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| A Message from the SmartPower President,
Brian F. Keane |
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 When we first started SmartPower back in 2002, the concept was to create a “model” organization in Connecticut that would message and market clean energy. Our theory was that enhanced marketing and messaging would help to create a robust voluntary clean energy marketplace. Our founders also felt that if we were to be successful in Connecticut, we would expand the model regionally throughout New England, followed by continued expansion of our marketing and messaging campaign to a nationwide audience. Without question, a national marketing campaign would create the proverbial “Tipping Point” with clean energy being an accepted and mainstream part of the American voluntary energy portfolio.
And now, almost four years later we find that the future is today. We are taking the models that we continue to build in Connecticut and bringing them to other states all in the quest for that “Tipping Point”
Throughout our efforts we have continued to rely upon Connecticut as our ‘incubator’, or “test kitchen” if you will. It is in Connecticut that we first worked with the Clean Energy States Alliance to create the “It’s real. It’s here. It’s working” message. And it has been Connecticut where we first introduced the 20% by 2010 Campaign and then ultimately tied that together with the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund to create the Connecticut Clean Energy Communities Program.
And today it is our marketing and messaging first born in Connecticut and quickly spreading to other states across the country that we are seeing increasingly positive signs that we may be closer to that elusive tipping point.
The proof? 20 towns in Connecticut have committed to our 20% by 2010 Campaign and 10 of those towns are “Clean Energy Communities’. As you’ll read in this month’s issue of The Monthly Charge, the town of Branford, Connecticut has become the 20th Community in Connecticut to commit to our 20% by 2010 Campaign. This is an unprecedented milestone for the 20% by 2010 Campaign and a clear signal that we are moving the market. Of those 20 communities, 10 of them have now qualified as “Clean Energy Communities”, meaning that they have not only committed to 20% by 2010, but they have reached out to their own residents and as a result at least 100 households in each of these towns have signed up for Connecticut’s Clean Energy Options Program. With these two hurdles reached, the town now qualifies for a free solar energy system from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund.
This is truly amazing movement in the marketplace. And because of this success and the word of mouth it is generating we are taking the lessons learned in Connecticut and bringing the 20% by 2010 Campaign to other states. In future issues of The Monthly Charge you’ll increasingly be reading about how this program is being exported to new states from coast to coast.
Further, while we are closely following our business plan for expansion, we never envisioned that our marketing and messaging campaign would have legs outside the borders of the US. But indeed, it does.
Three weeks ago, Jonathan Edwards and I were guests of the University of St. Gallen in Geneva, Switzerland. At a conference in the Alps, we outlined to an international audience how the clean energy marketplace is moving in the United States. We identified for them the key barriers we still face as an industry and the opportunities we see to make the US competitive in the global clean energy marketplace. But most exciting was to share “best practices” with some true global leaders in the clean energy field. Talking to this multi-national audience in the middle of Europe about the 20% by 2010 Campaign in New Haven, Hartford, West Hartford and Trumbull was almost surreal. But it reminds us this is simply further proof that the “test kitchen” is working and the work being exported from our marketing laboratory in Connecticut is helping to lead the way!
All in all, it’s been another incredible month at SmartPower and in the clean energy marketplace. The articles in this issue of The Monthly Charge are but a sampling of some of the extraordinary work that so many people are doing on clean energy. It’s exciting and it really shows that clean energy is real, here, and working. Let’s make more!
Finally, happy St. Patrick’s Day, everyone!
Brian F. Keane |
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| Presenting Clean Energy Week |
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Celebrating the success and one year anniversary of the CTCleanEnergyOptionssm program the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) and SmartPower present Clean Energy Week: April 17-21st. Early in the week, on Tuesday April 18th the Environment and Energy and Technology Committees of the Connecticut General Assembly, SmartPower and CCEF invite the general public to partake in Legislators Clean Energy Day. Convening at 9am the day will begin with an informational forum in which invited speakers will address the role of clean energy in our economy, health and well-being, communities, education, and more. Immediately following the forum will be a press conference with comments from leaders in the General Assembly. In addition to these events, 15-18 organizations and companies will also be exhibiting in the concourse between the State Capitol Building and the Legislative Office Building. These exhibits will draw connections between clean energy and issues that impact our daily lives as well as showing the viability and availability of clean energy in Connecticut.
