The Town of Wethersfield is committed to exploring environmentally and fiscally responsible ways to reduce its impact on the environment. In April 2006 Wethersfield became a "Connecticut Clean Energy Community" by partnering with the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund and SmartPower to purchase and support clean energy. The partnership's goals are to:
- Sign-up residents and businesses to CL&P's CTCleanEnergyOptions (which helps the Town earn free solar panels);
- Install clean energy solar photovoltaic systems on municipal buildings; and
- Ultimately have 20% of the Town's electricity come from clean energy sources by the year 2010.
A Clean Energy Committee was formed to advise the Town in meeting its commitment to the 20% by 2010 Clean Energy Campaign, encourage the use of renewable energy by its citizens, and promote the wise use of energy resources by the Town and Board of Education. Its members are Michael DiCioccio, Virginia Judson, Judy C. Parker, Joseph Hickey and Christopher Novak.
Public meetings are held at 4:15 p.m. at the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center, Mill Woods Park, 156 Prospect Street. The committee's meeting minutes are available online.
- Meeting dates for 2008 are as follows:
- January 9, 2008
- February 13, 2008
- March 12, 2008
- April 9, 2008
- May 14, 2008
- June 11, 2008
- July 9, 2008
- August 13, 2008
- September 10, 2008
- October 8, 2008
- November 12, 2008
- December 10, 2008
- For more information please contact a committee member or staff:
- Christopher Shepard
- Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center
- Mill Woods Park
- 156 Prospect Street
- Wethersfield, CT 06109
- (860) 529-3075
- naturecenter@wethersfieldct.com
For more information about how you can conserve energy or to learn more about renewable energy, visit the following web sites:
- Connecticut Energy Info - Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control tips and resources for residents and businesses for lowering energy costs, increasing energy efficiency, and renewable energy.
- Connecticut Clean Energy Fund for Residents - Promotes the production and use of energy from clean and renewable sources, for the benefit of Connecticut ratepayers, including programs and funding opportunities of interest to residents.
- Connecticut Clean Energy Fund for Businesses - Promotes the production and use of energy from clean and renewable sources, for the benefit of Connecticut ratepayers, including programs and funding opportunities for businesses.
- Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency - Comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal financial incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.
- OneThing - Helping ensure a better energy future here in Connecticut one person, one thing at a time. Many ideas and resources for conserving energy at home, at work, at school, getting around, and in your community. What's your one thing?
- Alliance to Save Energy - Promotes energy efficiency worldwide to achieve a healthier economy, a cleaner environment, and greater energy security. Offers energy saving tips and resources.
- Northeast Sustainable Energy Association - Works to bring clean electricity, green transportation, and healthy, efficient buildings into everyday use.
- People's Action for Clean Energy - PACE is the largest totally volunteer organization working for energy efficiency, conservation, and benign renewable energy in Connecticut.
- Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy - U.S. Department of Energy information on energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.
- Energy Star - U.S. Department of Energy & EPA energy-minded home improvement suggestions and information on Energy Star rated appliances and other household products.
- Recycle Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs - Compact fluorescent lightbulbs use less energy. The EPA estimates every American changing a bulb would reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 800,000 cars. They contain some Mercury, but less than what's released from coal burned to generate the extra electricity incandescent bulbs require. Also an individual's exposure from a broken bulb is about the same as eating a can of tunafish. Still it's best to dispose of CFLs properly at the Wethersfield Transfer Station, MDC Hazardous Waste Collections, Home Depot Stores, or other local businesses offering a public CFL program.