TITLE
ORDER OF THE NEW HAVEN BOARD OF ALDERS AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF NEW HAVEN TO ENTER INTO A MULTI-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH NEW ENGLAND SMART ENERGY GROUP, LLC IN ORDER TO PROVIDE ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND HOME ELECTRIFICATION SERVICES TO NEW HAVEN RESIDENTS.
BODY
WHEREAS, deep energy efficiency and electrification improvements are shown to lower energy bills, improve the health of residents, and strengthen the resilience and increase the comfort of homes;
WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut has set a goal of weatherizing 80% of homes by 2030 and as of 2020 only 23% of New Haven households have participated in weatherization programs;
WHEREAS, low-income participation in energy efficiency improvement programs has declined in the last decade;
WHEREAS, residential buildings of one to four families in neighborhoods of need present the greatest opportunity for increased cost-saving, health, and resiliency benefits;
WHEREAS, more than half of New Haven households are energy cost-burdened, spending more than 6% of their income on energy bills, and the burden falls most severely on environmental justice neighborhoods like Newhallville, Fair Haven, and Dwight;
WHEREAS, the recently-passed Inflation Reduction Act contains a variety of rebates and tax credits to help homeowners, property owners, and renters afford investments in energy efficiency and electrification improvements;
WHEREAS, the City of New Haven issued a request for proposals for a partner to provide energy efficiency and electrification services to residents of one to four family properties; and
WHEREAS, New England Smart Energy Group, LLC’s response was selected by the City’s selection committee on the basis of the depth and breadth of the organization’s experience with partnering with municipalities and completing energy efficiency and electrification improvements.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED by Board of Alders of the City of New Haven that the Mayor is authorized to enter into an up to two and a half year agreement with New England Smart Energy Group, LLC to provide home energy efficiency and electrification services to New Haven residents, and execute any revisions, amendments or modifications that the Mayor deems necessary or desirable to said contract in order to complete home energy efficiency and electrification improvements.