News

12.19.05

Clean and Efficient Energy Exhibit
Announced for Science Center

Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund Pledge $2 million for Interactive Science of
Energy Showcase

HARTFORD, CT – (December 19, 2005) – The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, and the Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration today announced a $2 million partnership to showcase the science of clean energy generation and energy conservation in the new science center that is being built in Hartford. The funding commitment will enable the Center to teach visitors about energy technologies in a cutting-edge facility that employs those clean and efficient energy technologies in its own operations.

“Our Clean and Efficient Energy Exhibit will be a tremendously exciting and educational feature of the science center,” said Dr. Theodore S. Sergi, president of the Center. “We will help people learn about the science of energy, as well as raise awareness of energy issues and how people can make energy-wise choices in their own lives.”

The exhibit will be a major feature of the science center, uniquely tied-into the real, working energy management and alternative generation sources that will be used to help power the building. The facility itself, designed by renowned Connecticut architect, Cesar Pelli, will be an accredited energy-efficient building. The Center’s design team is actively working with the engineers from the energy conservation program of The Connecticut Light & Power Company to identify energy-saving equipment and strategies to ensure that the building demonstrates the same principles and technologies that the exhibit teaches.

“The science center will be a stunning emblem of the world of clean energy technologies and choices that are available in Connecticut,” said Timothy Bowles, chair of the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund Advisory Board, and former chair of the Sierra Club’s Connecticut chapter. “This exhibit will bring the science and excitement of emerging clean energy solutions to life for everyone.”

Among other systems, the Center plans to utilize solar power, energy-efficient equipment and lighting, as well as efficient design features and building materials, all of which will be brought to life in the Clean and Efficient Energy Exhibit.

“The science center is making energy-efficient choices in the design and construction phase that will save money and protect the environment,” said Richard Steeves, chairman of the Energy Conservation Management Board, which oversees the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund.

“The science center will demonstrate the many low-cost and easily accessible energy-efficient products and services that are available to Connecticut residents and businesses through the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund.”

The $2 million funding pledge is divided equally among the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund and the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund. Both funds are supported by energy utility ratepayers as part of the state’s initiative to reduce demand on traditional energy sources by promoting energy efficiency and clean energy generation.

“Energy is a major issue for the future of Connecticut,” said John W. "Jack" Betkoski III, lead commissioner for the CT Department of Public Utility Control’s conservation efforts. “The science center provides a powerful opportunity to elevate awareness of energy issues, technologies, and solutions among the people who can make the biggest difference – consumers.”

The exhibit will be developed by the Center and its exhibit design team, drawing upon the expertise of energy experts and consultants from the Clean Energy Fund, the Energy Conservation Management Board and the energy conservation program of Connecticut Light & Power. The exhibit will be accompanied by compelling educational materials and programs, and tie-into the Center’s website, www.ctcse.org, so that people at home can view the Center’s energy systems at work remotely, learn how they operate, and adopt technologies for their own use at home.

Progress
The Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration, which is being built between the new Connecticut Convention Center/Marriott Hotel complex and Downtown Hartford’s Riverfront Promenade, began its construction phase with a groundbreaking on October 21, 2005.

CT Center for Science & Exploration
The Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration will spark creative imagination and an appreciation for science by immersing visitors in fun and educational hands-on, interactive experiences. The Center, which is building a state-of-the-art science center facility as part of Hartford’s downtown and riverfront development initiative, is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing science education throughout the state of Connecticut, providing learning opportunities for students and adults of all ages, and engaging the community in scientific exploration.

Connecticut Clean Energy Fund
The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund was created by the Connecticut General Assembly and is administered and managed by Connecticut Innovations, a quasi-public state agency.  CCEF is promoting the development and commercialization of clean energy technologies and is stimulating markets for electricity from clean renewable sources. CCEF’s main goals are to create a clean energy supply for Connecticut; develop clean energy technologies; and educate residents about clean energy’s importance for the state’s energy future. CCEF’s funding comes from a surcharge on electric ratepayers’ utility bills. Connecticut Innovations, Inc. (CI) was established by the Connecticut State Legislature in an act known as the Innovation Capital Act of 1989 with the intent of driving a vibrant, entrepreneurial technology based economy. Since its inception, CI has invested in excess of 100 companies and projects and has participated with over sixty other investment firms.

Energy Conservation Management Board
The Energy Conservation Management Board (ECMB) advises and assists the utility distribution companies in the development and implementation of comprehensive and cost-effective energy conservation and market transformation plans. The ECMB oversees the ratepayer-supported Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund.

CT Department of Public Utility Control
T he mission of the Department of Public Utility Control is to ensure that safe, reliable, modern, and fairly-priced utility services are available throughout Connecticut.

Contacts: Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration
Michelle Morales - 860.727.0457 (116)

Connecticut Clean Energy Fund
Bryan Garcia - 860.563.0015 (314)

Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund
Richard Steeves, Chairman - 860.827.2912