Joint news release:
A first of its kind partnership in Connecticut was announced today with the goal of helping low-income families enjoy the benefits of clean energy. FREEDOM (Faith Restoration Empowerment Economic Development Outreach Ministries, Inc) kicked off a partnership initiative with the Connecticut Green Bank and PosiGen to educate the public about affordable solar and energy efficiency opportunities available to low-income and retired Connecticut homeowners. Thousands of homeowners across the state will now have access to affordable solar and energy efficiency provided by PosiGen, with the financial support of the Connecticut Green Bank.
FREEDOM will use its statewide network of churches to educate congregations about the benefits of being good stewards of the environment through renewable energy. “This partnership allows FREEDOM, and Connecticut residents to “Think Globally and Act Locally,” states FREEDOM Managing Director and Senior Pastor at Shiloh Baptist Church, Reverend Carl McCluster. “This initiative encourages residents to reduce environmental impact and degradation through using affordable solar energy and simultaneously save money through reduced energy costs, thereby increasing personal and community financial stability and supporting job growth in Bridgeport and throughout Connecticut.”
The program has the full support of a long list of elected officials, clergy and community leaders including Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy, Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim, U.S. Representative Jim Himes, U. S. Senator Chris Murphy, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, State Senator Ed Gomes, State Representative Ezequiel Santiago and Bridgeport City Councilpersons Denese Taylor-Moye and Jack Banta. Mayor Ganim, who spoke at today’s kickoff, has committed his administration to do all it can to help low-income and retired Bridgeport families reap the benefits of clean energy. “This is a great program for Bridgeport families,” states Mayor Joseph Ganim. “My administration will work to expedite the process so families can take control of their energy costs with solar and energy efficiency upgrades.”
PosiGen, a New Orleans solar company that located its New England business in Bridgeport, believes the program will work to close many see as a clean energy affordability gap by making solar available to all homeowners regardless of income. “We are happy to provide Connecticut homeowners with the only solar program to feature a zero down payment and no credit check,” states Dan McAtee, President of PosiGen. “At PosiGen, we believe Solar and Energy Efficiency are for everyone. Low to moderate income families pay up to 4 times more of their monthly income on utilities compared to more affluent homeowners.”
The Connecticut Green Bank is investing in PosiGen to provide low-cost debt capital and a tiered incentive for participating households in communities across the state. The partnership is designed to give people access to an affordable solar leasing structure that will deliver energy savings for families susceptible to rising energy costs. “This partnership with PosiGen, and FREEDOM, will lower the energy burden on limited income households through financing and the deployment of clean energy,” states Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank. “As Connecticut continues to deploy more and more clean energy in our communities, we want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to realize the benefits it offers.”
FREEDOM, the Connecticut Green Bank and PosiGen are excited about this innovative, first in the nation partnership because it will strengthen communities by helping families lower their energy costs and provide greater financial security.
PosiGen solar applications are being accepted now, so homeowners are encouraged to contact PosiGen today at 203-416-6518 or 1-866-PosiGen to take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to become a solar home in Bridgeport.
About FREEDOM
FREEDOM, Inc. is the creator, sponsor and lead trainer of a network of faith-based and grass roots organizations that initiate and nurture economic renewal for individuals, families and communities. FREEDOM develops resources and programs that address the needs of their communities through training, program implementation, consulting, technical assistance and capacity building, thereby encouraging transformation and community development in Housing, Economic Development, Education and Sustainability programs, projects and initiatives. FREEDOM has active offices, partnerships, initiatives and programs in 15 major metropolitan areas and throughout the United States.About the Connecticut Green Bank
The Connecticut Green Bank (formerly the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority) was established by the Connecticut General Assembly on July 1, 2011 as a part of Public Act 11-80. As the nation’s first full-scale green bank, it is leading the clean energy finance movement by leveraging public and private funds to scale-up renewable energy deployment and energy efficiency projects across Connecticut. The Green Bank’s success in accelerating private investment in clean energy is helping Connecticut create jobs, increase economic prosperity, promote energy security and address climate change. For more information about the Connecticut Green Bank, please visit www.ctgreenbank.com.
