Will I actually be receiving the alternative energy directly?
By participating in the Clean Energy Options program you are supporting the development of renewable energy. The energy you receive in your home comes through the electric grid that carries a mix of both traditional and renewable sources of electricity.
Are CL&P and UI affiliated with the clean energy companies?
Sterling Planet and Community Energy are not affiliated with CL&P or UI. CL&P and UI make no profits from supporting the renewable energy program.
Is there a governing body that oversees the renewable energy providers?
Both companies are licensed by the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) and were selected by a competitive bidding process.
How will I be billed for clean energy?
You will continue to receive one bill with the clean energy option as a separate line item.
What happens to my electrical service if I sign up?
All service continues to be handled exactly the same way through your primary utility
Can my clean energy options be canceled without penalty?
Yes, contact your chosen energy company directly.
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