Solarize Connecticut Program Extended

Due to Effects of Storm Sandy

Homeowners in Participating Communities

Now Have Until January 14, 2013 to Take Advantage of Group Pricing

Discounts for Solar Installations

Rocky Hill, Conn., December 10, 2012 — The Connecticut Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) announced today that homeowners will now have until January 14, 2013 to participate in the Solarize Connecticut program (Program). The extension will provide additional time for those who were impacted by Storm Sandy to complete the signup process.  CEFIA has decided to provide the extension to all four communities in phase I of the program.

The first phase of the Solarize Connecticut program provides group pricing discounts on solar energy installations for homeowners in four communities: Durham, Fairfield, Portland, and Westport. As more residents decide to participate, the price for everyone in the community comes down.

“More than 1,000 Connecticut homeowners have already expressed interest in adding solar to their homes as a result of the Solarize Connecticut program,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of CEFIA. “We have extended the deadline to make sure that everyone affected by Storm Sandy will have enough time to engage in an affordable clean energy solution.”

Many residents, installers, and volunteers working on the Solarize Connecticut program were especially hard hit by Sandy, suffering damage to their homes and extended periods of time without electricity. In the immediate aftermath of the storm, work on the program came to a halt to allow individuals and families time to return to their normal lives. The extension provides additional time for homeowners to work with installers to complete the decision-making process.

Solarize Connecticut offers affordable solar installation options for homeowners through group pricing discounts. Some participating municipalities in the program also offer leasing options with no upfront investment. Homeowners who choose to add clean solar power can expect to realize energy cost savings. Connecticut residents interested in learning more about Solarize Connecticut should visit www.solarizect.com.

 

Reaction from Local Leaders:

Michael Tetreau, First Selectman, Fairfield
“Solarize has been extremely well received here in Fairfield, and we are excited to have achieved Tier 5 pricing, offering residents an extraordinary value on solar.  This program helps us deliver on our commitment to energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives that not only help the environment but help save town taxpayers significant money.   While many residents have already taken advantage of the program, the extension proposed by CEFIA, in recognition of the impacts of Hurricane Sandy, gives Fairfield residents more time to consider solar for their home.

Laura Francis, First Selectwoman, Durham
“Thanks to CEFIA for giving us a few additional weeks to reach more residents in our town.  We much appreciate their consideration for the lost weeks due to storm Sandy which was so devastating to several of the Solarize-participating towns. For us, it is an opportunity to get as many Durham residents as possible to learn about this incredible program and get their homes solar-assessed before the deadline.”

Gordon Joseloff, First Selectman, Westport
“The storm set us back several weeks, and of course many of our residents are still recovering, so we appreciate having the extra time to reach residents who want to take advantage of this important program.  We appreciate CEFIA working with us to give us this extension so more Westport residents can take advantage of Solarize for their homes.

Susan Bransfield, First Selecwoman, Portland
“We appreciate CEFIA extending this program for a few more weeks, giving us time to reach more Portland residents about the value that Solarize offers. We are very close to reaching Tier 5 pricing, and this extension gives us a final opportunity to sign up additional homeowners and hit that new milestone.”

About the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA)
CEFIA was created by the Connecticut General Assembly in 2011. It is the successor organization to the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. CEFIA’s mission is to promote, develop and invest in clean energy and energy efficiency projects in order to strengthen Connecticut’s economy, protect community health, improve the environment, and promote a secure energy supply for the state. CEFIA is governed by an 11-member board of directors appointed by the governor and the leadership of the State Legislature. 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 on CEFIA, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.

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