Jennifer Leeper

In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about an update on the United Illuminating monopole plan, clean energy tax credits, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.

• Update on United Illuminating Plan
• Apply Now for Home Energy Assistance
• End of Federal Clean Energy Tax Credits
• Veterans Hall of Fame Nominations
• Experience Fairfield's September Calendar of Events
• Historical Fairfield Events
• Open Play & Storytime!

I also wanted to update you on our efforts against United Illuminating's monopole transmission line plan.

The CT Siting Council, in an extremely disappointing reversal of events, voted via their straw poll in support of United Illuminating’s original transmission line application, which still includes towering monopoles built directly through economic and historic hubs across Fairfield and Bridgeport. Even worse, the plan seizes 19.25 acres of privately owned land along the way. While this is a non-binding straw poll vote, it represents a truly bewildering reversal from just a couple of months ago, which will greatly erode the public’s trust and confidence in this process. 

As I have for the past two years, I continue to stand in lockstep with the residents of Fairfield and Bridgeport as they defend their property rights and the best economic, environmental, and cultural interest of their communities. I am grateful that First Selectman Vitale continues Bill Gerber’s steadfast commitment to this fight. Along with my colleagues, I have already requested a meeting with Governor Lamont to discuss this confusing reversal.  

There are several things you can do in the meantime to continue this fight:

• Contact Governor Lamont to express your concern with this reversal and advocate for our town
• Contact Attorney General William Tong and request an investigation into the influences leading two members to flip their votes
• If you are able, donate to the continuing legal fight.

I will continue to keep Fairfield and Southport abreast of this evolving and urgent situation. 

Higher energy bills are a challenge for everyone, but you can get some help! The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program, formerly known as Operation Fuel, is accepting applications through Wednesday, September 10th!

This program provides a one-time grant of up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill to eligible Connecticut individuals and families making up to 75% SMI gross household income.

For the best chance of approval, and to make full use of this once-per-12-months grant, GPCT strongly encourages households to apply for assistance when you are most in need. 

There are four Energy Assistance Application Cycles:

• September 2-10, 2025
• November 2-10, 2025
• January 2-10, 2026
• March 2-10 , 2026

CLICK HERE to learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials.

Time is running out to claim thousands of dollars in clean energy incentives. If you’ve been thinking about going solar, buying an electric vehicle, or upgrading your home with cleaner, more affordable energy — now is the time to act because many of these federal incentives will expire soon. 

Electric Vehicle (EV) Credits:

Find out which new and used EVs still qualify for federal tax credits of up to $7,500 until September 30, 2025.

Residential Clean Energy Credits:

Claim 30% of the total cost of solar panels, battery storage, and geothermal systems if you buy by December 31, 2025. 

Energy Efficient Home Upgrade Credits:

Make home energy upgrades, like insulation, windows, or efficient electric appliances, by December 31, 2025, to claim the credit.

Click here to view the full credit timeline of tax credits. 

Experience Fairfield has released their September calendar of events, which includes Oktoberfest, community theater. There's something for everyone in this calendar, so I hope you'll take a look!