We would like to submit comments about the 2010 Integrated Resource Plan for Connecticut.

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1 6 Waterview Drive Shelton, CT January 25, 2010 CEAB c/o Gretchen Deans Connecticut Economic Resource Center 805 Brook St, Bldg 4 Rocky Hill, CT Dear CEAB: We would like to submit comments about the 2010 Integrated Resource Plan for Connecticut. Perhaps it was an oversight, but solar thermal technology such as solar water heating was barely mentioned in this plan. Regardless of where you are in the United States, solar water heating is being used by states and utility companies to reduce fossil fuel dependency, peak load demand and to improve the environment. Connecticut could become one of these states by updating their 2010 plan to include solar water heating. Solar water heating is a hybrid technology. It can generate energy or conserve energy. According to the Energy Information Administration, in 2005, over 70% of the water heaters in New England were fueled by electricity and natural gas. The breakdown is: 1.4 million electric units, 2.3 million natural gas units, and 1.4 million fuel oil units. In many states, the utility companies are the leading advocates for solar water heating. Connecticut utility companies should be taking a leadership role in moving consumers away from electric and natural gas water heating to solar water heating. Our utility companies could offer consumers and businesses incentives to replace electric, natural gas, and oil fueled water heaters. This would reduce the need to expand our electrical grid to meet peak summer demand and also reduce greenhouse gases. According to the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association, one solar water heater saves 2,800 kwh per year. The CEAB should also encourage DPUC, Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund and Connecticut Clean Energy Fund to ramp up programs that provide incentives and financing assistance for electric and natural gas hot water customers to switch to solar water heating. This would provide the Connecticut solar industry and consumers with some certainty after the $4,000,000 Connecticut Clean Energy Fund solar thermal stimulus program money has been spent. Poulsen Hybrid requests that you support the "all cost-effective efficiency" scenario, and that solar water heating be part of this scenario. Page 1 of 5

2 Some Examples of Solar Water Heating Programs: California The state is starting a $250 million dollar incentive program (AB 1470 the Solar Hot Water and Efficiency Act of 2007) to replace natural gas and electric water heaters. It is a big win for consumers, fighting global warming, and reducing dependence on natural gas. This program will provide incentives to attain the goal of installing 200,000 solar water heating systems in the state by Florida - Florida residents have installed 136,000 solar water heaters from 1978 through Solar water heating is a $500 million industry and each year offsets nearly 272,000 tons of greenhouse gases. Nevada - Valley Electric Association plans to install 4,996 domestic solar water heating systems for consumers. New York Utility sponsored / managed Solar Thermal Rebate Programs Massachusetts Utility sponsored / managed Solar Thermal Rebate Programs Wisconsin and many other states Utility sponsored / managed Solar Thermal Rebate Programs Hawaii - The Hawaiian Electric Company has installed over 60,000 solar water heaters and now offers incentives to turn off your water heater. Connecticut The Clean Energy Fund s goal is to install 600 solar water systems with their new solar thermal incentive program. With the highest electric rates in the continental United States, the payback time for a solar water heating system in Connecticut is under 5 years. The CEAB should encourage the CCEF to expand their solar thermal program and for the CEEF to start a solar water incentive program. Page 2 of 5

3 Solar Water Heating is Good for consumers and the environment Solar Water Heating s Green House Gas Reduction Potential According to the Florida Solar Energy Industries Association and the Florida Solar Energy Research and Education Foundation, each solar water heater installed in Florida can offset the following green house gases each and every year of operation: 4,046 pounds of Carbon Dioxide 11.9 pounds of Sulfur Dioxide 7 pounds of Nitrogen Oxide Other Environmental and Economic benefits of Solar Water Heating: Page 3 of 5

4 Why are our utility companies allowed to market electric water heaters? Electric Water heaters are in the best interest of the utility company and are the most expensive way to heat water. February, 2009 United Illuminating monthly bill insert Page 4 of 5

5 On behalf of Poulsen Hybrid and other solar thermal companies in Connecticut, please consider these suggestions. We would welcome the opportunity to meet with the CEAB to discuss how our industry can be a part of a sound energy strategy for Connecticut. Sincerely yours, Frank Kuchinski VP Marketing Poulsen Hybrid, LLC Page 5 of 5