DEP: P2 Energy Topics

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Energy Efficiency in the Home
Appliances, Lighting and Electronics Need a new ceiling fan, water heater or a furnace? The Energy Star website has information on products in over 60 categories. Artificial lighting for indoor and outdoor applications uses almost 15% of a household's electricity use. Learn how new lighting technologies save energy. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) use up to 75% less electricity than incandescent bulbs. Find out all about where to use them, how they work and how to dispose of them properly. Dry clothes outdoors or use a clothes rack indoors.				Did you know... A refrigerator, especially an older model, is the biggest energy user in your home. Some appliances and electronics use electricity even when they are turned off! Learn more about phantom loads. (See page 4.)
Heating and Cooling Insulating your home properly will make you more comfortable and save energy. Information on rebates, tax credits, weatherization assistance If you use a programmable thermostat you won't have to remember to adjust the heat or air conditioning when you leave for the day. More $$$ saved! Learn about heating your home with wood stoves, wood burning furnaces and biofuel.
Renewable Energy Learn the basics about clean energy. You can help create a demand for clean energy by purchasing it from suppliers that provide energy from renewable sources. Learn about installing solar panels at your home and the small solar rebate program and the CT solar lease program. Other resources: Solar Connecticut				{Image of roof top solar panel}
Tools to Assess Your Energy Use Home Energy Solutions offers home energy audits. Use these tools to assess your home's energy use and identify the best ways to save energy and $$. Calculate your Carbon Footprint.
Teaching Kids About Energy Conservation Learn more about clean energy at the CT Science Center. Help kids learn how to save energy by doing simple things like powering off their video games, turning off the lights when they leave the room and more. Energy Hog Busters Game The Energy Kids Page has energy games, classroom activities, energy facts.				{Image of girl with video game}
Resources Energy Savers has tips for saving energy and money at home and on the road. What is Your Energy Policy? Alliance to Save Energy American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy CT Light & Power's Energy Efficiency at Home CT Office of Policy and Management, Energy Management Unit Institute For Sustainable Energy at Eastern CT State University The Smart Living Center has products, displays and other information on saving energy at home. They are located at 297 Boston Post Road, Orange, CT, Phone: 866-762-7899.

Fuel Information

Everything you want to know about fuels.

Biomass is renewable, organic material that can be used as a fuel or energy source. Some examples include all types of plant materials (forest thinnings, agricultural crops and residue, wood and wood waste), animal waste, landfill methane gas, sewage and solid waste.

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel, produced from either virgin vegetable oils (such as soy, canola) or from waste greases or other renewable resources.

Energy Efficiency for Business

Connecticut Office of Policy and Management:

Energy research and policy development
Energy Management Unit
New Technology Program grants up to $10,000 are available for energy conserving technologies that have not been commercialized. A new round of grants is announced in November with a due date in late January-early February. Recipients are announced in May. (For CT individuals or companies with 15 or fewer employees.)

Utilize EPA’s new Energy Star at Work online tool

Energy audits, rebate programs and assistance from Connecticut Light and Power and United Illuminating.

The Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund (CEEF) is an initiative to help homeowners and renters, small and large businesses, and state and local governments alike get in the habit of using energy more efficiently.

The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund invests in enterprises and other initiatives that promote and develop sustainable markets for energy from renewable energy sources and fuel cells that will benefit the ratepayers of Connecticut.

US EPA Resources:

US Department of Energy: technical assistance program on motors, steam, compressed air, and process heating and information on combined heat and power

No-cost on-site energy efficiency analysis of plant and process operations by the Industrial Assessment Center at University of Massachusetts

Energy Efficiency for Congregations and Sanctuary Spaces

Energy Star Guidebook for Faith Communities

The CT Interreligious Eco-Justice Network has information on way to green congregations, including conserving energy.

Energy Efficiency for College Campuses

Green Campus Initiative

Energy Star resources for higher education

Energy Efficiency for Communities

The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund offers a variety of programs and funding opportunities to communities interested in joining together to learn about and use clean energy sources

See Energy Efficiency for State and Local Government

Content Last Updated October 2009

Energy - Conservation, Efficiency and Alternative Fuels

Energy -
Conservation, Efficiency and Alternative Fuels