Category: State News

CTDOT Announces First Universal EV Fast Chargers in CT Service Plazas Now Available

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced that level three electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers are now available at the Interstate 95 Southbound service plaza in Madison. This is the first set of universal access fast chargers at a Connecticut service plaza and can fully charge a vehicle in less than 30 minutes. Additional publicly available fast chargers at service plazas in New Canaan, Greenwich, and Fairfield will be online over the next several weeks, with more to come. CTDOT made the announcement at a special event earlier today with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), elected officials and various stakeholders.
“These universal fast chargers make it easier for people to travel to and through Connecticut. With convenient access to Interstates 95 and 395, families and travelers can grab a coffee or snack, charge up, and get back on the road more quickly and enjoy their summer plans,” Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Joe Giulietti said. “Governor Lamont challenged us to find ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector and we are doing just that. The future of transportation is green transportation, and by providing these chargers at our clean and convenient service plazas, we are making sure Connecticut is EV ready.”
“Scaling up EV deployment across our state is a major component of our strategy to achieve our Greenhouse Gas Emissions goals and mitigate the climate crisis before it’s too late,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “The transportation sector is responsible for the majority of our greenhouse gas emissions—38%–and 66% of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, a significant contributor to harmful air pollution in our state. A key aspect of consumer adoption of EVs will be ease of use, ability to access charging infrastructure conveniently, and ability to charge quickly. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, historic levels of funding are coming to Connecticut to scale up EV deployment on our highways, but we also need private partners to get where we need to go. I applaud Applegreen for installing this charging infrastructure, and just in time for Memorial Day Weekend! Charge up your vehicle and head over to one of our beautiful shoreline parks!”
Tesla-specific chargers have already been installed at many Connecticut service plazas, which are operated by Project Service LLC, but these new conveniently located level three fast chargers are universal, meaning any electric vehicle can plug in and charge up. The level three fast chargers were privately funded by Applegreen Electric, an organization with over 500 fast EV charging bays across the globe.
“Applegreen Electric looks forward to partnering with the State of Connecticut as they expand EV charging access across the state,” Eugene Moore, CEO of Applegreen Electric said. “We are excited to be working closely with Project Service, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and local utilities to bring the best EV driver charging experience across the full plaza system.”
“Through our partnership with CTDOT, Applegreen Electric and all our stakeholders, we are excited to kick off the summer travel season with the launch of these new DC fast chargers that will provide connectivity and comfort to the travel experience of electric vehicle owners,” Michael Jones, CEO of Project Service said. “The team at Project Service has been committed to the idea of delivering an EV roadmap for Connecticut by providing a convenient, reliable and high-quality experience for electric vehicle drivers at the service plazas across the state.”
The charging stations are first come, first serve, and require a credit card for payment. Additional locations along the I-95 and I-395 corridors will become available throughout the summer months.
The State has been working to scale up EV deployment in a number of ways. The Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate (CHEAPR) program offers incentives of up to $9,500 for Connecticut residents who purchase or lease an eligible battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric or fuel cell EVs. The CHEAPR program was updated in 2021 to include rebates for income-qualifying individuals for both new and used EVs. CHEAPR has grown since it began as a pilot back in the spring 2015; as of last month, CHEAPR had provided over $13.5 M dollars to Connecticut drivers and helped fund the purchase of over 8,000 EVs. There are currently 28 EV models eligible for funding covering all drivers’ needs, including sedans, SUVs and even a minivan. Go here to learn more: CHEAPR – Home (ct.gov)
Additionally, The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) opened up a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) docket last year, which includes, where appropriate, the implementation of DEEP EV Roadmap-recommended policies, programs, and strategies to optimize the deployment of ZEVs and the associated distribution system infrastructure. Among these is the EV Charging Program, which provides significant incentives for residential and public Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) and includes incentive adders for EVSE located in Connecticut’s underserved communities.
Through the Federal Infrastructure Law, also referred to as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, funding is being provided to states around the country to strategically deploy EV charging infrastructure. Connecticut’s share of funds from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program is being managed by Connecticut Department of Transportation. CTDOT is working closely with different state agencies and stakeholders to develop a plan on how to build out the state’s fast charging network.
To learn more about Connecticut’s NEVI plan, visit bit.ly/ctdotnevi.

