Introduction
CTCleanEnergyOptions is a voluntary program that supports clean, renewable energy produced from natural means such as wind, water and other sources.
By selecting a clean energy option from one of the two companies listed below, you are supporting the development of clean, renewable energy.
When you sign up to support clean energy, you will continue to receive one electric bill from CL&P, and your purchase will show up as a separate line item on your monthly bill.
The surcharge you pay for the clean energy option is based on your consumption and is in addition to your normal monthly charges. For example, 700 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity will cost an additional $4-$8 per month depending on the option chosen. The surcharge is not paid to CL&P, it is paid to the company you choose below, for providing the renewable energy. Renewable energy costs more to generate, and the extra money you pay helps to make up the difference.
To sign up, you can visit the individual websites listed below, go to CT Clean Energy Options, or fill in the CL&P bill insert from your recent bill.
Wilton currently has 140 households signed up for the Clean Energy Option. Our goal is to have 1000 households signed up by the end of 2008, so please sign up and spread the word.
For a look at how we're doing, visit CT Clean Energy Communities (data is a month or more old so use only as a guide).
Community Energy, Inc.
Partnered with IBERDROLA, the world's largest wind energy developer, Community Energy, Inc. (CEI) is helping to build new wind farms nationwide. Working with customers, landowners and local communities, they are bringing the benefits of wind power to more than 15 states from New England to the Rocky Mountains, benefiting local communities and the environment. You can visit this company's website at www.windenergy.com, and you can signup here (be sure to select "Wilton little people" from the pulldown that asks how you heard about them, so the LittlePeopleBigChanges organization gets credit).
Sterling Planet
Sterling Planet offers the first comprehensive carbon neutrality solution: White Tags, certified renewable energy and verified carbon offsets. Sales to date have averted more than 20 billion pounds of carbon emissions. They are a nationwide clean energy solutions provider with regional support offices, including one in CT. You can visit this company's website at www.sterlingplanet.com, and you can signup here.
Does it matter which one you choose?
Either option will have the benefit of adding renewable energy to the electric power grid, thereby reducing that produced by fossil-fuel based power plants, so you can't make a wrong decision! Some will appreciate the more local nature of Sterling's offering, which has low-impact hydro generating capacity right here in CT. Others may want to support research and development in wind farm technology that Community Energy specializes in. The fact that we even have a choice bodes well for the future success of this endeavor.
For answers to more of your questions, visit this FAQ.