GOV. MALLOY: ENERGY EFFICIENCY MEASURES TO SAVE THE STATE MILLIONS ANNUALLY

State’s “Lead by Example” Initiative Saving Taxpayers’ Money While Reducing Energy Use

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that new energy efficiency measures now planned for Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH) in Middletown and several Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices throughout the state will reduce energy costs at those locations by more than $3.3 million per year.  The measures are being implemented under the state’s “Lead by Example” initiative, which was designed to reduce energy use in state and local government buildings.

“A brighter tomorrow for Connecticut means delivering energy efficiency – and taxpayer savings – today.  The steps we are taking now demonstrates that we’re making smart decisions to  be efficient in the long-run,” Governor Malloy said.  “These are wise investments that will help drive down the cost of government, and reduce carbon emissions and air pollution created by burning fossil fuels to create heat and electricity.  It’s simply commonsense policy.”

The State Bond Commission acted Monday to authorize $38 million in funding for the two projects, which will be repaid through the energy savings guaranteed by the contractors.  Upon completion of the projects, the energy performance of the two facilities will be diligently monitored to make certain the promised energy savings are achieved.

This “performance contracting” approach was developed by Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Connecticut Green Bank.  Over the past few years, dozens of smaller projects have been undertaken in state buildings that are already saving more than $1 million a year, with another $2 million a year coming on-line soon.  The projects at CVH and DMV are among the largest to be undertaken through this initiative.

Details on the two projects:

• The 100+ year old CVH campus will be able to reduce its energy operating costs by 60%, resulting in an annual savings of $3 million that will be used to finance the $33 million energy retrofit.  Measures to be implemented include replacement of over 2.5 miles of steam system piping, new windows, high efficiency lighting, insulation, and combined heat and power energy generation.
• DMV will reduce its energy costs by 45%, resulting in an annual savings of $350,000 that will be used to finance the $5.2 million retrofit at several locations throughout the state, including its main office in Wethersfield plus several branch offices located in Enfield, Cheshire, Hamden, Winsted, Norwalk, Old Saybrook, Norwich, Willimantic, New Britain, Waterbury, Danbury, Bridgeport, and Putnam.  Measures to be implemented include new windows and weatherstripping, high efficiency heating and air conditioning systems and controls, high efficiency lighting, water conservation measures, and computer and other equipment energy controls.