CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

It is so great to see a friendly and familiar face in the news today! 👏 BRAVO to Officer Elise Bouthillier, of DEEP’s Environmental Conservation Police, for her incredible dedication to protecting Connecticut’s natural resources and communities. With 15 years of service, Officer Bouthillier has done it all—enforcing conservation laws, conducting search and rescue operations, responding to emergencies, and educating the next generation of environmental stewards. Her passion for both enforcement and education sets an example for us all. Through her outreach at UConn and in high schools, she’s not only safeguarding our environment but also inspiring future leaders in conservation law. Officer Bouthillier, we appreciate your commitment, expertise, and leadership. Thank you for all that you do! 👏🌿 Read more: https://lnkd.in/gcSjf6Ud

As we wrap up Engineer's Week, we leave you with this powerful insight from Noah Kennedy, Air Pollution Control Engineer II, of the Enforcement Division at CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP). This is a reminder of the incredible work engineers do every day to safeguard our planet! 🌍💡 #EngineersWeek #CTDEEP #EnvironmentalProtection #EngineeringExcellence

Today, DEEP announced that it has expanded the scope of its ongoing energy efficiency request for proposals (“Expanded Electric Efficiency and Affordability RFP”) to include energy efficiency measures for commercial and industrial customers, in addition to residential customers. Electric efficiency is a powerful tool for lowering energy bills for both households and businesses and is among the lowest cost resources available to meet Connecticut’s growing energy needs. The aim of efficiency is to deliver the same or better energy services to customers while helping avoid the need to build costly new electric generation and distribution infrastructure that would otherwise be required to meet the needs of our electric grid, lowering the cost of electricity for all ratepayers in the state. Efficiency is also key to a clean electric grid because it reduces waste, avoids unnecessary infrastructure, and lowers reliance on imported, price-volatile fossil fuels. Since 1998, Connecticut has been investing in energy efficiency through the state’s Conservation & Load Management (C&LM) programs. C&LM program investments in 2025 alone are projected to save Connecticut electric and gas ratepayers over $588 million on their bills over the lifetime of the installed efficiency measures. Individual residents participating in the C&LM programs lower their energy bills by $180 per year on average thanks to air sealing and pipe insulation provided through an initial audit and get customized recommendations for further upgrades that can save them hundreds of dollars more. Since 2019, consumer demand for the state’s C&LM programs has grown by 40% and now exceeds the level that can be met within the programs’ budget levels. DEEP is working with Connecticut’s regulated gas and electric utilities, which implement the C&LM programs, and the state’s Energy Efficiency Board to further optimize the C&LM programs to support increasing levels of efficiency demand. DEEP is also coordinating the implementation of nearly $100 million in federal funding for energy efficiency through the Home Energy Rebates (HER) and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) programs with the C&LM programs, which will deliver further benefits to Connecticut ratepayers. 

Accidents happen—but they are not all equal. When spills occur, DEEP’s Emergency Response Unit (ERU) is there to protect your drinking water, local streams, and land from contamination.   Like the spill that occurred this morning on Route 66 in Middletown, these incidents can happen anywhere, at any time.    Our team receives approximately 5,000 emergency reports every year, 70% of those are petroleum spills. Each response is critical and DEEP is proud to do its part in preserving the health and safety of every Connecticut community.

CRH is going virtual! In light of Thursday's weather forecast, the Community Resource Hubs Info Session + Meet & Greet will be held virtually. If you have not already registered via Zoom, please do so by clicking here: https://lnkd.in/gVyqndTB

DEEP invites you to join us 📅 February 13th to learn more about an exciting new initiative, Community Resource Hubs! During our Information Session + Meet & Greet you will be provided with an in-depth overview of the CRH program, insight on how to fill out the application, and an opportunity to connect with like-minded nonprofits, community action agencies, grassroots organizations, tribes, and NRZs. Make sure to take advantage of your chance to become part of a new collaborative effort to better serve your community!   📋 Register today by visiting https://lnkd.in/e3xcjsY8 #CTDEEP #EnvironmentalJustice #CommunityResourceHubs #ResilientCT #communitysupport #collectiveaction #communitybuilding

DEEP is seeking applications for an open position on the Energy Efficiency Board (EEB) to represent an environmental organization. This appointment involves advising and assisting Connecticut’s utilities in developing and implementing the Conservation and Load Management Plan, which directs investments in statewide energy efficiency programs. Interested candidates should submit their applications through the CT.GOV job site (https://lnkd.in/efq2d9eB) by February 24, 2025. For more information about the EEB and the 2025-2027 Conservation and Load Management Plan, please visit the Energize CT Website (https://lnkd.in/eeiim3U4).

Today, Commissioner Katie Scharf Dykes spoke at the Connecticut Council of Small Towns (COST) meeting, highlighting DEEP’s commitment to partnering with Connecticut’s towns to tackle some of the most pressing challenges we face. ✅ Climate Resilience – Connecticut is experiencing more extreme weather, floods, wildfires, and heat waves that are costing towns millions. DEEP is expanding climate resilience funding to help municipalities prepare, adapt, and access federal grants to strengthen local infrastructure. ♻️ Waste Management & Recycling – The state’s waste crisis is driving up costs for towns. DEEP is helping communities reduce waste, expand food scrap diversion, and build new waste infrastructure to cut costs and improve sustainability. ⚡ Energy & Affordability – Energy demand is growing fast, and DEEP is focused on lowering costs, expanding energy efficiency programs, and strengthening the grid to ensure reliable, affordable power for residents and businesses. 🏗️ Environmental Cleanups & Redevelopment – Moving to a release-based cleanup system will make it easier, faster, and more cost-effective to clean up and redevelop contaminated sites, unlocking new economic opportunities for towns. 🔹 We know these challenges are urgent- we also know that working together, #Connecticut can build a stronger, safer, and more resilient future. DEEP stands ready to support, collaborate, and help towns access the resources they need. 💬 Let’s keep the conversation going! How can the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection support your community? #MunicipalLeadership #ClimateResilience #WasteReduction #EnergyAffordability #CommunityPartnerships #WorkingTogether

DEEP is at the Connecticut Council of Small Towns (COST) meeting today, connecting with municipal leaders from across Connecticut! We’re speaking with towns about the services we offer, building relationships, and working together to help all of Connecticut become safer, healthier, and more prosperous. From climate resilience, energy efficiency, and waste management to wildlife conservation, remediation, and permitting, DEEP is here to support our communities with the resources they need. If you're attending, stop by our table to chat with our team! #CTDEEP #COSTTownMeeting #MunicipalLeadership #CommunityPartnerships #ClimateResilience #EnergyEfficiency #WasteReduction #WildlifeConservation #Remediation #Permitting

💡 DEEP will hold a virtual technical meeting on 2/11/25 at 1 PM to discuss its revised Electric Efficiency & Affordability Procurement RFP, now expanded to include residential, commercial, & industrial passive demand response measures. 📝 Submit written comments by 2/18/25. https://lnkd.in/eURtwhYh