$22-Million dollar BHA Energy Initiative

For Immediate Release
Contact: Peter Hance
June 30, 2009
Telephone: 203-395-1785

$22-Million dollar BHA Energy Initiative injects Funds and Jobs into Bridgeport Economy

The largest single investment ever in Connecticut public housing energy efficiency has brought jobs to Bridgeport while improving resident quality of life by making 2,500 apartments more energy efficient. The $22-Million Dollar BHA Energy Initiative will decrease the city's carbon footprint while injecting funds into the local economy.

A $22-million dollar loan allows the Bridgeport Housing Authority to use $18-million dollars to update 2,500 units with energy efficient measures such as the installation of new refrigerators and windows.; The utility savings from the Energy Initiative will go into servicing the debt which will be paid back over 20 years. The win-win situation saves the authority money, provides residents a better quality of life, improves the local economy, and reduces the carbon footprint.

The program would not have been possible without the effort of numerous partners:

The Dept. of Housing and Urban Development allowed the BHA to use the savings for debt servicing.
Siemens Building Technologies, provided energy audits, expertise and a guarantee on the savings
Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund and the UI Helps Limited Income Program contributed 1.8 million dollars in rebates, weatherization, and services, etc...
Crews and Associates provided the financing through private investors
The City of Bridgeport provided leadership for carbon reduction through its' Master Plan
ABCD provides training and opportunity for new employees in the Green Industry

Energy Initiatives in the plan include: new refrigerators, windows, cooling systems, fluorescent bulbs, weatherization (window caulking, door seals, and insulation), water saving devices (showerheads, aerators, low flow toilets), boilers, security lights with motion sensors, and an internet based energy management system. It is expected that all improvements involving new equipment will be accomplished within 14 months where in the past it may take decades to complete. HUD, however, has made this energy efficiency program a priority and a possibility by freezing energy subsidies at baseline consumption levels of 2007 thus allowing BHA to use the savings to pay down on the debt.

BHA Executive Director, Nicholas Calace said at today's press conference, We're proud to be good stewards of public funds while improving the quality of life for our residents and becoming good global citizens.

Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch BHA Executive Director, Nicholas Calace

Click here to download High resolution photos.

Our mailing address is:
150 Highland Ave.
Bridgeport, CT 06604

Our telephone: 203-337-8900

Our website: www.bridgeporthousing.org