The Clean Energy Financing Matchmaking Forum
Attracts Hundreds to Stamford Connecticut
Rocky Hill, Conn., May 4, 2012 — The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA), in collaboration with the Renewable Energy & Efficiency Business Association (REEBA), Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund (EEF), and the Connecticut Bankers Association, hosted a clean energy financing matchmaking forum last night. The event brought together a diverse group of financiers, clean energy project developers, and end-users.
More than 350 individuals representing state and national organizations participated with the intent of creating strategic public-private partnerships to further Connecticut’s energy, environmental, and economic development objectives. Those that attended learned about a variety of exciting new and emerging Connecticut energy market opportunities including the Zero Emission Renewable Energy Credit (ZREC) and Low Emission Renewable Energy Credit (LREC) solicitation, Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE), and other clean energy project financing programs.
Connecticut Department of Banking Commissioner, Howard Pitkin provided the keynote address and stated, “The clean energy industry can and will have a profound impact on our national economy, similar to what's taken place with technology. Providing Connecticut access to cleaner, cheaper, and a more reliable energy future across transportation, home heating and electricity will create much needed jobs and economic growth. To get there, it will take investment. We need to attract capital and private investment to reduce our dependence on imported oil and protect our economy and our citizens from energy price shocks.”
Many of the opportunities presented are part of the Governor’s energy vision of cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable energy - as well as supporting policies developed last year by the General Assembly in Public Act 11-80. The focus was to engage the private sector to support the State’s clean energy goals and the opportunities that exist for lenders and investors through private capital investments.
The use of public dollars to leverage private sector investments through entities such as pension funds, private equity groups, international investment firms, commercial banks, community banks, credit unions, and endowments present a path to fully recognize Connecticut’s clean energy goals. Innovative financing solutions engaging public and private partnerships will play a critical role in realizing Connecticut’s clean energy future.
About the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA)
CEFIA was established by Connecticut’s General Assembly on July 1, 2011 as a part of Public Act 11-80. This new quasi-public agency supersedes the former Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. CEFIA’s mission is to help ensure Connecticut’s energy security and community prosperity by realizing its environmental and economic opportunities through clean energy finance and investments. As the nation’s first full-scale clean energy finance authority, CEFIA will leverage public and private funds to drive investment and scale-up clean energy deployment in Connecticut. For more information about CEFIA, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.
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