What to Write About

Residential Ratepayers

We should call our state representatives and senators and the CT leadership to let them know this is a serious misrepresentation, that is not fair or truthful, and that we want the fund completely restored and used for its intended purpose.

Further that you understand that there are 6 towns that do not pay into the fund (Bozra, Wallingford, South Norwalk, East Norwalk, Norwich, and half of Groton) and you don’t think that it is fair or legal for you to be paying and they aren’t and yet they are receiving the same benefits. Also, that the legislature took $12 million last year and that these towns did not pay their share and they should be back taxed or that money restored too.

If you have participated in the program either through the purchase of an ENERGY STAR lighting product or appliance or an ENERGY STAR home, a torchiere turn-in, or a benefited from a home energy audit – state that and the benefit you received.

Business

Business End Users - who have taken advantage of the Conservation Fund should write to their state representatives and senators and the CT leadership to let them know that they have been positively impacted by the fund and that they feel it should be restored.

Detail how participation the program has positively impacted the organization. i.e. the kind of technologies that were installed, the savings you received ($ amount if possible), the impact that has had on your organization (i.e. allowed you to hire additional people, make new technology purchases, etc.) also perhaps stating that you would not have made the upgrade to the energy efficient technologies without the incentive provided by the fund.

Businesses Manufacturers and Retailers - who have devoted significant resources and invested substantial time in assisting the utilities make these programs a success, you have projected sales, made purchases, and developed campaigns specifically in a partnership with the utilities and based on the continued existence of these programs. If the programs are discontinued, you are left holding the bag.

Detail those plans (i.e. promotions, marketing materials, incentives, purchases, etc.) and how it will effect your business if the funds are taken away. State the likelihood of your ever coming back to the table and participating in these programs again.

Businesses Energy Service Related Firms - Your business and the employees dedicated to these programs will be negatively effected – get specific (i.e. we will lay off 15 employees who’s employment is directed by the Conservation Fund). State the amount of dollars under contract that have been lost. State specifically any inventories or special equipment that you will be stuck with, etc.

Energy Industry Professionals from all over the country should be writing (e-mailing) or calling the leadership of Connecticut to let them know that their decision effects the rest of the country. Connecticut plays a significant role in the regional and national picture and its withdrawal from the energy efficiency community will impact how partnerships are formulated with the industry players throughout the country.