Middletown Recognized as Clean Energy Community, Wins $15K State Grant

Middletown was one of 35 Connecticut municipalities recognized Wednesday for taking part in the statewide Clean Energy Communities program, an Energize Connecticut initiative that urges cities and towns to support energy efficiency and renewable energy.

At the ceremony on Dec. 4 at the state Capitol in Hartford, Middletown won a $15,000 grant.

Municipal leaders from municipalities throughout the state — including Middletown Mayor Dan Drew and state Rep. Matthew Lesser — were joined by state senators and representatives to celebrate their Bright Idea Grant through the program. Prizes range from $5,000 to $15,000 and can be used toward a community-selected energy-saving project.

Under the Clean Energy Communities program, municipalities sign a pledge to reduce municipal building energy consumption by 20 percent by 2018, and to voluntarily purchase 20 percent of its municipal electric needs from renewable sources by 2018.

Since 2010, according to Lesser, energy efficiency by Middletown businesses, families and government has taken the equivalent of 2,375 cars off the road. 

Through community-wide participation in energy-saving and renewable energy programs, including resident and business participation, the community receives points toward rewards, including Bright Idea Grants.

To date, 78 Connecticut cities and towns have signed the pledge to support both renewable and energy efficiency initiatives.