Energy is the vital force powering business, manufacturing, and the transportation of goods and services. Energy powers our economy. As the economy grows, the demand for energy follows.

 

Energy consumption for the state of Connecticut, measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), has increased by almost 80% since 1960 and the 2006 Connecticut Siting Council Report estimates that the annual compounded growth rate will be 1.26% into the future years.

 

2004 Energy consumption as distributed by sector is shown below:

 

{Energy by sector chart}

 

 

2004 Energy consumption as distributed by fuel is shown below:

 

{Energy by fuel chart}

 

 

The use of fossil-based fuels has large implications for climate and air quality conditions.  Approximately 70% of Connecticut’s energy is derived from fossil fuels. The combustion of fossil fuels releases air pollutants and greenhouse gases, which both endanger public health and the environment as well as contribute to global climate change.

 

Multiple reports have found that an aggressive approach to funding energy efficiency and conservation programs can achieve significant reductions in total energy use and peak demand. In addition to using less energy and using energy more efficiently, it is also important to develop clean, sustainable sources of renewable energy. This combined approach has the potential to reduce both reliance on fossil fuels over the next ten years and Connecticut’s annual per capita electrical consumption from 250 million BTUs (75 MWh) to 225 million BTUs (65MWh). This difference is equivalent to avoiding the consumption of 20 million tons of coal and 2,359 million gallons of residual oil and, if attained, would greatly assist Connecticut in meeting its air quality and greenhouse reduction goals.

 

One of these air quality goals, for example, involves reducing emissions on hot summer days.  These days require electric generation from old and inefficient standby power plants in order to meet the increased electric demand, which can drastically increase ozone and particulate-forming air pollution. Referred to as High Electric Demand Days (HEDD), these days can inhibit progress towards meeting federal health based air quality standards. Through energy efficiency and conservation, HEDD concerns can be alleviated and progress towards cleaner air can be made. Learn more about the High Electric Demand Day (HEDD) Initiative.

 

Learn about Connecticut's approach to energy conservation.

 

Learn about Connecticut’s resource and consumption from the Energy Information Administration or about Connecticut’s energy management from the Office of Policy and Management’s Energy Management Unit.

 

For further information on Connecticut Energy, visit our Energy Efficiency and Climate Change page.

 

Find out about the energy plans for the region from the Connecticut Energy Advisory Board or from Region 1: EPA New England.

 

The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund promotes and supports clean energy programs and activities throughout the state.  Visit their website to learn about their program and funding opportunities.

 

Find out about the utility distribution company plans from the Energy Conservation Management Board page.

 

On the national scale, find out about the EPA’s Action Plan for Energy Efficiency.

 

If you are interested in docket databases, the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control website has them available for viewing.