TITLE
ORDER OF THE NEW HAVEN BOARD OF ALDERS AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF NEW HAVEN TO APPLY FOR AND ACCEPT THE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE GRANT AWARD FROM UNITED ILLUMINATING TO INCREASE PARTICIPATION IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS.
BODY
WHEREAS, deep energy efficiency 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 improvements;
WHEREAS, the New Haven Office of Climate and Sustainability recognizes the need to increase community awareness of and access to available incentives and programs for improving energy efficiency;
WHEREAS, the Neighborhood Housing Services' I Heart My Home program has assisted hundreds of Connecticut residents in accessing all of the energy efficiency benefits they are eligible to receive;
WHEREAS, the City of New Haven will, in partnership with Neighborhood Housing Services, apply for funding from United Illuminating; and upon receipt of such grant, Neighborhood Housing Services will act as the fiduciary of funds and accept...
Click here for full text