Shelton Student Recognized at 13th Annual eesmarts™ Student Contest at State Capitol

Shelton area student Grace McPadden was honored last week as a finalist at the 13^th annual eesmarts™ Student Contest ceremony held at the State Capitol.

Presented by Energize Connecticut in partnership with Eversource and AVANGRID, Inc. subsidiaries United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas and Connecticut Natural Gas, the eesmarts Student Contest invites Connecticut students in grades K-12 and college to create projects about energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainability.

Grace’s winning 3^rd place entry in the Grade 7 category was a persuasive speech to the Connecticut General Assembly’s Energy and Technology Committee about why our state should become more energy efficient. Her recommendations included implementing small tax incentives for homeowners and small businesses that use energy-efficient technologies, and limiting the use of natural gas in favor of solar and nuclear power.

The ceremony attracted more than 150 students, parents, teachers, elected officials, and clean energy supporters from across the state in celebration of the students’ hard work. Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Deputy Commissioner Mary Sotos was the keynote speaker for the event, and FOX 61 meteorologist Joe Furey served as Master of Ceremonies.

For more information on the student contest and the eesmarts program, please visit www.eesmarts.com.

About Energize Connecticut

Energize Connecticut helps you save money and use clean energy. It is an initiative of the Energy Efficiency Fund, the Connecticut Green Bank, the State, and your local electric and gas utilities, with funding from a charge on customer energy bills. Information on energy-saving programs can be found at EnergizeCT.com or by calling 1.877.WISE.USE.

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PHOTO CAPTION

Shelton student Grace McPadden (front, left), pictured with other 7^th grade finalists, Ron Araujo, Eversource, Mary Sotos, DEEP Deputy Commissioner, Representative Joseph Gresko and Pat McDonnell, United Illuminating, received 3^rd place for her speech at the 13^th annual eesmarts Student Contest award ceremony held on June 2, 2017 at the State Capitol.