From March 1, 2010 through May 31, 2010 Wethersfield residences, businesses, municipal buildings, faith congregations, and schools will have the opportunity to participate in the Green Summit III Conservation Challenge.  The goal of the Challenge is to reduce electrical consumption and water usage by ten percent in participating residences and facilities in the town.  The Green Summit Committee, in conjunction with the Town of Wethersfield, is planning the Conservation Challenge as a follow-up to two events held in 2008, Green Summit I, a forum for residents to discuss strategies for making Wethersfield a green community, and Green Summit II, an Energy Fair featuring sixty-five exhibits, panel discussions, and workshops focused on energy conservation products, services, and concepts. 

  In order to take part in the Challenge, residents, building owners, or facility managers are requested to attend one of two educational forums that will present the parameters of the program.  The Conservation Challenge Educational Forums will be held Wednesday, January 13 (snow date: January 27) and Thursday, February 11 (snow date: February 25) from 7:00 – 9:00 pm in the Town Council Chambers at the Wethersfield Town Hall, 505 Silas Deane Highway.  In addition to signing up for the Conservation Challenge, forum attendees will learn how to save 10% on electrical and water usage, learn about free or discounted energy audits, and receive information from Northeast Utilities about financial incentives and grants available to residents and businesses.  The first 500 Wethersfield residents to sign-up for the Challenge will receive a conservation kit that includes a variety of energy saving devices, such as CFL bulbs, an LED night light, a door sweep, child safety caps, shower timer, and a coupon from the MDC for two free rain barrels.  At the conclusion of the Challenge, awards will be presented to participants who reduce electrical and water usage the most over the three-month period.

    The Green Summit III Conservation Challenge is a component of a developing comprehensive community energy program that seeks to promote the use of clean, renewable energy sources while reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in Wethersfield.  For additional information about the Conservation Challenge please call 860-721-0197 or visit the website at www.greensummitwethersfield.org .