CLEAN ENERGY
The problems are evident: Climate change is here and Connecticut residents are feeling the physical stress of more extreme weather. Energy prices in Connecticut are among the highest in the nation. Low-income families are disproportionately impacted by climate change, energy burden, and air pollution exposure, and have less access to clean energy to help solve these intersectional issues.
Connecticut has climate and clean energy goals in place, but no concrete steps to meet them. State statute requires a zero-carbon electric grid by 2040, 45% greenhouse gas emission reduction by 2030 and 80% by 2050.
100% clean and renewable energy is the solution; Sierra Club Connecticut is working to make change that will increase the amount of clean and renewable energy in our state including:
Energy efficiency: Energy efficiency saves energy and money for consumers and reduces greenhouse gas emissions through reduced demand. Reduced demand avoids unnecessary and costly system expansion and upgrades. We are working to protect and increase equitable access to energy efficiency program for residents, businesses and communities.
Solar power: Connecticut is near the bottom of New England states in per capita installed solar. Massachusetts, Vermont, and Rhode Island all have nearly double the solar per capita of Connecticut. The public is eager to go solar and there is plenty of energy to go around. From 2012 to 2022, Connecticut met its first 350 MW residential solar goal. Analysis by the Connecticut Green Bank shows potential for between 3,800 and 6,500 MW of residential rooftop solar. In 2023, the non-residential program for solar on schools, non-profits, and businesses was in such high demand the program was filled to capacity the day it opened, and many projects were rejected. Sierra Club is working to expand access to solar by lifting the caps and setting ambitious goals.
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Offshore wind: Offshore wind is critical to meeting Connecticut's climate and clean energy goals. Offshore wind for New England is projected to save the region $630 to $1.3 billion in energy costs, alongside the public health and climate benefits. So far, 2024 has been the biggest year yet for offshore wind in New England. With Revolution Wind and other wind farms scheduled to be operational next year, 2025 promises to be even bigger. Connecticut lawmakers have set a goal of 2,000 MW of offshore wind by 2030, and we are working to make that happen.
Heat pumps: Across the country, heat pumps and heat pump water heaters are rapidly becoming the preferred heating appliances due to their incredible efficiency – two to four times more efficient than fossil fuel water heaters and furnaces and traditional electric resistance equipment. In a warming climate, the cooling provided by heat pumps is increasingly needed. Connecticut’s overreliance on gas, oil, and propane in building equipment like heating equipment and water heaters generates 30% of Connecticut’s greenhouse gas emissions and a staggering 23% of Connecticut’s total NOx pollution. That’s roughly eight times more than all of the state's power plants combined. Heat pumps can significantly reduce these greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollution. We're working in communities, the legislature and at our state agencies to educate about heat pumps, heat pump rebates through the Inflation Reduction Act, and to improve our policies to ensure that heat pumps replace fossil fuels for buildings in our state.