Bob Slate, Small Business Advocate at the statewide nonprofit Operation, Fuel, Inc. runs its new pilot program, “Project/BEST,” a provider of electricity grants/credits of $1,000 to small businesses, particularly women and minority-owned firms. Bridgeport is one of five cities included in the program. The Bridgeport program runs from March 1st through April 20th.
Governor Dannel Malloy praised the program. From the governor:
“I’d like to thank Operation Fuel for implementing this important and innovative program. By helping to defray energy costs for the recipients of these grants, we can help small business owners continue to operate within their local communities. This is a great example of private industry coming out to support public interest. It’s not only a smart business move, but smart public policy, as well.”
The pilot program, administered through Operation Fuel, will be conducted in five cities—Hartford, Bridgeport, New London, New Haven, and Waterbury—and will offer small businesses grants of up to $1,000 to help pay their electric costs. The program also offers an educational component, teaching small business owners how to conserve energy and become more efficient. Dominion donated $1 million to the project; PSEG donated $150,000.
Dominion, owner/operator of Millstone, and PSEG, owner/operator of electrical generation plants at Bridgeport Harbor and New Haven, operate some of Connecticut’s largest electric generation facilities. Operation Fuel, a non-profit founded under Governor Ella Grasso in the mid-1970s, helps Connecticut residents with energy assistance year round.
For additional details and program application contact Bob Slate Project/BEST at (860) 243-2345 x308 projectbest@operationfuel.org.
*** Let’s hope the word gets out to all qualified small businesses in Bpt! ***