On Wednesday April 19th SmartPower and CCEF will sponsor a luncheon and awards ceremony celebrating Connecticut’s Clean Energy Communities. Scheduled for Stamford, Connecticut (one of the 10 Clean Energy Communities), this luncheon will acknowledge the leadership demonstrated by municipalities that have joined the 20% by 2010 Clean Energy Campaign and also signed up 100 or more households for the CTCleanEnergyOptions program.
While leadership will be a critical piece to Clean Energy Week, SmartPower and CEF will also show the application of clean energy use. In Middletown, Connecticut’s first clean energy community, SmartPower and CEF will host a Solar Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrating the installation of a 2kW system on the Middletown High School Vo-Ag Center. This installation will be the first in a series of installations, scheduled for subsequent weeks in cities and towns across Connecticut. Middletown is the first town to receive a free PV energy system earned through the CCEF and SmartPower sponsored CTCleanEnergyCommunities program.
Last but certainly not least to be featured during Clean Energy Week will be the conclusion to the New Haven-West Hartford clean energy challenge. Last August, Mayor John DeStefano of New Haven and Mayor Scott Slifka of West Hartford challenged each other to obtain the most residential signups and support for the CTCleanEnergyOptions program by Earth Day 2006. Clean Energy Week will be the ideal backdrop for this bet to realize its conclusion.
A specific schedule of Clean Energy Week events will be posted in the near future on the SmartPower Homepage. |
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World's Largest Solar Photovoltaic Project to be Built in Nevada |
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Partnering with SunEdison of Maryland, Powered by Renewables(PBR) recently announced it will develop the largest solar photovoltaic (PV) project in the world. Located in Nevada, the 18 megawatt (MW) project will almost double what is currently the world’s largest PV project (10MW) in Germany. Construction is expected to begin in July 2006 with the first 4 MW expected to be in place by year's end. While the proposed project will be privately owned and operated, the military intends to purchase electricity from the project. Beginning in 2007, PBR and SunEdison plan to develop a total of 36 MWs of PV projects in Nevada, producing enough energy to power 36,000 homes. |
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Clean Energy and Organic Connecticut |
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Sponsored by and powered with clean energy from Sterling Planet, the Connecticut Northeast Organic Farming Association held its annual Cultivating an Organic Connecticut Conference at Windsor High School on March 11th. Farmers, gardeners, organic land care professionals, businesses and food lovers came out to celebrate organic living in Connecticut by partaking in over 30 workshops on farming, gardening, land care, clean energy, political action, and cooking.
In staying with the central theme of sustainability, the SmartPower workshop, “Connecticut’s Clean Energy Option,” invited conference attendees to learn how choosing clean energy could benefit their community. SmartPower Program Coordinator, Keri Enright, provided participants with key information for choosing CTCleanEnergyOptions, joining the 20% by 2010 Clean Energy Campaign and eligibility for the Connecticut Clean Energy Communities program. Receiving an enthusiastic response from workshop participants, we anticipate a new round of towns will soon become Connecticut’s next group of clean energy communities! |
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Climate Change Leadership Awards Program |
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In Connecticut, the Governor’s Steering Committee on Climate Change announces the creation of the annual Climate Change Leadership Awards, recognizing individuals, government, businesses, organizations and educational facilities that have taken significant actions to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Nominations are currently being accepted for the six following categories and must be received by March 31st: 1) Fleet Vehicle Incentives and Initiatives; 2) Transit, Smart Growth and Vehicle Miles Traveled Reduction; 3) Forest and Agricultural Land Preservation; 4.) Increased Recycling and Source Reduction; 5.) Clean Energy Options; and 6.) Public Education Initiatives.
