Issue Position: Pursue Energy Conservation

Issue Position

Over the past 10 years, the New England states have dramatically increased investments in energy efficiency resources. Massachusetts, for example, has increased energy efficiency spending by 150 percent between the years 2009 and 2012, and today ranks first among the 50 states in energy efficiency spending. While we will continue to seek to reduce our kilowatt costs, energy efficiency is an equally good way to reduce energy bills for everyone in the state.

Energy conservation will reduce homeowners' bills and spare us from having to fund large infrastructure projects like pipelines and transmission lines that crisscross the state.

I support our state's Energy Efficiency Fund and Green Bank and pledge to never support a budget that raids these programs. In 2016, the design, installation and manufacture of energy efficiency products and services in Connecticut accounted for nearly 34,000 jobs, with approximately 12,000 of those jobs generated directly from the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund. Further, the investments in energy efficiency made in 2016 will save Connecticut consumers approximately $961.8 million in lifetime bill savings, meaning every $1 invested in energy efficiency will save another $3.89 on utility bills.
I support continued investment in weatherization and peak shaving so that we can reduce demand for carbon-intensive energy, particularly in the early evenings when natural gas-based electricity is in high demand and when prices are highest. In particular, I support programs to help homeowners shift away from home heating oil to new, efficient alternatives like electric heat pumps and thermal loops.
I support continued improvements in energy efficiency standards for new homes and buildings, and I believe that all new homes and buildings should be zero carbon from 2035.
CT state government facilities account for 15 percent of the energy consumed by the state's commercial and industrial sector, and energy costs the state $150-$200 million annually. But a potential 40 percent reduction in energy use could save $60 million to $80 million every year. I support legislation to expand and accelerate the existing Lead by Example program to foster in-state job creation and economic development while reducing the state's substantial energy costs.
I also believe that our state and local governments can do more. I support legislation that requires the state and all local governments to participate in internal carbon pricing by 2021. Yale University successfully launched internal carbon pricing, which has proven to be effective at lowering emissions. Internal carbon pricing has no budgetary impact but promotes energy conservation and efficiency. This internal carbon pricing program will be opened to businesses on a voluntary basis.

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