20% by 2010

[Frank Hall]

In February 2006, the Essex Board of Selectman adopted a resolution to purchase 20% of the town's electricity from clean energy resources. By June 2007, the town enrolled 100 households or businesses in the CT Clean Energy Options program. In May, 2008 the CT Clean Energy Fund installed free a 2 kWh solar array at the Essex Recycling Center. Currently, there are 134 residents enrolled in the program. When we get 200 enrolled, the town gets another 2 kWh solar array. I challenge the residents of Essex to something positive to combat climate change, and enroll in the program!

[Edward McCaffrey]

Frank, Good start to getting our social network on Clean Energy for Essex CT and surrounding area off the ground!

Just wanted to add to your post that citizens can sign up by going to the the following web site and following their instructions: www.newwindenergy.com This makes it easy to sign up. If anyone has a problem with this link, please copy and paste the link into their browser window.

The following was copied from their website and gives further information in the plan:
"By signing up for CTCleanEnergyOptionsSM, a portion of your electricity will be powered by these pollution-free energy sources. Your renewable energy charge will appear right on your monthly electricity bill and you are ensured the same quality and reliable service as always.

For a typical Connecticut home that uses 700 kilowatt-hours per month, participating in CTCleanEnergyOptions with Community Energy will add $4.50 to $9 per month to your electric bill.

Together we can make a difference, and as more customers sign up, we will develop new wind farms in the region. This choice means cleaner air and water, greater energy independence, and a more secure energy future for everyone."

Let's hope we get more people to sign up!

[Frank Hall]

This afternoon, I found an interesting website that talks about the importance of diversifying our energy resources (www.getenergyactive.org). Currently, this country is very dependent on coal and natural gas to produce electricity. Similar to a diverse investment portfolio, we need to diversify our energy resources. Currently, about 7% of the electricity produced in this country is from hydroelectric and 3% from other clean sources such as solar, wind, and biomass. Clean sources of power are not impacted by war or terrorist acts overseas. Once the infrastructure for harnessing solar and wind energy is installed, there are some maintenance costs but the fuel is free and not subject to rising costs. We need to develop alternative sources because oil and natural gas are not going to be available forever. Its supply is finite. Within 100 years, there may be no more oil to pump out of the earth.