Additional information and the nomination form for the Climate Change Leadership Awards Program are available at ctclimatechange.com. If you know of an individual, business, institution or organization in your community who you think should be recognized as one of Connecticut's leaders in climate change action, nominate them today! |
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Announcements & Upcoming Events |
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Regional Clean Energy Workshops in Connecticut – March 23rd in Glastonbury; April 20th in Milford;
May 17th in Pomfret;
June 8th in Fairfield - The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), in partnership with Connecticut Audubon Society (CAS) will present five Clean Energy seminars this spring that will be hosted by CAS regional centers. The seminars will provide information about several CCEF programs that promote the use and development of clean energy in Connecticut for the benefit of the environment, health of our citizens, and overall energy independence
Blowing in the Wind
March 25th - The Solar Energy Association of Connecticut invites you to a seminar and discussion meeting on capturing energy from the wind. Beginning at 2pm at the East Hartford Public Library, the seminar features presentations by Wayne Cobleigh, Manager of Product Development at GZA GeoEnviromental Inc, and Fred Loxsom, Professor at the Institute of Sustainable Energy, Eastern Connecticut State University. The seminar is free and open to the public we encourage you to attend this exciting discussion.
POWER-GEN Renewable Energy & Fuels Conference and Tradeshow
April 10th -12th – Held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, the third annual POWER-GEN Renewable Energy & Fuels Conference and Tradeshow will feature four international pavilions, two technology pavilions, and 150 exhibitors. Our own SmartPower President, Brian F. Keane will once again serve on a panel for the second year in a row, speaking on “The Changing Face of the Clean Energy Consumer.” The session will provide attendees an overview of the clean energy market and review of key trends driving industry growth.
CPTV Family Science Expo - April 27th – 30th,
10am – 5pm
Held at the Connecticut Expo Center in Hartford, CPTV’s Family Science Expo is an annual event designed for parents, teachers and children to increase the understanding of science applications in our everyday lives as well as how science affects the future. Sharing a booth with People’s Action for Clean Energy (PACE), SmartPower will be on hand to provide families with information on clean energy and energy efficiency. Come out and enjoy four fun filled days of science!
PACE Clean Energy Sites Tour - May 6th Please save Saturday, May 6th to enjoy a very special tour of clean energy sites! The tour will include stops in the beautiful towns of East Haddam, Centerbrook, Old Saybrook and Killingworth. Guests will see clean energy applications that will include photovoltaic and solar hot water installations, as well as geothermal, small hydro, passive solar, "green" roof, straw bale and water-saving technologies. Running from noon to 5:00 the tour will include a special exhibit entitled "Building a Community" which will take place in East Haddam at a gallery that will also feature an off-grid solar home. Contact PACE for more details.
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SmartPower |
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phone: 860-249-7040 |
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Volume
4; Issue 2, March 2006 |
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| The SmartPower 20% by 2010 Campaign Reaches Milestone with 20th Town Commitment |
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| Already 10 Towns are Clean Energy Communities. |
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The SmartPower 20% by 2010 Campaign in Connecticut reached a major milestone this month when the Town of Branford became the twentieth Connecticut municipality to commit to getting 20% of the electricity for town owned properties from clean, renewable sources by the year 2010. Branford town leaders expressed hope and anticipation that Branford would also soon be ranked among the ten other Connecticut cities and towns that have further distinguished themselves as “Clean Energy Communities” – the latest being New England’s Rising Star, Hartford.
The 20% by 2010 campaign is the foundation of SmartPower’s marketing initiatives to achieve cleaner air, healthier communities and energy independence. By encouraging highly visible icons like municipalities, institutions and businesses to support clean energy, the campaign seeks to send a strong message to all consumers that clean energy is real, it’s here and it’s working.
As many already know, in 2004, SmartPower, in collaboration with fellow non-profits, Clean Water Fund (see article below), Environment Northeast and the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network (IREJN), capped a year-long effort by securing a resolution by New Haven to use 20% clean energy by 2010 – the first such commitment by a city in New England. Soon thereafter, the State of Connecticut issued an Executive Order establishing landmark goals for the use of clean energy, largely through the involvement of SmartPower as an invited stakeholder in the Governor's climate change process.
Thanks, in large part to the innovative Connecticut Clean Energy Communities program, there has been a steady expansion of the 20% by 2010 roster over the past fourteen months. Under this program, towns that join the SmartPower campaign and have 100 residential or small business customers signed up for the CTCleanEnergyOptionssm program qualify for a free solar PV system from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund.
