HeatSmart: East Haven, Branford Collab On Energy Efficiency Program

EAST HAVEN & BRANFORD, CT — The towns of Branford and East Haven are collaborating to increase the energy efficiency of homes. Electricity and heating are major drains on household budgets and are important contributors to climate change. Energy efficiency lowers utility bills, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and contributes to Connecticut’s energy goals.

Branford conducted their first HeatSmart campaign in 2021 in collaboration with People’s Action for Clean Energy. In the first year, more than 450 residents signed up for the program.

“Branford was the first town in Connecticut to run a HeatSmart campaign," Bernard Pelletier, PACE VP, said. "It helped hundreds of residents make their homes more efficient, comfortable and affordable. Round two of HeatSmart builds on that success and will help residents save money and energy."

The towns are applying for Energize Connecticut SM Community Partnership Initiative funding. HeatSmart will reach out to all Branford and East Haven residents, with special emphasis on Income Eligible residents who struggle with utility bills and often live in energy inefficient dwellings.

The HeatSmart initiative connects residents with expert contractors who conduct a no-obligation
Energize CT- supported Home Energy Solutions evaluation. The contractors offer modest
improvements such as caulking, LED light replacement, and weather stripping. They may recommend other measures such as insulation or heat pumps. After HES, residents are eligible for Energize CT incentives for these further measures that make the monthly efficiency savings even more attractive.

The HES visit costs $50, but can result in much greater savings, officials from both towns said.

HES is no-cost for Income Eligible residents, who also qualify for enhanced incentives on further improvements.
“The Branford Clean Energy Committee has a track record of successful outreach to our community," Branford First Selectman James Cosgrove said, noting he fully supports HeatSmart outreach. "We are very pleased to collaborate with our neighbors in East Haven to spread energy efficiency on the Shoreline. HeatSmart is a great program. Everyone should sign up and start saving money and energy.”

East Haven Mayor Joseph Carfora agreed.

"Becoming a HeatSmart participant, whether you are a homeowner or renter, is a great first step," Carfora said. "This education program will help individuals make informed choices when it comes to their home’s heating and cooling needs and connect them with resources to improve the efficiency and comfort of their home. I encourage all town residents to take advantage of this program. Together, we can make a difference.”

The HeatSmart team will begin by circulating flyers through the towns’ social service centers and food pantries and posting information at the town halls and libraries. A more general outreach campaign will follow with direct mailings to East Haven and Branford residents.

Sign up for HeatSmart at www.heatsmartbranfordct.org or www.heatsmartct.org/easthaven. You can also call (203) 292-8088 to speak with us directly.