newhavenaction.org

New Haven has already demonstrated its commitment to the environment through the 20% by 2010 campaign, and New Haven Action seeks to take this commitment to the next level by enrolling residences and businesses in the new Connecticut Clean Energy Option. The Clean Energy Option allows consumers to direct their utility company to purchase enough clean energy to match their needs. When you enroll in the Connecticut Clean Energy Option, you will pay a small premium to add electricity generated by wind power, methane gas burned off landfills, and hydroelectric sources into the electric grid.

With the Connecticut Clean Energy Option, it has never been easier or more strightforward to shift from dirty fossil fuels to clean energy! Sign up now!

When you sign up, you will have the same utility company and you will have the same reliable service. No solar panels will be attached to your roof and no additional devices are needed. All that will change is where the electricity in the grid comes from.

Because of the effects of fossil fuels on health, the economy and the environment, we believe it is critical that New Haven make every effort to reduce fossil fuel consumption. By enrolling in the program, New Haveners can help ensure cleaner air and less dependence on foreign oil - all without making any changes in our lifestyle.

For every 100 New Haveners who enroll in this program, the city will receive a photovoltaic cell (a large solar panel) enabling New Haven to produce its own on-site clean energy. When New Haven Action achieves its goal of 1000 New Haven residences and businesses enrolled in this program, New Haven will have 10 cells, meaning that about 30.4 million watt-hours of energy can be generated right here in the city each year!

In addition to New Haven residents committing to clean energy, New Haven Action is organizing Yale students to demonstrate their commitment as well. Yale is one of the biggest energy consumers in New Haven, and as it controls the utility bill for it’s on-campus residents, New Haven Action will have 1000 students sign a pledge stating “If I had the power to control my utility bill, I would choose clean energy providers, even if it cost $5 more per month” in order to encourage Yale to make a sizable clean energy purchase.

Why clean energy?

Health:
Nearly 25% of New Haven school age children have asthma and all of CT counties received failing grades from the American Lung Association for air quality in 2005. Fossil fuel emissions pollute air and exacerbate problems like asthma, heart disease, cancer and nervous system damage. By switching to clean energy, New Haveners can help to reduce air pollution and alleviate these health risks.

The Economy:
Dependence on foreign oil creates rising fuel costs and outsourcing of US energy-sector jobs. As for fuel, 1000 residences signing up for clean energy is the equivalent of saving 861,826 gallons of gasoline per year. Additionally, US energy-sector jobs benefit by the growth of clean energy companies - in 2002, clean energy firms reported annual growth rates of 40% to 77% . By signing up for clean energy, you can help keep fuel costs reasonable and create jobs right here in the Northeast.

The Environment:
The buildup of greenhouse gases caused by burning coal, oil and gas causes global warming and climate change. Levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), the primary global warming gas, has increased in the atmosphere by 30 percent in the past 100 years. 1000 residences signed up to CT Clean Energy Option would prevent 9,500 tons of CO2 from being released every year.