Today, nearly 27 per cent of the state’s population resides in a 20% by 2010 town, including five of the ten most populous towns based on 2000 Census figures. More significantly, over 20 per cent of Connecticut’s citizens now live in a Clean Energy Community. Collectively, the twenty 20% by 2010 communities use approximately 400 Gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity for their municipal properties. By the year 2010, these towns will be using approximately 80 GWh of clean energy, of which more than 50 GWh will come from voluntary purchases.
Without question, an important part of the SmartPower success with 20% by 2010 and the Clean Energy Communities program is the people who are taking action to support clean energy in their communities. In Branford, Lindsay Mathews, Bill Horne and their colleagues on the Conservation & Environment Commission worked tirelessly to convince First Selectwoman Cheryl Morris , the Board of Selectmen and the Representative Town Meeting to back the initiative. Meanwhile in Hartford, the charge was led by Mayor Eddie Perez, Chief Operating Officer Lee Erdmann, Dr. Robert Painter of the City Council, Dr. Mark Mitchell of the City’s Advisory Committee on the Environment and Rabbi Andrea Cohen-Kiener of the IREJN, who helped to forge a strong consensus for clean energy in the state’s capital city. SmartPower salutes these individuals, their colleagues and the countless other real life heroes who are stepping forward to lead by example throughout the state. All we can say now is: “Let’s make more!”
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| Getting Down to Business |
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 On March 2nd, more than twenty businesses and institutions braved the winter cold and snow to attend the New England Renewable Energy Purchasers Educational Meeting held at the Hartford Hilton. Hosted by the Center for Resource Solutions, Think Energy and SmartPower, the full-day workshop explored energy strategies to facilitate clean energy purchases by the business community as well as other large institutional end-users.
Among the diverse group of entities represented at this event were General Electric, Pfizer, Xerox, Meadwestvaco, Bayer, St. Paul Travelers, the Hartford Financial Services Group and Mohegan Sun. The event opened with an overview of market points and trends for energy in general and renewable energy in particular as well as an introduction to clean energy technologies and installations.
Guest speakers included Dale Hedman, Director of Project Development at the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, and Jeff Gaudiosi, of the Manufacturing Alliance of CT and the Connecticut Energy Conservation Management Board. Mr. Hedman highlighted the various incentives now offered to commercial, industrial and institutional customers for on-site renewable distributed generation. Mr. Gaudiosi spoke on the financial opportunities that are available for efficiency measures and the vital role of renewables in an energy portfolio.
 Mark Crowdis of Think Energy and Këri Bolding of CRS led afternoon sessions that explored topics such as Renewable Energy Certificates, Full Requirements Renewable Electricity, Contracts for Differences and Leveraging Additional Value. Attendees learned that, in addition to contributing to a healthier environment, clean energy purchases can benefit a business or institution by maintaining competitive advantages, stabilizing costs, and reducing risk and improving public image.
“A workshop on clean energy use for the business community is an important piece to the overall growth of a voluntary market for clean energy in Connecticut and across the nation,” stated SmartPower Chief Operating Officer, Jonathan Edwards. “The end result of this workshop will be an increased demand for clean energy by the private sector. Clean energy demand by the business community is a clear indicator that clean energy is both viable and available across Connecticut and other parts of the country.” |
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| Building Energy 2006 |
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 For the third year in a row, SmartPower was once again proud to be a major sponsor of the annual conference of the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA). This year the 31st Annual NESEA Conference, Building Energy 2006 was held at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston, with SmartPower serving as both a co-sponsor of the kick-off Public Forum event, as well as a track sponsor. This was the second time in three years that SmartPower has sponsored the Public Forum and each time the Forum has helped SmartPower meet its marketing and messaging mandate.
As the Conference opened, SmartPower President Brian F. Keane co-hosted a three hours media workshop with Don McGillis, editorial writer for The Boston Globe. During the workshop, McGillis and Keane both gave presentations on how non-profit organizations can and should interact with the media. The SmartPower presentation delved deep into the need for non-profits to be focused in their approach with the media, with Keane focusing on of SmartPower’s “5 Rules for Talking with the Public”. The workshop provided a change for continued interaction among the audience and was a wonderful way to kick off a successful and information-packed week at NESEA.
