Cornwall called a role model in energy use

CORNWALL — Even as Cornwall officials were passing a resolution to commit to buying clean, alternative energy, its residents were already responding to inserts in their electric bills. They did not hesitate at the chance to switch to buying power generated by wind, small hydroelectric plants and landfill gases.

That was two years ago. Those committing to the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund’s 20 Percent by 2010 campaign — where public, private and commercial clean energy buyers all count toward a townwide effort —  has grown steadily to about 30 percent. It is no surprise Cornwall is being honored by the program at a ceremony in New Haven March 3.

Bob Wall, director of Energy Market Initiatives for the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CEF), called Cornwall the “poster child for the way to do things right.�

“They take responsibility for the planet seriously. They take climate change seriously. In a small town, it takes everyone, from the selectmen to the task force members to the individuals who recognize the incredible benefits of using renewable energy sources, to make a difference.�

Tiny Cornwall is not only leading the way in the state, but quite possibly the entire country. National statistics are harder to come by, but the CEF tracks them across the state, using incentives, and maybe a little competitive spirit, to spur towns on.

Cornwall is one of nine towns and one regional school district that has reached at least the 10-percent mark, qualifying it for a free solar voltaic system for installation on a town building. Plans are underway to do just that at Cornwall Consolidated School. Two 5-kilowatt systems have been earned, one for each 10 percent of customers who have signed on. The town has long been on the brink of earning a third.

“I’ve been inundated with e-mails from [First Selectman] Gordon [Ridgway] and others who think they must be there, and they probably are,� Wall said. “There is some lag time between signups and when the numbers become official. Right now we’re working with November.�

Wall said the December figures should be in this week, and fully expected to be able to award Cornwall a third 5-kilowatt system.

But wait, there’s more.

“If they become the first town in Connecticut to hit 30 percent, they will receive an additional 5 kilowatts as a bonus. Then it’s on to 50 percent,� Wall said, adding his own cheer for groundbreaking Cornwallians.

Generally speaking, what holds many back from signing up seems to be the extra cost each month. The average electric bill might see another $5 tacked on. But what Cornwall residents get, Wall said, is that it’s not about saving money.

Until now, home energy issues that have been marketed had to do with saving energy with things such as water heater blankets and attic insulation. It’s a stretch to understand they can now do more than save; they can work toward a better energy future.

“When people are aware of the benefits, and that they are truly contributing to that future, they realize it’s not such a high premium to pay. It’s important for our children’s future, and for the generations to follow. We have to start transitioning now.�

The two companies providing alternative energy sources in Connecticut are committed to reinvesting a large portion of profits into expansion. All it takes is grassroots support for what could be the wave of the future.

Cornwall has earned the top designation, as a Clean Energy Community, by having at least 100 customers sign up for clean energy, as well as having made municipal clean energy purchases.

While Wall works toward Connecticut becoming a model for the nation, he sees Cornwall as a model for the state, and possibly the model for a new initiative that will be announced next week.

This one includes clean energy, but focuses as well on sustainable energy.

“It offers incentives for towns that do things that go beyond purchasing clean energy. Things like smart growth, better land practices, transportation alternatives, promoting locally grown food and conserving water.�

About half of the state’s 169 towns are participating in the 20 Percent by 2010 initiative. They include Salisbury, which passed a resolution in December 2006 and is up to 6.5 percent of customers signed up; Norfolk, one of the first to sign up, in August 2006, and is now at 14.4 percent; Kent, which has 2.5 percent participation since last June, and North Canaan, which has marked .04 percent (six households) since April.

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