On Sunday, Aug 3, the Calvary Community Outreach Center, Grace Baptist Church and St. James Baptist Church will all be hosting community outreach events to spread the word about programs available through the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund.
The programs are funded by Connecticut Light and Power and United Illuminating customers through the "Combined Public Benefits Charge" on their electric bill. The goal of the programs is to increase energy efficiency and reduce home energy costs through weatherization, insulation, and discounts on energy efficiency appliances and HVAC systems.
"If you use electricity, you need to call for this program. If you use gas, you need to call for this program," said the Rev. Carl McCluster of F.R.E.E.D.O.M., a network of faith-based organizations that work toward community economic development. "Our goal is to put back into the Norwalk economy no less than a million dollars through the program, because as we know, a penny saved is a penny earned, and a penny earned is that which can be invested in this community."
"Our goal is to make sure these services get to everybody who is a rate payer and everybody who has an energy bill," said Lorenzo Wyatt of Mr. Handyman. He said the Energy Efficiency Fund has set aside $21 million to help make homes more energy efficient.
"As long as we can get that word out and get people involved, then we can pull more of that $21 million here into the Norwalk area, so more people can reduce their energy bills, save more money and have more money for their families."
State Rep. Bruce Morris (D-Norwalk) praised Mayor Harry Rilling and the members of the clergy for spreading the word about the programs.
"The leaders of this community, the clergy, stepped up to make certain that their constituents, their members are receiving the best benefits of what we can do in the state of Connecticut to turn things around and make an improved quality of life for everyone," Morris said.
The community outreach event will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at the following locations:
- Calvary Community Outreach Center, 20 Concord St.;
- Grace Baptist Church, 17 West Ave.; and
- St. James Baptist Church, 60 Rockland Road.
In addition to education about the state programs, the events will include a free lunch, games and a chance to enter a raffle for $1,000.
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