We're "great"

CT Energy Blog was recently given an 8.2/10 ranking from blogged.com based on "Frequency of Updates, Relevance of Content, Site Design and Writing Style". I have to say I've felt like a slacker over the last couple months for barely managing weekly updates with two-sentence blurbs. I wonder how close they monitor the blogs. Mebbe me can rite bad an seee if score chenge...

Energy Policy Database

Here is a useful summary of Connecticut legislation regarding energy efficiency and emissions. For example, a tax incentive for Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is outlined in House Bill 7432.

Cheshire biodiesel plant for sale

This almost-finished 5 million gal/yr biodiesel plant got caught up in the F&S bankrupcy ordeal and it is now up for sale. The price? "Whatever anyone will pay for it". Story here.

According to Cheshire Town Council member Tim White, some unresolved disputes may complicate the purchase. Auction date is August 12th. According to this receiver's notice, there has been a "high volume of interest" in the facility.

Rebates available: get $$$$ back for upgrading your boiler or furnace

The following is a press release for CT Senator Bob Duff. He refers to Stamford & Darien residents, though the rebates are available to all CT residents who meet the criteria. It may even apply retroactively to installations completed last year.

August 5, 2008

Duff: New Hotline Allows Residents to Take Advantage of Furnace Rebates

Call 1-866-940-4676 to request rebate application materials

State Senator Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) is urging all Norwalk and Darien residents considering replacing their home furnaces before this winter’s heating season to take advantage of a new state rebate program created by the General Assembly in 2007.

Under the program, Connecticut families with household incomes up to approximately $100,000 can receive a $500 rebate toward the purchase of a new, energy efficient furnace or boiler for their home. Families earning up to $200,000 may also be eligible for smaller rebates.

“Most homeowners don’t consider replacing their furnace unless it breaks down,” said Senator Duff. “But the reality is that replacing an inefficient furnace can help save hundreds of dollars on energy costs, especially during the winter heating season. This program is designed to make it easier for middle-income families to replace their old furnace or boiler with one that meets a higher efficiency standard.”

Senator Duff added, “With projected prices for heating oil this winter expected to be around $5 per gallon, it’s important that we do all we can to be prevent what could be a crisis for many Connecticut families. I’d expect the demand for this rebate program to be very high over the next few months, and I urge all of my qualifying constituents to take advantage of this opportunity very quickly.”

Forms and instructions for applying for the rebates will be available from the state Office of Policy and Management within two weeks. However, interested residents can begin immediately calling toll-free 1-800-940-4676 to request the forms, which will be mailed to home addresses.

The rebates are available for qualifying furnaces and boilers installed any time after July 1, 2007. Yesterday, the State Bond Commission approved $5 million to fund the program, which is expected to help about 100,000 middle-income Connecticut families this year.

State of Energy

The CT Office of Policy and Management produces a bi-monthly energy information newsletter. Check out the latest here.