By Katie Logisz
December 13, 2004

Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy announced November 29 that an energy savings program launched in 1998 has resulted in substantial monetary savings for the city. This energy savings program was initially made possible by a partnership and grant program with Rebuild America, a network of community-driven voluntary partnerships that foster energy efficiency and renewable energy in commercial, government and public-housing buildings. The city was able to fund and hire an Energy Engineer and launch an energy efficiency program. Stamford has implemented projects throughout a wide range of facilities including the government center, the police department, board of education buildings, and several local landmarks to name a few examples.

The city's most recent energy initiative is bringing better, more efficient lighting to the city's vehicle maintenance facility. This project was arranged through the Connecticut Light & Power Municipal Buildings Program and is in coordination with the City Engineering Bureau. The facility will have completely new lighting, replacing dated fixtures with the latest in lighting efficiency — T-5 lamps in a high efficiency fixture. Nancy Domiziano, Energy/Utility Technician for the Engineering Bureau, said that the mayor had noticed a year ago that this facility had old inefficient lights and asked to get them replaced.

Michael E. Ross, supervisor of the vehicle maintenance facility, had long been trying to replace the building's lighting, when he received word that Connecticut Light & Power would consider the facility for its program. Connecticut Light & Power has thus far worked with Stamford to give grants and rebates totaling over $1.1 million since 1998. The funding for this new program, as well as all Stamford energy efficiency programs with Connecticut Light & Power, is through the Conservation and Load Management charge on utility bills. Overall, Stamford is saving over 3.6 kilowatt hours per year with annual electric cost savings of $342,000.

Citing the importance of energy efficiency, Malloy concluded, "The city of Stamford will continue to invest in energy efficiency, alternative energy resources, green buildings and smart growth." Furthermore, the mayor stated that such measures have resulted in better facilities with improved lighting, indoor air quality and comfort, in addition to an improved bottom line.