Area utility companies had an early holiday present for 53 nonprofit organizations — grants to help them reduce their energy costs.
On Wednesday, United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas and Connecticut Natural Gas distributed more than $413,000 in grant to nonprofits.
The utility companies are all subsidiaries of Avangrid Inc. of Orange. The grants, which ranged from $2,500 to nearly $20,000, were given out at a ceremony at the Energize Connecticut Center in North Haven. The recipient organizations are spread throughout 22 communities around the state, according to an announcement.
The funds were provided under the state’s Neighborhood Assistance Act corporate tax credit program. Since 2010, the three utility companies have awarded more than $3.8 million in grants through the program.
Avangrid’s Lori DeStefano greets representatives of Connecticut nonprofit organizations at the Dec. 18 grant distribution event.
Tony Marone, president and CEO of the three companies, said the program enables his company to help nonprofits achieve ongoing energy savings so the organizations can focus on the programs and services they provide to their communities.
“As we prepare to celebrate the holidays, we are grateful for the many organizations in our community that enrich our lives and provide assistance for those less fortunate,” Marone said in an announcement.
The grants are supporting an array of projects, including funding for an energy efficient greenhouse at the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, and improvements at the Connecticut Audubon Society’s facilities in Fairfield, Milford and Hartford.
