Greenwich is leaving millions of dollars in energy savings on the table
Greenwich’s sustainable energy efforts have languished due to years of inaction by the Republican administration. Energy costs are up 40% in five years, and the town has cut energy use by just 2% toward its 20%-40% goal — leaving $1-$2 million in potential savings on the table.
Despite this, Greenwich Democrats continue to push for a more comprehensive, updated energy policy, and have succeeded in moving three important energy initiatives forward:
Cohen Eastern Greenwich Civic Center: This will be the town’s first municipal solar project, generating hundreds of thousands of dollars in energy savings as the panels provide approximately 70% of the energy required to power the building.
Central Middle School: Opening the new school’s doors in August remains the priority. But next comes the much-anticipated solar panels expected to be in place in early 2027.
Hamilton Avenue School: Repairs to the original geothermal HVAC system installed several years ago (but never worked properly) are now on schedule.
“Renewable energy options should be explored for all our municipal building projects to ensure that we maximize savings for the town,” says Selectwoman Rachel Khanna.
Matt DesChamps, Board of Estimate & Taxation (BET) vice chair and Energy Management Advisory Committee (EMAC) liaison, agrees. “Utilizing renewable and sustainable energy sources is a rare win-win for Greenwich. By using available tax incentives and grants, we are able to reduce costs to taxpayers and provide long-term price stability despite rising nationwide energy costs,” he says.
The Democratic-led BET is delivering the change in management they promised, saving taxpayers time and money.
Energy efficiency requires stronger leadership
The town lacks the expertise and leadership needed to implement such projects, resulting in missed opportunities for greater energy savings. As the Greenwich EMAC 2025 report bluntly states: “We need to pursue energy-efficient designs and upgrades with a level of zeal, speed, and optimism unlike anything we have shown before.”
So where’s the town’s energy manager?
The answer? Greenwich does not yet have an energy manager.
As EMAC and others have recommended, we need a full-time professional – now – to track the town’s total energy consumption, coordinate efficiency across school and town infrastructure, and capture federal grants and tax credits.
“We need to commit to a smart energy policy — something we’ve been advocating for years — to lower our operating costs,” State Representatives Stephen Meskers and Hector Arzeno say in a joint statement. “If we care about affordability, solar and geothermal are a huge part of the answer. It makes no sense that the town has made little-to-no progress on wholesale energy policy, or that we’ve had to drag [the town] toward adopting any policy at all.”
Neighboring towns offer roadmap
While Greenwich is overpaying millions in energy costs, many Connecticut towns are saving millions with renewables and new technology.
One example is New Canaan’s installation of solar arrays on all schools and many town buildings. The solar on schools alone is saving around $1 million a year. And with the use of new technologies, the town is actually making money on its water treatment plant.
Greenwich could be learning from them.
Greenwich Democrats advance accessibility in town
As our nation marks the 36th anniversary of the landmark Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) , we are reminded that the ADA is not merely a legal mandate — it is a continuous commitment to building an inclusive community for everyone.
Whether for seniors aging in place, residents navigating mobility challenges, or children accessing schools and playgrounds, accessible design strengthens our entire town.
Throughout recent municipal budget cycles, Greenwich Democrats have consistently stood for proactive, full-scale investments to honor the spirit and letter of the ADA across our public spaces and school buildings:
- Comprehensive Old Greenwich School Renovation: Old Greenwich School — originally built in 1902 — has long lacked fundamental accessibility, including elevators and multiple floor ADA restrooms. Democrats have consistently fought for complete, holistic capital funding to install an elevator, accessible entryways, and modern restrooms in addition to critical HVAC and flood mitigation efforts, rejecting partial or delayed “patchwork” proposals.
- Greenwich Avenue Streetscape & Intersection Upgrades: Democrats championed and voted to fully fund the Department of Public Works’ multi-intersection ADA accessibility project along Greenwich Avenue to comply with the most recent ADA standards.
- Pedestrian Safety & Accessibility Grants: To accelerate local improvements at lower cost to taxpayers, Democrats consistently support securing federal and state matching funds-such as Safe Streets for All grants in order to build connected, accessible sidewalks, curb cuts, and traffic-calming crosswalks across Glenville, Pemberwick, Byram, and Central Greenwich.
- Universal Access to Town Recreation & Civic Facilities: Beginning with the initial planning stages, Democrats continue to advocate for accessible design on all projects including upgrading civic centers, municipal parks and major capital projects including the Hamill Rink.
Thirty-six years after the ADA became law, progress in Greenwich requires more than reluctant compliance; it takes dedicated local leadership willing to fund real, permanent improvements. Greenwich Democrats remain committed to ensuring our town remains safe, welcoming, and accessible to every resident at every stage of life.
What we’re reading
A critical look at Camillo’s call for a moratorium on state housing mandates
First Selectman Fred Camillo recently called for a moratorium on state housing mandates, citing strain on gas and water infrastructure. But last week, the Greenwich Sentinel published a Letter to the Editor stating, “First Selectman Fred Camillo’s call for a moratorium on state housing mandates doesn’t hold up to scrutiny.” This critical look at Camillo’s claim asks about the real reasons for increased utility demand.
Action Calendar
August 14. Get smart.
Interested in running for office, campaigning, or becoming a community leader? Attend the Zoom one-day training from The Campaign School at Yale. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $25. Register
September 13. Campaign kickoff picnic.
For an afternoon of food, conversation, and community, meet local, state and federal leaders, connect with neighbors, and help us build critical momentum for the upcoming election. Click here to sign up and purchase tickets. 12 noon–3 p.m., Clambake Area, Greenwich Point Park, Old Greenwich.
September 23. Learn.
Join a conversation with Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas to learn the latest on voting in Connecticut 4-5 p.m., Greenwich Town Hall Meeting Room.
| Volume 5, Number 7 • August 13, 2026 |
| Paid for by the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee. |
| Greenwich Democratic Town Committee P.O. Box 126 Greenwich, CT 06836 |