For Bernie Pelletier, clean energy is not just about technological innovation or policy advancement. It is about practical action and long-term responsibility. In 2014, Bernie found his way to clean energy after concluding his actuarial career. Bernie jumped right into volunteering on West Hartford’s Clean Energy Commission, supporting one of Connecticut Green Bank’s first Solarize CT campaigns. Solarize CT was a program designed to encourage the adoption of residential rooftop solar. As a member of West Hartford’s Clean Energy Commission, Bernie and his fellow volunteers added 72 solar arrays in West Hartford, an increase of 144% over the 50 installs the town had before the campaign began. Shortly after, Bernie worked with SmartPower as a Community Outreach Manager leading Solarize CT campaigns across Southbury, New Canaan, New Hartford, Milford, Lyme, and Old Lyme. Through the work of Bernie and his colleagues at SmartPower, an additional 3.7 Megawatts of solar were installed across participating municipalities.

In 2017, Bernie joined People’s Action for Clean Energy (PACE) as Vice President. Established more than 50 years ago, has long focused on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and public education. PACE’s Clean Energy Action Center, NiCER Hub, and well-regarded weekly newsletter provide Connecticut municipalities’ access to planning, advocacy, and benchmarking tools to drive clean energy adoption. At PACE, Bernie continues his track record of community leadership through HeatSmart campaigns. HeatSmart campaigns support residents through a step-by-step home energy improvement process, beginning with basic air sealing and expanding to deeper weatherization and heating upgrades like heat pumps, with guidance from no-cost energy consultants. By collaborating with PACE, municipalities are enabled to drive energy savings by organizing campaigns, securing funding, hosting outreach events, and developing community engagement materials, impacting thousands of Connecticut residents in over 15 municipalities.

Bernie has spent years helping Connecticut communities understand and adopt energy solutions that improve affordability, resilience, and sustainability.

“When it comes to clean energy, I feel a responsibility to lead — not just for myself, but for the collective good.”

From Volunteer to Vice President, Bernie’s philosophy shapes his own home. He was an early adopter of solar years, a system that has already paid for itself. More recently, he added battery storage, not simply for financial incentives, but because he believes distributed energy resources will play an important role in the future electric grid.

“Batteries can take the midday solar abundance and use it to ‘shave peaks’ in the evening and on hot days,” Bernie said.

“I’m very happy with the batteries. Sometimes early adopters move ahead because they believe the technology is important and useful for the broader community.”

Bernie is equally enthusiastic about efficiency improvements such as attic air sealing and heat pumps, which keep his home comfortable even during colder weather. Bernie believes credibility matters and tries to personally adopt the solutions he encourages others to consider.

Much of Bernie’s focus today is on helping prepare the next generation of clean energy leaders. He often speaks about the importance of passing knowledge, tools, and experience forward so younger people can continue building community-based clean energy programs in the years ahead.

“Those of us later in our careers may have resources, connections, and experience,” he says. “But the future belongs to the next generation. Our job is to help support them.”

Bernie’s work is intertwined with the Green Bank’s mission to support a cleaner, more resilient future for all Connecticut residents. His story is a reminder that clean energy is ultimately about communities, stewardship, and making practical choices that benefit everyone over the long term.