(HARTFORD, CT – April 14, 2025) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that seven solar energy systems have been installed and are now operating at six of Connecticut’s correctional facilities in a suite of projects that will generate millions in cost savings while delivering clean, renewable energy to the facilities.
Because correctional facilities operate nonstop 365 days a year, they are among the largest consumers of energy of all state-owned facilities.
“Installing solar energy systems at correctional facilities is a way that we can deliver cost savings in the operations of state government while also reducing our carbon footprint,” Governor Lamont said. “Correctional facilities provide a necessary public safety service for our communities, and their around-the-clock operations require a significant amount of energy to function. I am glad that we could get these projects completed and that our correctional facilities can begin taking advantage of the benefits of solar energy.”
The seven systems will collectively deliver 8.3 megawatts of clean, renewable energy to the correctional facilities, saving the state more than $11 million in energy costs over the lifetime of the panels and reducing carbon emissions by the equivalent of approximately 5,000 metric tons annually.
The projects are a collaboration between the Connecticut Department of Correction (DOC) and the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS), along with the Connecticut Green Bank and TotalEnergies, a global integrated energy company. They were financed by the Connecticut Green Bank in partnership with TotalEnergies. The company will own, operate, and maintain the systems through a power purchase agreement executed by DAS.
“With our 13 facilities operating on an around the clock basis 365 days a year, we are always looking for ways to reduce our energy costs,” DOC Commissioner Angel Quiros said. “The fact that we can do so by utilizing a clean energy source is an added bonus.”
“These seven projects are a win-win for the state,” DAS Commissioner Michelle Gilman said. “They will reduce our carbon footprint and save significant money for taxpayers. This has been a collaborative effort, and we look forward to building on this progress with other state agencies in the years to come.”
“Solar projects of this size and scope have significant benefits, and take time and coordination to complete, which makes it necessary to gather an excellent team of state and private capital partners,” Bryan Garcia, president and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank, said. “Thanks to the attention and collaboration of everyone involved, the Green Bank was able to use our Solar MAP process to streamline each step of going solar, from design to contracting to financing and energization. Building on this success, we will continue to work together to finalize more projects in our pipeline and help the state meet our climate goals while reducing energy costs.”
“The successful completion of the DOC’s seven solar installations demonstrates large-scale, distributed clean energy is both feasible and reliable,” Eric Potts, vice president of TotalEnergies Renewables USA, said. “These projects provide significant cost savings for the DOC while directly contributing to the state’s 2040 zero-carbon electricity target. TotalEnergies is proud to once again play a vital role in the public sector initiatives that drive sustainable outcomes.”
The correctional facilities utilizing these solar energy systems include:
- Cheshire Correctional Institution, Cheshire (2.4 megawatts)
- Enfield Correctional Institution, Enfield (181 kilowatts)
- Manson Youth Institution, Cheshire (2.2. megawatts)
- Osborn Correctional Institution, Somers (2.2 megawatts)
- Robinson Correctional Institution A, Enfield (83 kilowatts)
- Robinson Correctional Institution B, Enfield (167 kilowatts)
- Willard Correctional Institution, Enfield (1 megawatt)
Green Bank C-PACE Interest Rate Changes
/in Building Contractors, Contractor AnnouncementsWe have made updates to the Green Bank C-PACE interest rates. Please see below for more information, and click HERE to view the updated rates.
Please note that the rate changes outlined below and linked above are for Connecticut Green Bank-originated C-PACE projects only. They are not reflective of the rates provided by other C-PACE capital providers.
NGEN Update for Solar PV Projects
/in Contractor Announcements, Home ContractorsWe have recently adjusted the upfront requirements when submitting a Smart-E job in NGEN for Solar PV projects. You will not be required to submit the Utility Interconnect Application (the RRES application) when submitting a Smart-E Job, it’s now noted as optional (see screenshot).
You can still provide us with the Utility Interconnect Approval letter to receive an additional disbursement (review more about that here), but we request that you submit this in a new section (NOT in the COC tab).
To do this: open the Job in NGEN, scroll to the “Documents” area and upload the Interconnect Approval letter by selecting “Upload Document” then select “Choose File” in the pop-up window (green arrows in screenshot), then close the pop-up box and select “Save Changes” (orange arrow in screenshot). This will save that document to the portal and notify the Smart-E team to review that document, we will then notify the lender to release an additional disbursement.
The Meadow Ridge Solar Committee Started with a Mission
/in C-PACE, Customer StoriesGovernor Lamont Announces Several Connecticut Correctional Facilities Now Operating on Solar Energy, Creating Cost Savings While Reducing Emissions
/in Community Solutions, Investment Solutions, NewsBecause correctional facilities operate nonstop 365 days a year, they are among the largest consumers of energy of all state-owned facilities.