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GOVERNOR LAMONT ANNOUNCES OFFICE OF HEALTH STRATEGY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR VICTORIA VELTRI TO LEAVE STATE SERVICE

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that Connecticut Office of Health Strategy Executive Director Victoria Veltri will be stepping down from her role in state government at the end of this month to pursue a new professional opportunity. Veltri has accepted a position as executive director of the Malta House of Care, a private, nonprofit medical clinic that provides high-quality, free primary healthcare to uninsured adults in Greater Hartford.

Veltri has served as the head of the Office of Health Strategy since its creation in February 2018 and was reappointed to the role in January 2019 when Governor Lamont took office. The Office of Health Strategy is responsible for implementing data-driven strategies that promote equal access to healthcare, improve the value of healthcare, contain costs, and ensure better healthcare systems for Connecticut residents. It was established as part of a consolidation effort to bring several existing resources from various state agencies into one centralized location so that these efforts could function more cohesively and efficiently.

Under her leadership, the office:

  • Launched the first successful statewide health information exchange;
  • Modified the certificate of need process with a focus on equity, access, affordability, and community benefits;
  • Launched a community health worker advisory board;
  • Drove investments into community-led prevention activities;
  • Ensured more comprehensive community benefits reporting and actions;
  • Partnered with the Office of the State Comptroller and others to launch the Connecticut Healthcare Affordability Index;
  • Developed the bipartisan Covered Connecticut program; and
  • Recently became the first state in the country to codify a bipartisan executive order establishing Connecticut’s first cost growth benchmarks, primary care targets, and quality benchmarks.

“Vicki is one of the most passionate and most energetic people I have had the pleasure of working with during my tenure as governor, and each time we speak I am always taken by her enthusiasm for her work and her deep commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of Connecticut’s residents, especially when it comes to issues such as cost equity, access, affordability, and closing race and gender gaps in care,” Governor Lamont said. “I am very sad to see her go, but I wish her well in her new opportunities. I am thankful for the work and expertise that she has provided to our state for these many years.”

Prior to her current role, Veltri served as chief health policy advisor for former Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman. She also served as Connecticut’s healthcare advocate in the Office of the Healthcare Advocate.

“I am very grateful to Governor Lamont for the opportunity to have served in his administration,” Veltri said. “I am proud of the outstanding team at the Office of Health Strategy and its daily dedicated work across the entire healthcare industry. Working for the state has been an extraordinary privilege. During my sixteen years in state government, I have had the great fortune to serve in several leadership roles, including as the chief health policy advisor under former Lt. Governor Wyman and as the state healthcare advocate, appointed by former Governor Malloy. I have many friends in the executive branch and the legislative branch, including leaders of other state agencies with whom I will miss working with regularly and with whom I have always worked in partnership. No agency functions without the deep dedication of our employees, and I will miss them most of all. Our work has always been focused on the people of Connecticut, and I will take that commitment with me.”

Veltri’s final day with the state will be on July 1, 2022. Governor Lamont is launching a search for a successor to fill the position.

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GOVERNOR LAMONT ANNOUNCES CONNECTICUT RECEIVES CREDIT RATING UPGRADE FROM S&P

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont announced that he has received notification that the credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P) is raising Connecticut’s general obligation bond outlook from stable to positive.

Governor Lamont said, “Building on last year’s credit rating increase, this improved outlook further demonstrates Connecticut is on solid financial footing. This progress is the direct result of historic payments to our unfunded liabilities, a record rainy day fund, and smart investments in the future of our state. Financial analysts continue to recognize that we have ended the proverbial practice of kicking the can down the road to future generations, and we have actively taken steps to put our fiscal house in order. Connecticut residents will benefit from this improved outlook in the form of lowered borrowing costs, and the signal that this sends to businesses that our state is a place to grow and invest. While we should celebrate our successes, we must keep a cautious eye on the future. This is not the time for excessive and unstainable spending, rather it is a further indicator that we must continue to make reasonable and responsible investments that provide for our children, grow our economy, and improve the lives of everyone who calls Connecticut home.”

