As taxpayers continue to feel the impact of high energy costs, municipalities across Connecticut are finding ways to reduce energy expenses and save taxpayer dollars through renewable energy projects.
On Thursday, October 8, the Greenwich Conservation Department will host “How Other Towns Are Saving Money on Renewables,” a panel discussion moderated by Beth Evans, Director of Environmental Affairs for the Town of Greenwich. First Selectman Fred Camillo will provide introductory remarks.
The non-technical roundtable discussion will focus on the financial benefits of renewable energy and how municipalities can use innovative approaches to reduce energy costs and generate savings for taxpayers.
The panel will feature four leaders involved in municipal renewable energy projects and initiatives across Connecticut:
• Kevin Monyhan, former First Selectman of New Canaan, will discuss the town’s installation of solar arrays on municipal buildings and schools, which have generated significant energy savings. New Canaan’s heat plant has also generated revenue for the town. He will be joined by Mark Robbins, Founder and President of MHR Development, who served as a consultant during the process.
• Jake Mueller, Director of Public Works for the Town of Ridgefield, will explain how Ridgefield has pursued renewable energy without an upfront municipal investment and secured electricity costs of approximately 6 cents per kilowatt-hour, compared with costs that can reach 10 cents per kilowatt-hour.
• Jess Farber, PE, Vice President of CMTA, will discuss Manchester’s experience with net-zero facilities, where buildings produce as much energy as they consume.
Manchester has opened a 75,000-square-foot net-zero library, and Buckley Elementary School is the first net-zero energy elementary school in New England.
The panel will provide an opportunity for residents to learn how other Connecticut communities are approaching renewable energy, what strategies have worked for them, and how these projects can affect municipal budgets and taxpayer costs.
The event will take place Thursday, October 8, from 7:00–8:30pm in the Town Hall Meeting Room, 101 Field Point Road, Greenwich, and will also be available virtually via Zoom and GCTV.
Residents are encouraged to attend in person to participate in the community discussion. For those unable to attend, a Zoom option will be available, and the event will be recorded for later viewing.
Link to register: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0449A8A822A6FDC16-65411397-other#/
Link to Zoom:
https://greenwichct.zoom.us/j/84187517851?pwd=DP2hs9pJ8mAJCbqP1mgt4xdhwe8JSb.1
(Meeting ID: 841 8751 7851; Passcode: 5573734)