Green

New Haven Church Makes Energy Efficiency Upgrades

St. John's Epsicopal Church / Photos courtesy of United Illuminating

New Haven, CT – St. John’s Episcopal Church, a grand Victorian building in the heart of the East Rock neighborhood of New Haven, recently completed two phases of energy efficiency improvements, made possible with support from AVANGRID’s United Illuminating (UI) and Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), Energize Connecticut incentives and assistance from CMC Energy Services of Wallingford.

Common area lighting

Of the project costs, 80% were covered through the Small Business Energy Advantage Program, with financial assistance and additional COVID incentives provided through UI and SCG. Energy efficiency updates are estimated to save St. John’s more than $4,600 on its annual gas and electric bills while providing a more comfortable environment for members.

“We would never have been able to do these projects without financial assistance through our utilities; this church doesn’t have the money but recognizes the importance of keeping our old building from disrepair,” said Reverend Charles Hoffman. “Our costs for the improvements were financed by the program and will essentially be paid back over a four-year period through the estimated energy savings we are achieving.”

New HVAC system

The church, which has inhabited the building since 1895, replaced its old water heaters with more technically efficient heat pumps. Areas of the church that were previously warmed by space heaters now have heat pumps to provide heating and cooling year round. Other improvements included interior lighting, occupancy sensors, basement insulation and a new furnace and boiler. The project cost $97,189 with $77,751 covered by Small Business Energy Advantage incentives.  Assistance from CMC Energy Services was also pivotal to solidify and execute the energy savings plan and manage the entire installation.

St. John’s also approved a second project to upgrade remaining HVAC systems, including installation of a new high efficiency gas boiler and furnace. The cost of the second phase was estimated at $32,000 with 80% covered through the UI/SCG assistance program. The improvements have given St. John’s Episcopal Church the ability to be much more of a community hub and open its doors for use by outside organizations.

New HVAC system

“We have a whole team dedicated to providing these services to ease the burden for the customer,” said Jordan Tuttle, associate program manager, CMC Energy Services, Inc. “These programs can really help small businesses, community institutions and homeowners to stretch their dollars while making improvements that provide savings in the long run.”

“This project exemplifies the tremendous positive impact small businesses and community organizations can achieve by taking advantage of available assistance through their utilities,” said Colleen Morrison, small business program manager, United Illuminating. “Together with our vendor partners, we can provide guidance and solutions for various existing and new building needs.”