Office of Policy and Management Secretary Jeffrey Beckham said, “In meetings with S&P following the enactment of the fiscal year 2023 budget revision, the message from their team was clear – Connecticut is on the right path with both a sizable rainy day fund and making additional payments on our unfunded liabilities. Investors want us to continue to take both of these issues seriously, and if we do, we will be rewarded with lowered borrowing costs.”

In its notice to investors that was released today, S&P said, “We believe Connecticut has recently demonstrated a commitment to restoring budget reserves during periods of economic and revenue growth that could insulate its finances from recessionary headwinds. State officials estimate that Connecticut will yield general fund surpluses at the end of fiscal years 2022 and 2023 and grow the projected biennium-end BRF balance to $3.31 billion, or a strong 15% of fiscal 2023 general fund appropriations (including mid-biennium budget adjustments) for the third consecutive fiscal year. Deposits of surplus revenues had met or exceeded the 15% statutory reserve cap in the BRF at the end of fiscal years 2020 and 2021. In confluence with the state’s high reserves, that state has also recently sustained strong cash balances.”

In 2021, Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, Fitch, and Kroll upgraded Connecticut’s general obligation bond ratings.

Memorial Tips For Drivers

With more travelers expected to head out over the Memorial Day weekend, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and AAA remind motorists to slow down and travel safe. According to AAA, road travel is expected to increase by nearly five percent compared to last year, which represents approximately 93 percent of pre-pandemic vehicle travel.
“Memorial Day weekend is considered one of the busiest travel times in Connecticut. Vehicle crashes are rising to unprecedented levels and people continue traveling way too fast,” CTDOT Commissioner Joe Giulietti said. “I urge motorists to put down the cell phone, buckle up, slow down, and always drive sober.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 5,600 people were killed during the Memorial Day travel holiday (between Thursday and Monday) from 2011-2020, an average of over 560 fatalities each year nationally. In Connecticut, 44 people were killed in crashes during the Memorial Day travel holiday between 2011-2020.
“Every year, hundreds of Americans hit the road on Memorial Day weekend but don’t make it home to their families after a traffic crash. A car is a multi-ton weapon when operated recklessly, and drivers must be sober, avoid distractions, and travel at a safe speed so they don’t endanger themselves and others,” Alec Slatky, Director of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Northeast said. “Even small changes in speed can make a big difference in crash severity. And with AAA expecting to service hundreds of thousands of vehicles across the country this weekend, it’s especially important to Slow Down and Move Over to give all roadside workers the space they need.”
Members of the public are reminded that there will be schedule changes for public transportation over the Memorial Day weekend. Riders are asked to visit ctrides.com for the latest travel schedule. Motorists are also encouraged to visit and register with cttravelsmart.com for real-time traffic information on state highways.
Additionally, there will be no maintenance or construction activities on limited-access highways during the Memorial Day weekend from 6 a.m. Friday, May 27, 2022 to 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 31, 2022. Only work of an emergency nature will be under taken.

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Operation Lifesaver

Operation Lifesaver, Inc., the nonprofit public safety education and awareness organization launched a national public awareness advertising campaign in Connecticut.

Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) is dedicated to reducing collisions, fatalities, and injuries at highway-rail crossings and trespassing on or near railroad tracks. The three video ads, ranging from 15 to 60 seconds, highlight rail safety protocols and aim to increase awareness among rail passengers and pedestrians. The OLI ads will run on Connecticut TV stations until mid-June for the first time.

“Trains can run on any track at any time in either direction. This ad campaign reiterates the message: if you see train tracks, assume a train is nearby,” Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph Giulietti said. “We encourage all pedestrians and rail passengers to never cross over train tracks unless there is a marked designated crossing. We all need to do our part to reduce train collisions by staying off the tracks and staying alert.”

