Energy Assistance, Incentives Available For Energy-Related Storm Reconstruction Costs

HARTFORD — Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced November 13 that $3 million in additional energy efficiency incentives is now available for residents and businesses replacing furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters, and refrigerators as a result of damage from Storm Sandy. The Connecticut delegation of lawmakers in Washington, D.C., also announced a new round of low-income heating assistance Tuesday.

“Many of the homes and businesses affected by Storm Sandy will be replacing damaged appliances, and heating and cooling equipment,” Governor Malloy said. “This unfortunate situation does, however, provide a unique opportunity to help property owners improve, rather than just repair, their properties by making energy efficiency investments that will save them money for years to come.”

The incentives will apply for replacement of equipment with more energy efficient models between October 29 and December 31. The deadline for applications for the incentives is December 31, 2012.

In addition to these incentives, Gov Malloy also announced that special funding is available, in the form of low-cost financing for eligible equipment with optional on-utility-bill repayment for customers who make energy efficiency upgrades in equipment or insulation and air sealing while renovating or reconstructing their residence or business as a result of storm damage.

Application Assistance

The governor said a special team has been formed to assist homeowners and businesses through the application process for these increased incentives and financing options.

“The first priority of people who suffered damage from the storm is getting their lives back to normal as quickly as possible,” the governor said. “That’s why we have assembled a team of professionals from the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, UI, CL&P, FEMA, and the Disaster Relief Centers who are ready to work. Team members will provide information on rebate requirements and walk people through the process required to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Property owners will be also be encouraged to take advantage of the comprehensive energy efficiency assessments available under current programs and be allowed to do that after their lives are back to normal. Rebates connected to those audits will have extended qualification times.

Anyone seeking information about the various energy efficiency incentives or financing options available for replacing or repairing equipment should call the Connecticut Energy Information Line at 877-WISE-USE (877-947-3873).

The $3 million for increased rebates for more energy efficiency replacement equipment will be financed largely with energy efficiency funds made available through the Northeast Utilities/NStar merger settlement agreement.

The governor said key partners in the effort to maximize awareness of this assistance and to provide information about the most efficient and cost effective options available to those who suffered storm damage are:

*Connecticut Light & Power

*Connecticut Insurance Department and insurance companies

*Infoline 211

*FEMA and Disaster Relief Centers

*The Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund

*Energize Connecticut (energizect.com)

*Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (ct.gov/deep)

*Connecticut Energy Information (ctenergyinfo.com)

Heating Funds Released

In related news, members of the Connecticut delegation announced Tuesday that the Obama Administration is releasing $3.1 billion nationally in low-income heating assistance funds under the Fiscal Year 2013 Continuing Resolution. Under this release, Connecticut will receive $72.4 million.

The legislative delegation includes Congressman and Senator-elect Chris Murphy and Senators Richard Blumenthal and Joe Lieberman.

“Now more than ever, Connecticut families hit by catastrophic weather need the assurance of warmth and assistance from LIHEAP,” the delegation said in a release. “This commitment is particularly welcome as sharp coldness comes in the wake of Sandy’s devastation. As we work to safeguard this vital safety net for needy families, we will continue to fight for more heating assistance.”

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), most states will soon receive 90 percent of their full year allocations under the FY 2013 Continuing Resolution except for Michigan, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia. These states will receive the percentage of their full year allocation they requested in their annual state plans, which is less than 90 percent for the first two quarters of the year.

Families in Connecticut wishing to apply for LIHEAP funding may go to the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program website or call (800) 842-1508 to get more information about the program and application process.