CAMPAIGNS
Connecticut State Renewable Energy Policies
PURCHASING RENEWABLES: OVERCOMING THE PRICE BARRIER TO CHANGE
One recognized barrier to the change to renewable energy is price. Currently, the installation and generating price for conventional, fossil fuel electricity plants is cheaper than renewable facilities. This is largely a function of size and unrecognized costs. One centralized power plant using fossil fuel can be put up more cheaply than dispersed facilities using renewable energy like solar, wind or ocean power. Conventional power’s hidden costs to society, which renewable energy avoids, are hard to overcome on a bottom line comparison.
In order to level the playing field and reflect society’s current and future energy needs, including a renewable energy base, each state will need to develop energy priorities that will support renewable energy markets.
Let government purchasing priorities encourage renewable energy markets.
Buying renewable energy to power public offices, buildings, vehicles and operations is one way support increased renewable energy production. By re-directing consumer choice, every level of government can help increase market demand for renewable energy production.
In 2002, the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) launched the Connecticut CleanEnergy Communities and SmartPower 20% by 2010 campaigns. These programs encourage towns and cities to join the state in committing to acquire at least 20% of the municipal energy from renewable sources by 2010, as well as encourage town and city residents to buy renewable energy for their own use. Municipalities that have made the commitment and have a significant number of families and businesses buying renewable energy will receive free two-kilowatt solar panel systems for municipal use*.
Municipal governments in Connecticut can help develop renewable energy by establishing renewable energy purchasing requirements for all municipal agencies and facilities.
Click here for more information about CT CleanEnergy Communities and see if your town has made the pledge.
* For every 100 electric ratepayers or every 10% of the town population that buys renewable energy, whichever is smaller, the municipality receives a two-kilowatt system.
Following-through on the principles of the 20% by 2010 effort, on Earth Day 2004, former Governor Rowland signed Executive Order 32. This directive requires all Connecticut agencies and entities to buy at least 20% of their energy requirements from renewable sources by 2010, increasing to 50% by 2020 and 100% by 2050. The executive order represents the result from months of campaigning by CCE and other environmental groups for Connecticut to take this important step.
Updated by epepper 5/30/08
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