Hartford Courant, Submitted by Karen Paterno, Competitive Resources Inc., on 8/11/2010:  In recognition of the dedicated service of past and present members of the United States Armed Forces, Competitive Resources Inc. (CRI) is offering a free home energy assessment to help Connecticut military families and veterans reduce their energy bills. CRI, which is based in Wallingford, is an energy efficiency contractor for the Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P).

Qualified CL&P customers who either are serving in the United States military or are veterans can make their homes more energy efficient and lower their annual energy bills by having CRI perform a free home energy evaluation that will include the installation of energy efficiency products and services worth several hundred dollars.

This energy conservation service is provided through the statewide Home Energy Solutions (HES) program that is administered by electric utility companies in Connecticut, including CL&P, through funds provided by the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund (CEEF). CRI is an authorized Home Energy Solutions provider for all participating electric, gas and municipal utilities in Connecticut.

As part of the HES program, CRI’s certified energy technicians will perform a home energy assessment that includes identifying and professionally sealing critical air leaks, replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps, providing water conservation devices and more.

The HES program normally requires a customer co-pay of $75. But through Sept. 30, or until funding runs out, CRI will pay the $75 co-pay for CL&P customers who either are serving in the U.S. military or are veterans and qualify for the HES program. The remainder of the service is paid for by CEEF.

CL&P customers can schedule an appointment by calling 888-403-3500 or by going to www.HESprogram.com. CL&P must approve all applications and the offer is subject to the availability of funding from CEEF.