“Installing solar energy systems at correctional facilities is a way that we can deliver cost savings in the operations of state government while also reducing our carbon footprint,” Governor Lamont said. “Correctional facilities provide a necessary public safety service for our communities, and their around-the-clock operations require a significant amount of energy to function. I am glad that we could get these projects completed and that our correctional facilities can begin taking advantage of the benefits of solar energy.”
The seven systems will collectively deliver 8.3 megawatts of clean, renewable energy to the correctional facilities, saving the state more than $11 million in energy costs over the lifetime of the panels and reducing carbon emissions by the equivalent of approximately 5,000 metric tons annually.
The projects are a collaboration between the Connecticut Department of Correction (DOC) and the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS), along with the Connecticut Green Bank and TotalEnergies, a global integrated energy company. They were financed by the Connecticut Green Bank in partnership with TotalEnergies. The company will own, operate, and maintain the systems through a power purchase agreement executed by DAS.
“With our 13 facilities operating on an around the clock basis 365 days a year, we are always looking for ways to reduce our energy costs,” DOC Commissioner Angel Quiros said. “The fact that we can do so by utilizing a clean energy source is an added bonus.”
“These seven projects are a win-win for the state,” DAS Commissioner Michelle Gilman said. “They will reduce our carbon footprint and save significant money for taxpayers. This has been a collaborative effort, and we look forward to building on this progress with other state agencies in the years to come.”
“Solar projects of this size and scope have significant benefits, and take time and coordination to complete, which makes it necessary to gather an excellent team of state and private capital partners,” Bryan Garcia, president and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank, said. “Thanks to the attention and collaboration of everyone involved, the Green Bank was able to use our Solar MAP process to streamline each step of going solar, from design to contracting to financing and energization. Building on this success, we will continue to work together to finalize more projects in our pipeline and help the state meet our climate goals while reducing energy costs.”
“The successful completion of the DOC’s seven solar installations demonstrates large-scale, distributed clean energy is both feasible and reliable,” Eric Potts, vice president of TotalEnergies Renewables USA, said. “These projects provide significant cost savings for the DOC while directly contributing to the state’s 2040 zero-carbon electricity target. TotalEnergies is proud to once again play a vital role in the public sector initiatives that drive sustainable outcomes.”
The correctional facilities utilizing these solar energy systems include:
Susan Auslander, Meadow Ridge Solar Committee Honored by the Connecticut Green Bank
/in Building Solutions, Community Solutions, News“It is with great excitement that I can recognize Susan Auslander with the President’s Award for 2024,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank. “Susan’s leadership is a great example of the Green Bank’s vision for a planet protected by the love of humanity.”
“Our Meadow Ridge solar project has been a fun learning experience for my fellow residents and me. Even into our 90s we can continue to learn and innovate,” said Susan Auslander, chair MR Residents’ Solar Committee and Secretary, Residents Association Board. “May the Green Bank’s remarkable achievements over a 10-year period continue to inspire more solar projects around our Nutmeg State.”
State Sen. Ceci Maher (D-26) and State Rep. Anne Hughes (D-135) also honored Susan and her fellow Solar Committee members for their efforts.
“Susan Auslander’s hard work and perseverance resulted in millions of dollars of energy cost and emissions savings. Susan’s impact on Meadow Ridge, both from the solar success side and a modeling of community advocacy and leadership, is evidence that all of us can take action and enact change,” said Sen. Maher. “It’s an incredible accomplishment. On behalf of the state legislature, I’d like to thank her for her leadership and achievement as she proudly accepts this award.”
“I am truly humbled to represent the determination of this community, led by resident Susan Auslander and her allies at Meadow Ridge, and to participate in meaningful policymaking at the state level to address the climate crisis and renewable energy transition,” said Rep. Anne Hughes. “We got to partner with the Green Bank and demonstrate the possibilities and opportunities of collaboration, funding resources and the will to decarbonize and save energy costs for the community. This is how good government works for the community.”
“Every step of this process—from our first discussions with the Solar Committee to flipping the switch in December—has been collaborative. We at Meadow Ridge are grateful for the vision and tenacity of Susan and the Solar Committee, and for the essential role the Connecticut Green Bank played in bringing this project to life,” said Meadow Ridge Chief Operating Officer Brett Mehlman.
2024 Green Bank Award Winners Announced
/in Building Solutions, Community Solutions, Contractor Solutions, Home Solutions, NewsGreen Liberty Investment Offerings Continue to Exceed Maximum Raise Amount Thanks to Citizen Demand
/in Investment Solutions, NewsTen consecutive raises have exceeded their maximums, more than $3.3 million has been raised cumulatively from investors in Connecticut and across the country
Hartford, CT (March 24, 2025) – CGB Green Liberty Notes LLC, a subsidiary of the Connecticut Green Bank, successfully closed the twelfth Green Liberty offering, surpassing its maximum raise amount for the tenth consecutive time. More than 90 investments were received in original increments of $1,000 or less, a new record. To allow for more investors to participate in this innovative and certified green investment opportunity, this was the sixth offering that featured a maximum raise limit of $350,000. In total, more than $3.3 million has been raised from Connecticut citizens and nationwide investors in support of small businesses improving their energy efficiency and reducing their energy costs. This was the first issuance offered through the Green Bank’s partnership with Honeycomb Credit using their online crowdfunding website.