In addition to running the media workshop, Keane also served as a session speaker on a widely acclaimed panel entitled “Barriers to Wind Development in the Northeast.” His presentation explored issues such as the “NIMBY” (Not In My Back yard) argument, a lack of proper education and marketing on the benefits of wind power, and the fact that in many states there continues to be a dearth of strong political leadership.
The Public Forum, entitled “Energy: Crisis Or Opportunity,” was moderated by Jim Braude, anchor of NECN’s NewsNight, and featured an impressive panel of experts who addressed the impending “energy gap” as fossil fuel availability declines in the next fifty years. Panelists of this dynamic round table discussion included: Paul Epstein, M.D. Associate Director of Center for Health and the Global Environment, Harvard Medical School; Steven Winter, President of Steven Winter Associates; Gina McCarthy, Commissioner for the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection; Blair Hamilton, of Vermont Energy Investment Corporation; Mark Sinclair, of U.K. Trade & Investment; Joel Gordes, President of Environmental Energy Solutions; and SmartPower Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Edwards.
Further, SmartPower’s track, “Making Green and Clean Happen,” included sessions on improving our ability to effectively deliver capacity to the marketplace. Featured as a panel speaker for this track was SmartPower New England Regional Director Bob Wall who spoke at a session entitled “Municipalities Using Clean Energy.” His presentation highlighted the Clean Energy Communities program’s capacity to create successful partnerships between municipal officials and civic leaders resulting in an increased demand for clean energy. Serving as chair of this session was Jonathan Edwards, who also chaired a session entitled “Capturing Renewable Energy Locally: Making On-Site Generation Possible.” This session aimed to inform workshop attendees about the tools and techniques used to simultaneously create successful onsite generation and positive public relations.
SmartPower was once again was pleased to be a part of NESEA’s successful conference on Building Energy.
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| CTCleanEnergyOptions is in the Mail |
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Beginning April 1st Connecticut residents who are customers of Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) or United Illuminating (UI) should begin looking at their electric bills for the most recent bill insert, giving customers the opportunity to sign up for and support clean energy through the CTCleanEnergyOptionssm program. These inserts clearly show that clean energy is real, here and working across Connecticut.
There is little doubt that this bill insert is an easy and accessible way to sign up for this very popular program and supporters of clean energy should not let this opportunity pass them by. To date, approximately 7,000 of your friends and neighbors in Connecticut have signed up for this program, with many of them using this utility bill insert as their method for taking action.
Again, please be sure to pay attention to the bill inserts in your April electricity bill and sign up for this program. These bill inserts and your involvement is the clearest way to foster clean air, healthy communities and energy independence.
If you have questions on this insert or the clean energy options program, please do not hesitate to contact SmartPower at (860) 249-7040. If you miss the insert in your April electric bill, please visit us at www.gocleanenergy.com to sign up.
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| Essex River Eagle Festival |
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|  The Connecticut Audubon Society celebrated the return of the Bald Eagle at its seventh annual River Eagle Festival along the banks of the Connecticut River in Essex. Festival attendees were able to choose from a variety of activities including Eagle Watch Boat Tours, Children’s Environmental Programming, Birds of Prey Demonstrations, and Nature Art Exhibits. Additionally, this year’s EcoForum, New England’s Premier Eco-Event, featured Phil Donahue and Dr. James Watson, Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winning biologist and co-discoverer of the DNA molecule.
For the second year in a row, the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) sponsored a Clean Energy Tent in which clean energy companies and organizations were on hand to answer questions about clean energy and demonstrate various technologies for onsite generation. Festival attendees flocked to the tent to learn about CTCleanEnergyOptionssm, the 20% by 2010 Clean Energy Campaign, and the CTCleanEnergyCommunities program.
