As part of its ongoing effort to build a more sustainable future and support Connecticut's carbon-reduction goals, Eversource is pleased to see the first community solar project in its service territory come online through the Connecticut Statewide Shared Clean Energy Facility (SCEF) Program. Enfield Solar One is also the state's largest community solar project completed to date, bringing 5.96 MW DC of solar power onto the grid.
"We're proud to play a role in helping Connecticut achieve major milestones like this by working every day to develop and implement cost-effective clean energy programs for our customers," said Eversource President of Connecticut Electric Operations Steve Sullivan. "While this is the first project in our territory to come online under the statewide SCEF program, we're excited for the others that are on the way. The SCEF program and this inaugural project are great examples of how true collaboration and partnership can provide real beneficial results for residents of Connecticut."
In collaboration with the state, the solar industry and low-income advocates, Eversource worked to develop SCEF which is designed to prioritize consumer protection and ensure that energy customers who will benefit most from community solar are the first registered to participate. The program also allows residents and businesses who may not be able to invest in clean energy projects due to unsuitable property conditions or rental status to benefit from renewable energy.
"Well-designed community solar programs like this help to level the playing field for low and moderate-income customers who otherwise may not be able to install solar," said Eversource Vice President of Solar Programs Andrew Belden. "This project is a great example of community solar done right, balancing cost-effectiveness for all customers while advancing clean energy in an equitable manner and providing access to the benefits of solar to customers in an environmental justice community. We were proud to collaborate with the state in the development of this program and look forward to bringing its benefits to even more communities."
Designed and built by West Hartford based solar developer Verogy, Enfield Solar One is the only shared solar project in Eversource's Connecticut service territory.
"The SCEF program represents a significant advancement for Connecticut's renewable energy landscape," said Verogy CEO Will Herchel. "Our Enfield SCEF project goes beyond generating renewable energy; it means more Connecticut residents than ever can enjoy the benefits of clean energy, marking a crucial step towards a more sustainable future. We're proud to partner with Eversource and state energy policymakers to help ensure the widespread and equitable distribution of renewable energy."
Enfield Solar One will provide guaranteed savings with this inaugural project to:
- Enfield High School
- 655 low and moderate-income customers in Environmental Justice communities including 593 in Enfield
- 38 affordable housing facilities
- 24 Connecticut small businesses
On average, participating residential customers will receive a bill credit of $17 per month for up to 20 years.
The Enfield project is the first of several in the pipeline through this program, with 35 more community solar projects expected to come online within 4 years.
Eversource (NYSE: ES), celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, is among the top energy companies in Newsweek's list of America's Most Responsible Companies for 2024 and recognized as a Five-Year Champion, appearing in every edition of the list. Eversource transmits and delivers electricity to 1.28 million customers in 149 cities and towns, provides natural gas to 251,000 customers in 74 communities, and supplies water to approximately 217,000 customers in 59 communities across Connecticut. Eversource harnesses the commitment of approximately 9,900 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. The #1 energy efficiency provider in the nation, the company is empowering a clean energy future in the Northeast, with nationally recognized energy efficiency solutions and successful programs to integrate new clean energy resources like a first-in-the-nation networked geothermal pilot project, solar, offshore wind, electric vehicles and battery storage, into the electric system. For more information, please visit eversource.com, and follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more information on our water services, visit aquarionwater.com.
CONTACT:
Tricia Taskey Modifica
860-665-4605
tricia.modifica@eversource.com
Jamie Ratliff
(860) 665-6056
