The West Hartford Clean Energy Task Force (WH CETF), in partnership with the CT Clean Energy Fund, is soliciting proposals for projects that promote the use of clean renewable energy in the community. West Hartford community leaders, organizations, schools and individuals are invited to submit applications.

Over the coming year, the WH CETF will be making individual micro-grants, ranging in size from $250–$2,000, to support community-based projects. It is the intent of the task force to support local projects that raise awareness of the availability and benefits of clean energy, and encourage enrollments in the CTCleanEnergyOptions program in West Hartford. Examples of such projects include school sign-up campaigns, school projects that raise awareness about the importance of clean energy, Scout group sign up campaigns, an incentive program, or any other creative idea that encourages clean energy sign-ups.

For every 100 households that sign up for clean energy in West Hartford, the town earns a free 1-kW solar system to install on a municipal building. To date, the town has earned 14-kWs of free systems, and 3-kW systems have been installed – on the roofs of town hall, Hall High and Conard High.

The submission deadline for the current round of proposals is Friday, March 5. Further details regarding this grant opportunity are available online.  

Most recently, WH CETF funded a series of classes put on by the Jewish Community Relations Council last month called, “This Old Synagogue.” A $500 grant went to train representatives from area synagogues on how to make their places of worship more energy efficient. The energy information can also be applied to the homes of congregation members.