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Efficiency For All (EFA) shared event on Energy Equity and Housing Access in Connecticut.

M=POWER 3.0 Policy Platform for 2025–2026

This important event highlighted innovative and community-driven policy solutions to address the intersection of high energy costs, environmental justice, and equitable housing access across our state.

Connecticut faces an urgent challenge: residential buildings account for the highest energy burden in the state at 34%, while only 7% of our total energy use comes from renewable resources. Currently, 60% of Connecticut’s energy supply relies exclusively on natural gas, a non-renewable and financially unstable fuel type. To secure a resilient and equitable future, we must draw down energy demand and advance housing policies that prioritize efficiency, affordability, and access; particularly in our financially distressed communities and EJ zones.

EFA brings more than 25 years of proven outcomes, with the last decade recognized nationally and internationally for leadership in environmental justice and clean energy. Leticia Colon de Mejias, EFA founder and co-chair, has been honored with the EPA Award, the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) Award, and the NECEC Award for her commitment to equity and sustainability. Now, we are proud to continue our mission to expand equity throughout Connecticut; aligning directly with the State’s environmental and housing priorities.

Since 2013, the M=POWER initiative has grown from education for children and families to
comprehensive workforce development. To date, we have trained over 200 residents from
Connecticut’s EJ communities for careers in clean energy and served more than 17,000 homes through energy efficiency and housing access programs. This body of work reflects EFA’s ongoing mission to build capacity, opportunity, and resilience for the communities most impacted by financial disparities and housing inequities.

At this event, EFA will presented the M=POWER 3.0 Policy Platform: “Energy & Housing Equity: Our Solution for Pollution in EJ Communities & Our State.” We envision this as a collaborative event co-hosted with the Department of Housing (DOH), and with participation and support from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), state legislators, agencies, and partner organizations.

M=POWER 2.0, our most recent project with the DOH in New Haven, has served 30 homes in Hazel Newhallville street, serving financially distressed and EJ zones with retrofits that reduce energy demand and pollution. Through home assessments, whole-house air sealing and insulation, improved ventilation, and barrier removal for residents for energy savings, we are making a difference in demand reduction, and the health of our communities; one house at a time.

In partnership with the DOH, we are mirroring our successes from M=POWER 2.0, and groundbreaking in Hartford at a larger scale, supporting Connecticut’s broader clean energy goals. Together, we can build solutions that ensure every community benefits from affordable, sustainable housing and a just transition to clean energy. This is real work in our communities that need it most; with proven results, outcomes, and testimonies for healthier homes and energy equity for all.

Links to Reports and Outcomes:

M=POWER 3.0 Presentation:
https://efficiencyforall.org/wordpress/2025/08/11/m-power-3-0-an-energy-equity-and-housing-resilience-initiative/

2024 Outcomes Report:
https://efficiencyforall.org/wordpress/2025/04/07/efa-outcomes-2024-report/

New Haven Independent – M=POWER 2.0 (ERRP) DOH Article
https://www.newhavenindependent.org/2025/07/15/retrofit_program_brings_healthier_safer_homes_to_newhallville_residents/

NECEC Award:
https://www.joinact.org/webinars/2023-necec-environmental-justice-achievement-award-for-leticia-colon-de-mejias

A Decade of Impact: 10 Year Report
https://efficiencyforall.org/wordpress/2025/08/11/a-decade-of-impact-10-year-report/

We sincerely hope you will support our initiative, and join us in advancing this important work toward statewide expansion for all 27 EJ and financially distressed zones, giving Connecticut a hand up, not a hand out.

What does EFA do?

EFA has connected thousands of CT residents statewide to the mission of stabilization, expansion, and implementation of energy and environmental plans and practices which increase Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and improve access and outcomes in our local
and national energy planning and programs.

The M=POWER^TM Program

EFA is a Connecticut based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by a concerned group of minority
energy workers and community environmental Justice advocates. EFA was formed to
address the lack of minority representation in the clean energy industry and to solve for
the lack of community access and input related to information and funding in the State of
Connecticut’s energy plans.

EFA 4-Page Outcomes Summary Report 2024

Increasing Diversity in Connecticut’s Clean Energy Industry

Efficiency for All connects environmental justice communities directly to clean energy career paths, generational wealth, and climate resilience.

EFA brings visibility to the growing clean energy industries and fills the community information and training gaps.

Interested residents can sign up by sending an email to contactus@efficiencyforall.org or calling (860) 580-9076 and mentioning the COMMS project.

