The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) announced that Tolland has joined the Connecticut Clean Energy Communities Program by committing to a goal of purchasing at least 20% of its electricity for municipal facilities from clean, renewable energy sources.  In making this commitment, Tolland becomes the 100th municipality in the State to “go green.”  The Town Council approved a resolution declaring the Town’s commitment to a cleaner environment and greater energy independence.

I am proud that the Town, working with the Board of Education, can be leaders in promoting the use of clean energy,” said Steve Werbner, Town Manager.  “It is our responsibility to make sure that for future generations we improve the environment and ensure that we have sufficient energy supplies for our state and nation.”

Tolland’s Energy Task Force has been the driving force behind the Town’s support for clean energy.  Established two years ago and led by Chairman Mark Summers, the Task Force has implemented a number of clean energy and energy efficiency initiatives and has plans to implement more.

One of its first initiatives was to benchmark the energy use profiles of all Town-owned buildings.  Town staff now track the monthly energy use of the buildings and the Task Force is evaluating ways to reduce energy costs.  One clean energy solution in the works is a geothermal retrofit of the Hicks Memorial Center & Library.  Guided by the Energy Task Force, Tolland applied for and received funding from the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation for a geothermal test well and infrared scan of the Hicks Memorial Center & Library.  Using information received from this test well, which was drilled in the spring of 2010, Tecton Architects and the engineering firm Lindgren & Sharples are proceeding with the final design phase and preparation of the construction documents.  The Town has also received federal stimulus funds through ARRA to offset the design costs for the geothermal retrofit heating and cooling system which will replace the current oil-based system.

Summers, who is also President of CNC Software, a “green” company that incorporates both solar photovoltaic and geothermal systems at its Tolland facility, said, “The Tolland Energy Task Force is proud to be involved with Tolland’s clean energy purchase and we view it as a step in the right direction to raise our energy awareness and to work toward a more efficient town.”

The Energy Task Force has also reached out to residents.  It has promoted clean energy signups through CTCleanEnergyOptions at the Annual Cider Mill 5K Race and plans to promote signups again this fall at the event. Additionally, Task Force members have conveyed their enthusiasm for clean energy and energy efficiency and promoted clean energy signups in articles they have written for the local newspaper.  Recently, the Task Force purchased 11 electric usage monitors that are available to the public at the Library as a tool to help residents see how many kilowatts their appliances and electronic gadgets are consuming at home.

Tolland’s commitment to 20% clean energy is one of the required steps to become a Connecticut Clean Energy Community.  Additionally, the Town must commit to the EPA Community Energy Challenge – which challenges cities and towns across the nation to reduce their energy usage by at least 10% and make a municipal clean energy purchase.

The Town earns points for clean energy signups through the CTCleanEnergyOptions program and for the installation of clean energy systems, such as solar photovoltaic, solar thermal and geothermal, in the community.  As of May 31, 2010, Tolland had earned 165 clean energy points, consisting of 132 points earned through CTCleanEnergyOptions signups and 33 points earned through clean energy installations in Town. Once Tolland has met all requirements, the Town will qualify as a Connecticut Clean Energy Community and, based on its earned points, receive a clean energy system, such as solar PV, from CCEF.  Residents can learn more about the program and follow the Town’s progress at www.ctcleanenergy.com/communities.

“One hundred Connecticut towns can’t be wrong,” said Bob Wall, Director, energy market initiatives for CCEF.  “Those municipal governments and thousands of homes and businesses understand that clean and efficient energy practices help to build a strong local economy, improve our quality of life and save money.  We challenge the rest of Connecticut’s communities to follow Tolland’s leadership and become part of the clean energy solution.”

About the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF)

CCEF was created by the Connecticut General Assembly and is funded by the electric ratepayers.  CCEF’s mission is to promote, develop and invest in clean energy sources for the benefit of Connecticut’s ratepayers in order to strengthen Connecticut’s economy, protect community health, improve the environment, and promote a secure energy supply for the state.  CCEF is administered by Connecticut Innovations, a quasi-public authority.  For more information on CCEF, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.

About the Connecticut Clean Energy Communities Program

CCEF’s Connecticut Clean Energy Communities Program is an award-winning initiative that challenges municipalities, faith communities, colleges and universities, businesses and residents to support clean energy.  This program has been critical to the development of the voluntary clean energy market in Connecticut.  For more information about the Connecticut Clean Energy Communities Program and CTCleanEnergyOptions, visit www.ctcleanenergy.com/communities.