Fairfield Begins Outreach To Residents Dealing With High Power Bills

FAIRFIELD, CT — If you have looked at your electric bill recently, you will notice the huge increase in utility costs, which in many cases have doubled. Sustainable Fairfield Task Force, the advocacy group seeking to make the town more energy efficient, is looking to help.

The volunteer group is partnering with Fairfield-based New England Smart Energy in an outreach initiative to educate residents, especially those at lower income levels, about ways to possibly decrease their electric bills.

Bob Wall, chair of Sustainable Fairfield, told the Board of Selectpersons on Monday that the group plans a mailing to many residents that calls attention to a free, in-home energy assessment program by United Illuminating, which is available to lower income families.

"This year, we're focusing on encouraging energy efficiency and conservation, particularly in light of the spike in energy bills," Wall told the board. "Nowhere was this felt more than among low income [residents] and seniors on fixed incomes."

The board unanimously approved Sustainable Fairfield's request to use the town's seal in the mailings.

"A letter from the town, or in this case, a postcard is the most effective means of reaching people, because they get a lot of junk mail, but when they see the town is encouraging this, they tend to pay attention," Wall said.

First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick agreed.

"I think it's great that you're taking on this initiative," she said.

Selectman Tom Flynn, a board member of the Connecticut Green Bank, said that organization also has programs designed to help lower income families with rising energy costs, and he encouraged Wall to work with CGB, also.

Wall said Sustainable Fairfield and Connecticut Green Bank have worked together in the past and will continue to do so.

"We're planning to do a battery storage campaign, and they're co-administrators of that program," Wall said.