Bridgeport Implements Energy Efficiency Plan With UI

The flurry of economic development and urban revitalization across the City of Bridgeport has cultivated a renewed interest in updating municipal, residential and commercial properties to be more efficient and sustainable. Since 2018, city officials have partnered with United Illuminating (UI), Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG) and the Bridgeport Regional Business Council (BRBC) to encourage a sustainable future for businesses and municipal buildings in the Park City, which boasts the highest population in Connecticut.

Energy upgrades were made to eight fire stations, the Klein Memorial Auditorium and City Hall, saving the city roughly $72,000 in annual energy costs. Through the combined effort of UI, SCG and BRBC, continued savings enables the city to take on additional energy-efficient projects slated for 2020 and 2021, including initiatives with the Board of Education (BOE), Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) and South End Community Center. The City of Bridgeport stands to save hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional annual energy costs.

Bridgeport has become an energy leader over the past seven years, using the resources of the Connecticut Green Bank, the C-PACE energy conservation program for businesses and the utility-provided incentive programs. Connecticut municipalities are able to leverage financial incentives and support programs for energy-efficient upgrades and new construction through the Energize CT initiative, with expertise and guidance provided by local utilities. Upgrades can include everything from new lighting and lighting controls, the replacement of heating and cooling systems or boilers to the installation of building system controls, as well as adjustments to streamline operations or upgrade equipment.

“Conserving energy and modernizing the infrastructure in our city is part of our Master Plan for Bridgeport,” said Mayor Joe Ganim. “These upgrades meet our goals to increase energy efficiency in the buildings and operations of the city as well as coordinating with local businesses to increase efficiency. These upgrades will save the city considerable money over the long-term and ultimately benefit the taxpayers of Bridgeport.”

The city is touting the benefits of recent and upcoming projects to help promote use of the energy efficiency incentives also available to local businesses. According to city officials, low interest loans and grants have also been awarded to Bridgeport businesses in record numbers over the past few years. Part of Bridgeport’s comprehensive three-year plan to modernize its energy infrastructure will include working closely with the BRBC and UI/SCG, subsidiaries of AVANGRID, Inc., leveraging energy efficiency incentives and zero percent loan programs available through the Energize CT initiative.

“Having these incentives available to Bridgeport as a municipality and to a plethora of its businesses supports the marketability and value for current and prospective businesses,” said Pat McDonnell, chairman of the BRBC and a senior executive at UI/SCG. “Lowering the cost of managing property and in turn lowering costs of doing business in town is a win for everyone.”

According to East End Neighborhood Revitalization Zone President Keith Williams, the improved lighting, heating and air conditioning is much needed for both the health and safety of the children and residents who use the Ralphola Taylor Community Center YMCA, while supporting their efforts to revitalize the neighborhood. Energy efficiency projects scheduled include indoor and outdoor LED lighting, an energy controls management system, a new high efficiency boiler for heating and two new rooftop air conditioning systems.

“Municipalities, like businesses, are always looking for ways to cut spending and save on annual expenditures. Providing them with guidance to upgrade their energy systems helps them to maintain a healthier operations budget overall,” added McDonnell.

Energy efficiency incentives will also help make upgrades possible at Black Rock Senior Center, Sylvan Ave Senior Center, the old Wheeler School that now houses a daycare and health clinic, and several older schools in need of modern energy systems.

"Municipalities across Connecticut can enhance the effectiveness of energy efficiency efforts by training staff on energy benchmarking of facilities. Understanding how each building is performing in real time can help identify opportunities where they can save significant money by making additional energy efficiency improvements,” said Elizabeth Murphy, supervisor at AVANGRID, Inc.

Businesses looking for more information on energy efficiency programs provided by UI and SCG can visit BusinessEnergyCT.com.

About BRBC:

The Bridgeport Regional Business Council (BRBC) is a 700-member voluntary organization of businesses within the Bridgeport region working together to create an environment for business expansion, retention and recruitment that will result in jobs and tax base growth. The BRBC achieves its mission in concert with its three Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, three Affiliate Leadership Programs, and a Corporate Affiliate.

About AVANGRID:

AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) is a leading, sustainable energy company with approximately $33 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states. AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving 3.2 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates 7.2 gigawatts of electricity capacity, primarily through wind power, with a presence in 22 states across the United States. AVANGRID employs approximately 6,500 people. AVANGRID supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2019 by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information, visit www.avangrid.com.

About UI:

The United Illuminating Company (UI) is a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. Established in 1899, UI operates approximately 3,500 miles of electric distribution lines and 139 miles of transmission lines. It serves approximately 335,000 customers in the greater New Haven and Bridgeport areas of Connecticut. UI received the Edison Electric Institute’s Emergency Recovery Award recognizing the company’s response to the May 2018 storms that impacted its service territory. For more information, visit www.uinet.com.

About SCG:

The Southern Connecticut Gas Company (SCG) is a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc. Established in 1847, SCG operates approximately 2,500 miles of natural gas distribution pipelines, serving approximately 197,000 customers in the greater New Haven and Bridgeport areas of Connecticut. For more information, visit www.soconngas.com.