Green Liberty Notes, which are offered quarterly, can be purchased with a minimum investment of just $100. To date, more than 60% of original investments have been $1,000 or less, and more than half of the investors have been Connecticut residents. In total, individuals from 43 states have invested in Green Liberty Notes.
Investments in the Green Liberty offering support Eversource’s Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) program, which enables small businesses in Connecticut to reduce their energy costs through efficiency upgrades and zero-interest loans. The Connecticut Green Bank and Amalgamated Bank (America’s largest B Corp bank) recently celebrated the purchase of more than $100M of SBEA loans, driving environmental benefits and economic growth in local restaurants, town halls, community organizations, and more.
As a result of the climate benefits associated with the SBEA program, this Green Liberty offering has been reviewed and designated a Green Bond by Kestrel, a leading provider of external reviews for green, social and sustainability bond transactions and a Climate Bonds Initiative Approved Verifier.
“The overwhelming success of these Notes is a testament to the desire of investors to support the green economy while earning a secure, competitive return on their investment. We are excited to see more people from Connecticut and investors from more than 40 states across the country getting involved in these offerings,” said Bert Hunter, EVP and Chief Investment Officer of the Connecticut Green Bank. “In addition to these quarterly offerings, we are looking into other opportunities to help engage and support our communities and to make available to our investors.”
For more information about investment opportunities, please visit invest.ctgreenbank.com.
Statement on EPA’s Action on NCIF
/in NewsHartford, CT (March 12, 2025) – The Connecticut Green Bank stands with the other awardees of the National Clean Investment Fund (NCIF) competition through the Inflation Reduction Act as we continue our collective efforts to reduce the energy burden on families and businesses, create jobs in our communities, and improve public health through cleaner air and water. This week’s unlawful action by the EPA will undoubtedly slow the clean energy economy in Connecticut, which supports more than 45,000 jobs and continues to grow year over year, and now accounts for 2.4 percent, or over $7 billion, of Connecticut’s Gross Regional Product.
The Green Bank’s winning NCIF bid, submitted through our partnership with the Coalition for Green Capital, would enable our model to increase investment in and deployment into energy efficiency upgrades for single and multifamily homes, solar and storage projects at schools and municipal buildings, and electric buses and clean transportation initiatives. Since 2011, we have successfully worked with partners to create nearly $3 billion in investment in similar projects across our state.
We will continue to evaluate next steps and urge the EPA to restore the lawfully awarded funds.
March 2025 Newsletter
/in Newsletters, NewslettersGreen Bank launches their second green liberty offering, announces enhancements to c-pace, annual awards, and more
Connecticut Green Bank Launches 12th Green Liberty Notes Offering
/in Investment Solutions, NewsSuccessful crowdfunding program continues supporting local small businesses and economic growth.
Hartford, CT (February 27, 2025)—CGB Green Liberty Notes LLC, a subsidiary of the Connecticut Green Bank, today announced the launch of its award-winning 12th offering. Now in its fourth year, the crowdfunding campaign is made possible by Honeycomb Credit, an online marketplace for impact investing.
“Our raises over the past few years have been a tremendous success, and we’re proud to continue that momentum,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank. “This program bridges the gap between the climate investment marketplace and our local economy by allowing investors across the country, including the communities of our state, to directly support energy efficiency for Connecticut small businesses.”
Featuring a low minimum investment of just $100, a short one-year term, and an easy online purchase process, Green Liberty offerings were created to be accessible to nearly anyone who wants to invest.
In total, more than $3 million has been raised from Connecticut citizens and buyers from 40 states nationwide. Over 60% of original investments have been $1,000 or less, with more than half of the investors being Connecticut residents.
Investments in the Green Liberty Notes offering support Eversource’s Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) program, which enables small businesses in Connecticut to lower their energy expenses through efficiency enhancements and interest-free loans. Due to the climate benefits associated with the SBEA program, Kestrel has reviewed and verified this Green Liberty offering for its environmental attributes.
Green Liberty Notes can be purchased at www.greenlbertynotes.com.The previous Green Liberty offering was the ninth consecutive offering to surpass its maximum raise amount, so investors are encouraged to act quickly to secure their participation in the next offering.
Previous investors can now track all active Green Liberty Notes investments through the Honeycomb platform, which provides a centralized location for investors to access. Reinvesting is streamlined through the Honeycomb wallet, allowing investors from the ninth round of Green Liberty Notes to reinvest both principal and interest into the latest offering.
Additionally, investors who participated in the ninth round and choose to invest in this offering—whether by reinvesting or contributing a different amount—will receive an interest rate “boost” as a token of appreciation for their ongoing support of the Green Liberty Notes.
For more information about this investment opportunity, please visit www.greenlibertynotes.com.