When I was growing up in upstate New York, I often heard about the challenges people faced with rising energy costs. Families would cut back on other essentials just to keep the lights on. Now, as a student in Connecticut studying architecture, urban planning, and sustainable practices, I can see some of the same struggles here—especially in low-income communities where energy burdens are among the highest in the nation. For residents in cities like Bridgeport or Hartford, the rising cost of electricity isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a barrier to a better quality of life.

Connecticut has made meaningful steps toward addressing this issue through its Green Bank, a national pioneer in clean energy innovation. Programs like Solar for All and the Connecticut Solar Lease have helped reduce energy burdens for low-income households, saving participants hundreds of dollars annually. These programs have brought renewable energy within reach for many who might otherwise be left out of the transition to a greener future. But the reality is, Connecticut still has a long way to go. 

According to the Green Bank’s data, approximately 450,000 housing units in Connecticut’s low-income census tracts face barriers to clean energy access. Renters, who make up a significant portion of these households, often have no control over their energy options because landlords lack incentives to invest in renewable energy solutions. Even for homeowners, upfront costs and credit requirements can make programs like solar panels seem out of reach. These gaps leave too many residents reliant on expensive, polluting energy sources—missing out on the cost savings and environmental benefits that clean energy can provide.

This is where Connecticut risks falling behind. States like New York have taken a more aggressive approach to scaling up their green energy programs, which could offer valuable lessons for Connecticut to follow. Guided by its 2019 Climate Act, New York mandates that at least 35% of its Green Bank’s investments benefit disadvantaged communities. Programs like the Community Decarbonization Fund empower local lenders to expand clean energy financing in underserved areas, while pre-development and bridge loans help renewable energy projects overcome financial hurdles. By prioritizing renters and multifamily housing through tiered incentives for developers, New York ensures that clean energy benefits flow to low-income and frontline communities.

Connecticut could replicate these strategies to address its own challenges. Community solar remains a particularly underutilized opportunity. The state’s Shared Clean Energy Facility (SCEF) (SCEF) program, which had only one active project in Bloomfield until recently, has struggled to grow. Recent legislative action has increased the program’s capacity to 25 megawatts per year, and new Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) incentives show promise. To clarify, a megawatt (MW) is a unit of power equivalent to one million watts, or the amount of energy needed to power approximately 200 homes for a year. 

By comparison, New York’s NYSERDA-driven NY-Sun program has installed over 2,000 megawatts of community solar, enough to power approximately 400,000 homes. This success stems from policies like virtual net metering and targeted funding for disadvantaged communities. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), virtual net metering allows customers who don’t have solar panels on their own property—such as renters or those living in apartments—to benefit from solar energy produced elsewhere. Credits for the energy generated by a community solar project are applied directly to participants’ utility bills, lowering costs and making renewable energy accessible to more people.

To unlock the full potential of community solar and ensure its benefits reach all residents, Connecticut must address key limitations by more efficient approvals and expanding funding. Practical solutions are essential to bring this vision to life. These include expanding virtual net metering policies, accelerating project approvals, and increasing capacity specifically for low-income households. Collaborating with municipal governments to enhance outreach efforts can also help ensure that the state’s most vulnerable populations gain access to renewable energy. For example, the Solar for All program’s upcoming incentives for landlords to install solar in low-income housing represent a promising step forward. To build on such initiatives, Connecticut’s General Assembly should introduce legislation to expand Green Bank funding, advancing the goal of directing 40% of investments to disadvantaged communities.

The time to act is now. Federal funding through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) represents a rare opportunity to amplify Connecticut’s efforts, but the clock is ticking. Programs like the Solar for All competition and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund could transform Connecticut’s clean energy landscape, but these resources won’t last forever. Adding to the urgency is the threat of political shifts that could derail federal climate initiatives in the near future. By moving quickly to integrate IRA funds and adopt scalable solutions inspired by New York, Connecticut can secure its place as a leader in equitable clean energy.

But this isn’t just about politics or policy; it’s about people. In cities like Hartford, where families spend an outsized share of their income on energy bills, every dollar saved through clean energy programs matters. It means more money for groceries, healthcare, or education. It means a healthier living environment and a future where no one is left behind in the fight against climate change.

Connecticut’s Green Bank has laid a solid foundation, but it must now scale its efforts to meet the needs of all its residents. Expanding programs like Solar for All, introducing bridge loans to address upfront costs, and prioritizing outreach to underserved communities are essential next steps. Organizations like Operation Fuel and the The Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs (CRCJ) are already working to address energy affordability and equity. For example, Operation Fuel has provided direct assistance to thousands of families struggling to pay their energy bills, highlighting the immediate impact of such initiatives. Leveraging their networks and expertise, along with programs like Project SunBridge that incentivize landlords to install solar in multifamily properties, can amplify these efforts and create long-lasting benefits for low-income communities.

As a student who has studied these issues both in New York and Connecticut, I believe this moment is critical. Connecticut has the tools, the knowledge, and the resources to lead. The question is: will it seize this opportunity to act decisively? The stakes are high, but the rewards—lower energy costs, healthier communities, and a more sustainable future—are worth it. Let’s not wait until it’s too late.

Maya Bruno is a senior at Connecticut College studying architectural studies and urban planning, with a focus on sustainable cities and energy equity.