Since 2017, 30 pedestrian strikes and nine motor vehicle collisions have occurred on Connecticut rails. Already this year, Connecticut has experienced six pedestrian strikes and one motor vehicle collision.*

“Operation Lifesaver’s goals with this ad campaign are to educate the public and increase awareness about the dangers of rail incidents and how quickly they can occur,” Operation Lifesaver Connecticut State Coordinator Kevin Burns said. “For our 50th anniversary as an organization, we’re encouraging all residents of Connecticut to take the Rail Safety Pledge. Only together can we prevent train tragedies throughout the year.”

The OLI ad campaign will air for the next several weeks and the videos are also available online for viewing and sharing on social media.

Find the Blue & White gives step-by-step instructions for motor vehicle passengers if they find themselves stuck on rail tracks. Drivers should safely exit their vehicle, find the blue and white Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign on the at-grade crossings, and call the number on the sign, providing the operator with the crossing number located on the sign. The operator will then alert train traffic to slow down or change tracks. “Remember, find the blue and white to save your life,” the video states. “If an ENS sign cannot be found at a train track crossing, drivers can dial 911.”

See Tracks? Think Train! depicts a pedestrian walking along rail tracks while listening to music, unable to hear a train driving towards them until it’s too late. “It’s no contest,” warns the video. “Every day, people tempt fate and die trespassing on railroad tracks. See tracks? Think train.” This ad is also available in Spanish.

An alternate See Tracks? Think Train! ad showcases the equal force of a car crushing a soda can to a train striking a pedestrian or motor vehicle on the tracks.

In addition to ad campaigns, Operation Lifesaver also conducts several community outreach events every year and spearheads Rail Safety Week in September.

For more information about rail safety and to take the Rail Safety Pledge, visit OLI.org

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2022 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award


NEW BRITAIN, Conn. – The sponsors of Energize Connecticut℠, Eversource and AVANGRID, Inc. subsidiaries United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas and Connecticut Natural Gas, are proud to announce that they have received the 2022 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. This is the seventh time the sponsors have been recognized for their joint efforts, continued leadership and commitment to promoting the ENERGY STAR program in Connecticut.

The Sustained Excellence award is the highest honor bestowed by the ENERGY STAR program. Winners in this distinguished group have made a long-term commitment to fighting climate change, protecting public health through energy efficiency and are continuing to increase adoption and implementation of energy efficiency measures. They are among the nation’s leaders in driving value for the environment, the economy and the American people.

“Energy efficiency is the most valuable tool we have to help all customers save money and reduce their energy use, and we applaud Connecticut’s leadership in clean energy and their support of these critical programs.”, said Eversource Executive Vice President of Customer Experience and Energy Strategy Penni Conner. “We’re proud to be recognized again this year by the EPA and DOE with the Sustained Excellence Award, and we look forward to continued collaboration with the ENERGY STAR® program, our states and communities, our small business partners, and our customers on energy efficiency initiatives that mitigate the effects of climate change.”

“At UI, SCG and CNG we are proud to be a part of EnergizeCT and receive the 2022 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy,” said Frank Reynolds, President & CEO of UI, SCG and CNG. “For seven years in a row, our efforts with industry partners in the EnergizeCT program have proven to find more efficiencies in everyday energy use while making a positive impact on our environment.”

“We know it’s going to take all of us working together to tackle the climate crisis, and the 2022 ENERGY STAR award-winning partners are demonstrating what it takes to build a more sustainable future,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “These companies are showing once again that taking action in support of a clean energy economy can be good not only for the environment, but also for business and customers.”