 Having recently joined the SmartPower 20% by 2010 campaign the town of Essex saw the festival as a perfect opportunity to promote CTCleanEnergyOptions to local citizens. Setting up a table in the Clean Energy Tent, Essex resident Frank Hall informed local residents about the town’s recent commitment to the the SmartPower 20% by 2010 campaign and encouraged them to sign up for CTCleanEnergyOptions so the town could become the state’s next clean energy community. |
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| Clean Water Fund |
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 SmartPower is pleased to announce the renewal of its collaboration with Clean Water Fund (CWF) in Connecticut. Working as an integral member of the SmartPower collaboration, CWF led the grassroots organizing efforts that helped the SmartPower collaboration realize its goal of the inaugural commitment to the 20% by 2010 Campaign by the City of New Haven. Subsequently, the organization played a critical role in garnering additional municipal commitments to clean energy throughout the early part of 2005.
In 2006, CWF will continue its work to secure municipal resolutions and residential enrollments in the CTCleanEnergyOptionssm program with an overarching goal of creating new Clean Energy Communities throughout the state.
SmartPower is also currently working with Clean Water Fund in Massachusetts to expand the clean energy market in the Bay State. In addition to CWF, the Massachusetts collaboration of organizations includes the Massachusetts Climate Action Network, Massachusetts Interfaith Power & Light and others under a series of grants from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. Last year, SmartPower teamed with CWF in Rhode Island on the Providence 20% by 2010 Campaign, which resulted in the first commitment to clean energy by a capital city in New England.
Clean Water Fund (CWF) is a national nonprofit research and educational organization, with locally staffed environmental and health protection programs serving communities in over 20 states. CWF’s mission is to develop strong grassroots environmental leadership and to bring together diverse constituencies to work cooperatively for changes that improve their lives, focused on health, consumer, environmental and community problems. |
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| Creative Marketing Strategies in Mansfield |
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Employing creative strategies to spread the word about CTCleanEnergyOptions, Mansfield Recycling Coordinator, Virginia Walton, enlisted the help of the North Eastern Connecticut Cable Access Program Village Green. Airing Monday nights at 7pm on Charter Communications Cable Channel 14, Village Green is a locally filmed and produced show that features news, skits, music, interviews, poetry and arts and crafts that are of interest to North Eastern Connecticut residents.
Village Green host Carol Springer and camerawoman Diana K. Perkins designed the show to inform local residents about clean energy and Mansfield’s recently attained Clean Energy Community status. Making a guest appearance on the show was SmartPower’s own Keri Enright, who fielded a series of questions about CTCleanEnergyOptions, the 20% by 2010 Campaign, and the Connecitcut Clean Energy Communities program. Highlighting the importance of creating clean air, healthier communities and energy independence, Enright invited towns throughout North East Connecticut to join Mansfield in making a commitment to clean energy by participating in the 20% by 2010 Clean Energy Campaign. |
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| Connecticut's Largest Solar Energy Project Financed by the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund |
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The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) announced this week that they will provide $1.7 million to finance the single largest photovoltaic project ever developed in the state of Connecticut. The funding for the 433 kilowatt solar project is a part of The Fund’s $21 million On-site Renewable Distributed Generation Program. By offering financial support to buy down the cost of renewable energy generating equipment and low interest construction financing, the program stimulates demand for installations of renewable energy at Commercial, Industrial and Institutional buildings in Connecticut.
 This landmark solar project signifies a milestone for CCEF, which has now supported development of more than 100 solar PV systems statewide. solar project signifies a milestone for CCEF, which has now supported development of more than 100 solar PV systems statewide. Chandler J. Howard, president and executive director of Connecticut Innovations, which administers the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, commented, “The CCEF is pleased to be able to play an active role in making clean energy systems such as solar PV more economically feasible for businesses and consumers. Increased use of these systems demonstrates that clean energy is here and working right now, and the power the systems provide serves as an important hedge against future rate increases.”
In addition to funding the largest solar project ever in the state of Connecticut, CCEF recently provided financial assistance to Barrett Outdoor Communications to install a 17kW PV system on its office building allowing the company to offset its annual electricity use. The company, which specializes in building and maintaining billboards on highway interstates, erected an eye catching 14 by 48 foot billboard along busy Interstate 95 outside of New Haven. The company saw the billboard as a perfect opportunity to disseminate the clean energy message to a large audience while also fulfilling CCEF commercial solar project requirements to provide outreach to the public. "
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