Funding awarded through the Energize Connecticut℠ Community Partnership Initiative

Hartford, Connecticut, June 2024 – Recently, the Sponsors of Energize Connecticut℠, Eversource and Avangrid, Inc. subsidiaries United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas and Connecticut Natural Gas, awarded Efficiency For All (EFA) of Windsor, CT with a $50,000 Community Partnership Initiative grant.

In an effort to make energy efficiency affordable and accessible to all, the Community Partnership Initiative grants enable local community groups, nonprofit organizations and municipalities to further energy efficiency adoption and educate residents and businesses on the energy efficiency solutions available to them.

“EFA is honored for this opportunity to further serve the community. Our mission is to lower carbon emissions and improve energy security through the implementation of energy efficiency upgrades in our homes and buildings. This program is designed to provide innovative solutions and connections to the community. We are thrilled to announce it.” – Efficiency For All

“Most importantly the work is focused on areas that are seeking ways to be more energy resilient and energy efficiency does just that!” – Leticia Colon de Mejias, Co-Chair – Efficiency For All

“Energy efficiency means lower energy bills. It also means less air pollution and fewer climate changing gas emissions,” said Samantha Dynowski, State Director of Sierra Club Connecticut. “Greater and more equitable access to these benefits are the aim of this important program.”

The grant awarded to Efficiency For All will support outreach to encourage participation in the Home Energy Solutions℠– Income Eligible and Multifamily initiative Programs and focus on achieving the following energy efficiency goals:

Efficiency for All is excited to help connect 200 households in the Greater Hartford region with a unique opportunity to enroll in energy-saving programs. Up to 50 of these households will receive insulation upgrades and professional home air sealing. Up to 50 homes may qualify for deeper upgrades to hot water or heating systems. This is a special program to provide additional information and support to renters and homeowners in the Greater Hartford community. Participants may reach up to 30% energy savings after the upgrades.

This is the second round of funding the program has awarded. In 2022, the Community Partnership Initiative supported efforts in Bethel, Branford, Hamden, Middletown, New London, Waterbury, West Hartford, and Wilton.

“Programs like the Community Partnership Initiative make energy efficiency more affordable and accessible to people in the communities we serve, and help work towards a greener economy in Connecticut,” said Eversource Executive Vice President of Customer Experience and Energy Strategy, Penni Conner. “We’re proud of the continuous effort by our community partners to help customers lower their energy bills while spreading awareness about the variety of energy-saving solutions that will help their small businesses and local organizations thrive.”

“Energy Efficiency helps customers improve the value of their homes and businesses, increase their comfort, and reduce their carbon footprint,” said Frank Reynolds, President and CEO of United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas, and Connecticut Natural Gas. “With this Initiative’s second round of funding, we look forward to reaching businesses and homeowners with new opportunities for energy efficiency projects, and we celebrate the contribution they’re now making to Connecticut’s clean energy goals as we work to achieve a green economy.”

Interested residents can sign up by sending an email to contactus@efficiencyforall.org or calling (860) 580-9076 and mentioning the COMMS project.

For more information on the Community Partnership Initiative, please visit EnergizeCT.com.

EFFICIENCY FOR ALL

Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity in Our Clean Energy Transition and Climate Action Plans.

Workforce Development.

Community Engagement.

Training and Education for Climate Advocacy = Knowledge is Power.

Efficiency For All (EFA) – “Efficiency is Efficient” ~ Creating and Advocating for Responsible Reliable Resilient Reachable Energy Policy.

Efficiency For All – (EFA) “Efficiency is Efficient” ~ Creating and Advocating for Responsible Reliable Resilient Reachable Energy Policy

EFA is a nonprofit located in Connecticut. We advocate for the stabilization and expansion of local and national Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy programs which protect human health, improve the environment, provide local jobs, increase positive economic outcomes, and reduce short-term and long-term energy costs. We provide connections to the communities we serve and clean energy careers.

Executive Summary

Connecticut and our nation as a whole are facing a lack of qualified workers for available energy efficiency jobs and clean energy jobs. These Energy Efficiency (EE) career paths include entry level and building science certified roles, energy auditors, EE support techs, insulation installers and insulation support techs, office administrators, window installers, electricians, heat pump installers, ALM/ mold remediators, customer service representatives, and office billers.

The lack of qualified workers is exacerbated by the need to develop certified efficiency programs for workers to support the expanded federal and local investments in efficiency and clean energy jobs to meet new state and federal climate and energy goals. The Pandemic resulted in over 30% loss of energy efficiency workers, widening the already growing gap. As the nation begins to reinvest in the energy efficiency industry and clean energy industry, this workforce gap continues to widen both locally and nationally.

Energy efficiency is still the most cost-effective way to lower energy costs, and energy related pollution, while closing the energy affordability gap, and addressing the connections between health and housing. The energy we don’t waste is the cheapest and cleanest source of energy for all people.

