Using meter data from CL&P, the Energy Task Force has completed a report ranking all the municipal and school buildings in how much energy they consume. "We analyzed all the towns meters," said Delany. "We wanted to conclude how much electricity the town consumes."
The most expensive building in town is Canton High School/Junior High School. According to Delany, the ranking can be used for a variety of purposes including the prioritization of renovation projects to include installing solar panels. The report could also be useful in attempts to conserve energy and to choose clean energy alternatives.
Delany said Canton is not using clean renewable energy for their school buildings despite committing to the "20 by 2010" program, a national program where towns use 20 percent clean renewable energy. On Dec. 18, the Energy Task Force will meet with the Board of Selectmen to make their case for why the time has come for the town to commit to clean renewable energy.
The Energy Task Force is also attempting to raise the awareness in town as to the importance of clean renewable energy and to convince town residents to switch their usage. Delany said residents can opt for clean renewable energy for electricity on their CL&P bill or by visiting www.ctinnovations.com/communities/Canton.php. During Sam Collins Day, the Energy Task Force set up a booth and signed up 15 more residents for clean renewable energy usage, bringing the town total number of towns residents up to 150 residents. Delany said the two clean renewable energy companies available to Canton residents are Community Energy and Sterling Planet. He said the Energy Task Force is recommending Sterling Planet to Canton residents since they utilize local clean renewable energy suppliers.
The Energy Task Force has also researched the status of two local dams, one in Canton and one in Burlington. The Energy Task Force is attempting to assist in the regulatory hurdles of revamping the dams and powerhouses to capture the energy of the Farmington River. Delany said years ago, Canton had an option to buy the energy rights to those two dams, energy sites that could potentially supply enough electricity for 1,500 houses.
Delany said simple acts of energy conservation can make a difference, too. "Six compact fluorescents can reduce your consumption," said Delany. "Check out the local light bulb store in Collinsville, they have 200 different types of light bulbs." Delany said the Energy Task Force wants the town to install a special recycling bin at the transfer station for the new energy efficient light bulbs since the new bulbs contain mercury.
As the town and individual residents switch over to clean renewable energy, the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund will purchase solar panels for municipal buildings. Delany said any new roofs on Canton buildings should be installed with solar panels to both capture the energy of the sun and to absorb heat, in return, requiring less energy to cool the building. "The electricity from solar panels is a third part source and will not cost the town anything," said Delany. "It will reduce the burden on the grid."
With a $5,000 grant from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, the Energy Task Force is actively promoting clean renewable energy awareness and education through grants to local citizens, businesses, civic organizations, and non-profits. Residents interested in joining the committee should call Delany at 693-2561.
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