Deadline Nears for “Project 100” Funding Proposals

June 28, Hartford – The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) has announced the second round of funding for “Project 100” which is an initiative promoting the development and deployment of Connecticut based “Class I” renewable energy resources by developers, manufacturers and financiers. Round 2 projects must be located in Connecticut and range from 15MW to 30MW in size. All project proposals must be submitted by July 17, 2006.

Detailed in P.A. 03-135, the legislation requires the state’s electric distribution companies to enter into minimum 10-year contracts for not less than 100 MW of Class I renewable capacity. Pricing under these contracts will include a premium of 5.5¢ per kWh.

These long-term power purchase contracts must be filed by July 1, 2008 and be with projects that:

- Receive funding from the CCEF,
- Began operation after July 1, 2003, and
- Are at least 1 MW in capacity.

The Project 100 solicitation focuses on projects that:

- are beyond the pre-development stage;
- use commercially available technologies;
- have already achieved substantial progress in permitting and site control; and
- are ready for deployment.

Project 100 Solicitation - Round 2: Project 100 Round 2 RFP was released on May 15, 2006. You may request a copy of the documents by visiting CCEF's Web site or contacting them at (860) 563-5851.

What Changed in Round 2?

- Increase in project size to 30 MW
- Projects must be located in Connecticut
- Increase in total solicitation to 85 MW
- Additional financial incentives to Connecticut fuel cell manufacturers
- Two new pricing options for Class I projects using natural gas as fuel

For further information visit CCEF’s website at www.ctcleanenergy.com or call (860)563-5851.

Source: CT Clean Energy Fund

Mortgage Lenders Network (MLN) Makes Commitment to Sustainability

June 1, Middletown – MLN along with the innovative developer Workstage is making a huge investment in Connecticut and building new corporate headquarters in Wallingford. The 305,000 square-foot national headquarters will incorporate green building techniques and incorporate employee driven concepts and ideas. MLN, with the help of Centerbrook Architects, will also construct a 5,000 square-foot demonstration green model home that will help educate the community on how to be more energy efficient and lower costs.

This 1,300 employee Alt-A/Non-Conforming mortgage company currently based in Middletown and with offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Phoenix and Philadelphia (Go Phillies!), hopes to more than double its workforce here to over 1,000 within the next three years. To show its commitment, MLN is planting saplings all over Connecticut to show its “roots” to the area and “grow” jobs. Its also a pretty cool green thing to do.

As Mitchell L. Heffernan, MLN president, and CEO states, “ The new headquarters has been designed with MLN employees, the surrounding community and the environment as it’s foremost considerations, “ Heffernan said. “ We are investing in our people and our community with this effort.

The Project lead will be Workstage a firm formed by Steelcase, the Gale Company and Morgan Stanley. They will own the building and lease it to MLN. The building will use innovative layouts, sustainable materials and people centered amenities. It will also maximize daylight and views. The design will be done by Gensler.

However, the most intriguing aspect of the new headquarters will be a model house that will be known as Founder’s Cottage. The structure will resemble a farmhouse and be used as a conference center as well. It will demonstrate modern, green technology for heating and air conditioning. Heffernan adds, “Founder’s Cottage will be a model for how the American home can use green technology,” he said. “It will be used as a demonstration on how to reduce homeowners’ energy costs and their need for foreign energy.”

Source: Connecticut Department of Community and Economic Development