New funding initiative will support community outreach and help expand access to energy efficiency solutions across Connecticut
NEW BRITAIN, Conn. – May 27, 2026 – The Energize Connecticut Sponsors, Eversource and Avangrid, Inc. subsidiaries United Illuminating (UI), Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG) and Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), today announced the launch of the Community Energy Boost Grant, a new funding initiative designed to support Connecticut communities in their efforts to promote cost-saving energy efficiency programs and solutions.
Awardees may receive grants of up to $5,000 to support community-led outreach efforts that increase participation in Energize Connecticut energy efficiency programs. Funded initiatives may focus on programs such as Home Energy Solutions℠ – Income Eligible, the Multifamily Initiative, Small Business Energy Advantage, heat pump adoption or other energy efficiency–focused projects outlined in the application.
Interested applicants are encouraged to review qualifications and set up a discussion with Company staff prior to applying. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis from now until October 1, 2026.
For those interested in applying or learning more about the Community Energy Boost Grant, informational webinars are scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, with webinars being held at noon and 7:00 P.M.
“The Community Energy Boost Grant is designed to meet communities where they are,” said Steve Bruno, Eversource Director of Energy Efficiency. “By supporting locally driven outreach, this initiative will help more customers access practical energy-saving solutions that can improve the efficiency of their home or business and enhance indoor comfort while lowering energy bills.”
Building on the success of the Community Partnership Initiative, the Community Energy Boost Grant expands collaboration with community-based organizations to reach more households and businesses through trusted relationships and local engagement.
“Our experience with the Community Partnership Initiative showed that community leadership is critical to expanding the reach of energy efficiency programs,” said Marissa Westbrook, Senior Manager of Conservation and Load Management at UI, CNG, and SCG. “We are eager to build on that success by working with energy efficiency champions across Connecticut through the Community Energy Boost Grant as they empower organizations and individuals to take advantage of energy-saving opportunities.”
For more information about the application process and to sign up for an informational webinar, please visit EnergizeCT.com/explore-solutions/community-grant
About Energize Connecticut℠
The Energize Connecticut℠ initiative is dedicated to empowering Connecticut ratepayers to make smart energy choices, now and in the future. The initiative is Sponsored by the Energy Efficiency Board, the State, and local electric and gas utilities, Eversource and Avangrid, Inc. subsidiaries CNG, SCG and UI.
The Energize CT Sponsors provide Connecticut residents, businesses, and communities with the resources and information they need to lower energy bills, save energy, and help build a clean energy future for everyone in the state. The initiative is funded through the Energy Efficiency Fund and by a charge on customer energy bills. Information and resources on energy-saving programs can be found at EnergizeCT.com or by calling 1.877.WISE.USE.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Amber Schilberg
(860) 461-6469
ambermjschilberg@gmail.com