Each year, the ENERGY STAR program honors a group of businesses and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through superior energy achievements. In 2021, Eversource and the AVANGRID subsidiaries accomplished the following:

· Provided energy-efficiency programs and rebates to businesses and residents in 169 cities and towns throughout Connecticut.
· Tracked 994,368 instances of participation in programs and rebates delivering lifetime energy savings equivalent to 2.9 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity, 95.3 million ccf (one ccf equals 100 cubic feet) of natural gas, and 55.6 million gallons of fuel oil and propane.
· Helped customers across the state save $62.1 million on their energy bills.
· In conjunction with the Connecticut Green Bank, delivered $6.2 billion to the state’s gross state product (GSP) and supported 41,487 jobs in the HVAC, electrical, manufacturing, insulation, weatherization and solar industries.
· Reduced carbon dioxide emissions by more than 160,000 tons resulting in $5.5 million saved in public health costs.
· Developed a new Census Tract tool that will allow communities, municipalities, and vendors to reduce program participation barriers for residents in underserved communities.
· Led educational initiatives that reached over 8,000 teachers and students in grades K-12.
· Collaborated with the Connecticut Green Bank and other financial institutions to promote financing and clean energy programs, such as C-PACE and Smart-E loans.

Winners are selected from a network of thousands of ENERGY STAR partners. For a complete list of 2022 winners and more information about ENERGY STAR’s awards program, visit energystar.gov/awardwinners.

About Energize ConnecticutEnergize Connecticut is an initiative dedicated to empowering Connecticut to make smart energy choices, now and in the future. We provide Connecticut consumers, businesses, and communities the resources and information they need to make it easy to save energy and build a clean energy future for everyone in the state. It is an initiative of the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, the Connecticut Green Bank, the State, and your local electric and gas utilities. The initiative has funding support from a charge on customer energy bills.

About ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state, and local organizations—including more than 40 percent of the Fortune 500®—rely on their partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deliver cost-saving energy efficiency solutions. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped American families and businesses avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs and achieve more than 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions. More background information about ENERGY STAR’s impacts can be found at www.energystar.gov/impacts and state-level information can be found at www.energystar.gov/statefacts.

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https://www.bmwofbridgeport.com/the-first-ever-bmw-ix/

17th Annual eesmarts™ Student Contest

Energize Connecticut℠ sponsors, Eversource and AVANGRID, Inc. subsidiaries United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas and Connecticut Natural Gas, announced today that the 17th annual eesmarts Student Contest is now accepting student submissions until April 29, 2022. The contest is open to Connecticut students in grades K-12 and topics are focused on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability solutions.

“For almost two decades, the eesmarts Student Contest has encouraged Connecticut students to tap into their imagination and knowledge to come up with solutions to address real-world energy issues,” said Eversource Vice President of Energy Efficiency and Electric Mobility Tilak Subrahmanian, “Every year we’re impressed with the creative energy and thought the students put into their projects to address critical energy issues and emphasize the importance of energy efficiency and sustainability.”

“It is so inspiring to see students across our state roll up their sleeves to solve issues around energy conservation, renewable energy, and how we can support a clean energy transition that benefits everyone,” said Erik Robie, Director of Customer Programs & Products at AVANGRID. “Our students are our future, and I am so proud that every year more and more students are engaged in the eesmarts Student Contest and looking to make meaningful change in our community.”

Students in grades K-8 are assigned grade-specific topics and asked to submit their entries in the form of a poster (Grades K-2), narrative (Grade 3), letter to the principal (Grade 4), book review (Grade 5), persuasive speech (Grade 6), persuasive poem or cartoon (Grade 7), or public service announcement (Grade 8).

Students in Grades 9-11 are asked to propose a community-based project to address an energy-related issue. Students may work in groups of up to five members. The winning team’s school will receive funding to help make their proposed project a reality and must complete it by March 31, 2023.

Students competing in the Grade 12 category will create a persuasive image that advocates for an energy topic and showcases their knowledge of the subject. Options include painting a picture, creating a sculpture or collage, drawing a cartoon strip (12 cells or less) or making a video (:30 seconds; Windows® Media Player). Entries will be evaluated based on scientific accuracy and concise and convincing imagery.

Winners will receive a certificate and an Amazon gift card. Finalists in all categories and grade levels will be honored at a special virtual awards ceremony to be held in June 2022.
For more information about the contest, please visit www.eesmarts.com/contest.

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