Connecticut needs to support energy efficiency now more than ever

September 8, 2024 6:00 AM • Last Updated: September 6, 2024 11:39 AM

In August, Eversource and United Illuminating customers got a shock when they opened their electric bills. The 2017 legislative agreement to support Millstone Power Station, followed by a four-year COVID moratorium on utility shutoffs, left utilities with an $800 million shortfall, a huge sum that is passed on to ratepayers. All told, 77% of the utility bill goes to Millstone.

The timing couldn’t have been worse, as summer heat caused by climate change led to Connecticut’s hottest July on record, and people were running air conditioners around the clock to cool off. Electricity usage, always high in the summer, has skyrocketed during multiple heat waves. The combination of increased usage and these new fees has created shockingly high bills that many are struggling to pay.

Unfortunately, some legislators are exploiting the very legitimate pain of Connecticut taxpayers to launch an effort to reverse Connecticut’s environmental progress by targeting our energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. Disinformation about energy efficiency, solar, electric vehicles, and the source of the new fees is being actively spread on social media. This is a cynical move that exploits people’s suffering for political gain.

Energy efficiency and solar programs are popular and effective. The Interreligious Eco-Justice Network helps houses of worship throughout Connecticut and their members implement energy efficiency measures and install solar power. We have seen firsthand the positive impact these programs have on religious communities and the people they serve.

Although energy efficiency is the easiest and cheapest way to reduce energy use, some lawmakers are calling for action to eliminate these programs altogether. Energy efficiency has many benefits: An energy-efficient home has proven health benefits, improves quality of life and saves residents money. Energy efficiency also reduces the burden on the grid, which is important as more consumers transition to electrifying their homes and transportation.

Similarly, Connecticut’s solar initiatives have helped people significantly reduce their energy bills while providing clean energy for their homes. Solar has also reduced Connecticut’s reliance on additional fossil fuel plants on busy days. Lawmakers should be working to expand solar to people who currently don’t have access to it, rather than trying to eliminate this wildly popular program. It’s disappointing to see lawmakers complain about policies that help people.

Finally, it was heartbreaking to see people who are poor and struggling being portrayed as “failures” and “losers.” IREJN believes that hateful, demeaning, and divisive comments have no place in our public discourse. The Interreligious Eco-Justice Network strongly rejects any language that belittles anyone’s humanity, and we call on all legislators to reject this ugly, extremist rhetoric.

IREJN calls on lawmakers and citizens of our state to seek compassionate and effective solutions that will reduce energy consumption, lower our bills, improve public health and quality of life, and protect the environment.

Every faith tradition speaks to the importance of caring for creation and treating others with kindness and dignity. Let us remember this as we work together to protect people and the planet.

Teresa Eickel, a Preston resident, is the executive director of the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network, a faith-based environmental organization.