Many job seekers are unaware of the growing energy efficiency and clean energy career industries. While others lack the proper skill sets needed to apply for the local and growing energy efficiency roles in our great state. All of these issues have resulted in a lack of workforce to meet the industry and state goals. This is our fast-track solution.

Federal Support

Under the ARPA funding initiative, EFA was provided funding for 10 trainees to participate in an EE clean energy workforce program. This was leveraged with contractor funding to support 15 trainees in a 12-week program.

Outcomes from EE Workforce Development Fall 2021

10 trainees were enrolled using CT CARES Act funds. Efficiency For All leveraged additional funds from contractors in our state to support 5 more seats in this program. Thus 15 completed the 12 week course.

All 15 completed the course and all 15 are gainfully employed in Connecticut.

Results 6 month after program completion: 

Transportation Issues Resolved

Participants transportation “speed bumps” and outcomes related to transportation needs:

• One participant increased his credit score from the low 500s to the high 700s and is preparing to make an offer on his first home. 
• Another participant was living in a transient situation. He has since secured a lease on an apartment and is saving to purchase his first home. 
• Additionally, several participants did not have bank accounts. Currently, all participants now have bank accounts. 
• All participants learned household budgeting and time management

Jobs Obtained by Participants

• EFA had a 100% placement in an Energy Efficiency and Green career paths.
• EFA had a 100% retention rate which has included pay increases ranging from $16 to $25 an hour.
• 13 of the program fifteen graduates have already reached incomes of over $17 an hour. 

Employment Locations

Job sites: Hartford, Windsor, Wallingford, Watertown, Fairfield, Branford, Middletown, and Manchester

Feedback from Employers

CMC

“Overall, Francisco has been progressing nicely and has been able to expand his building science knowledge. He is currently learning the proper way to set up various industry-related diagnostic tests and we hope to soon have him working as a fully functioning Lead Technician in the near future.”

NESE

“Rashad came to us well-versed in a lot of general knowledge, which is great… he learned quickly. The program is great for steering people towards a good career… I do feel the 6 weeks of paid training was enough to get Rashad up to speed to jump on a team.”

Harisi Energy

“Andrew has turned into a new person equipped with his building science knowledge…His work ethics show a promising future lead tech role in our company. Andrew comes ready and equipped every day to tackle any challenges that may arise.”

EES

“Miguel and Jeffrey have been amazing additions to our team. They are now leading their own crews and performing at very high levels.”

Our Contractor Network

We partner with contractors all across the State of Connecticut.

Due to the program’s tremendous success, our contractor network is increasing rapidly. We are receiving weekly requests to join our network. Please contact us if you are a contractor in CT and would like to join our network of mentors and are willing to hire.

Email: contactus@efficiencyforall.org

RED WHITE & BLUE

Policy and You

Leticia Colon de Mejias

CEO, Energy Efficiencies Solutions

Founder & Co-Chair, Efficiency for All

Co-Chair, BPA Policy Committee

The power point presentation (PPT) and supporting videos below outline a path forward to grow a reliable resilient accessible affordable clean energy grid in our nation. These videos are an educational introduction to our clean energy economy barriers, during the Covid Pandemic.

June 24 2021 National DOE Better Buildings State of the Covid Economy https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/8769208179771457807

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8j-YJdbWZY&t=247s

September 30, 2021 Low-Carbon Small Business and Post-COVID Recovery- EESI Briefing Series: Workforce Wednesdays and https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/093020workforce

GC3 and Energy Equity Work can be located here: https://efficiencyforall.org/wordpress/2020/02/25/governors-council-on-climate-change-gc3-equity-lens/

https://efficiencyforall.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/EE-Health_2-18-2019_Flyer.pdf

https://efficiencyforall.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Indoor-Health-Barriers-v6_2-26-2021_rs.pdf

https://efficiencyforall.org/wordpress/2020/11/22/addressing-health-safety-barriers-in-ct/

Solve Climate 2030- International Presentation Video can be located here: https://efficiencyforall.org/wordpress/2020/04/07/an-affordable-way-forward-energy-efficiency/

https://youtu.be/l_7MUIDb2E0

Creating a Culture of Sustainable Thinkers ™
www.gewportal.org
https://www.gewportal.org/magazine/
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/defeating-the-phantom-draw-leticia-colon-de-mejias/1120907458?ean=9780989336451
https://www.gewportal.org/story-time-with-leticia-colon-de-mejias/
https://youtu.be/gszrhsu1wLY
https://youtu.be/BOaMWYgWmX4
https://www.eesi.org/files/Leticia_Colon_de_Mejias_093020.pdf