Connecticut and Moab, Utah, Show Support for Green Power

December 8, 2004

Here's a good deal for municipalities in Connecticut: Commit to buying 20 percent green power by 2010, and earn a free solar energy system. The offer, announced by the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) in November, launched the state's new Clean Energy Communities program, which will let the state's cities and towns pitch in on efforts to promote renewable energy in the state. According to CCEF, New Haven and Portland have already committed to buy 20 percent green power by 2010. See the CCEF press release.

While its mostly a matter of will and budget for towns to buy green power for their own facilities, getting all the town's residents to do so as well can be quite a struggle. That's why Moab, Utah, stands out as the nation's first "Green Power Community." Four percent of the electricity used in the entire Moab area community is now supplied by green power, an achievement that comes from the combined efforts of a committee of citizens, business leaders, and public officials, as well as the help of Utah Clean Energy and Utah Power. Although the town achieved its goal in August, it was officially recognized for the achievement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in November. See the EPA Region 8 press release.