Energize Connecticut representatives on the heat‑pump support team told the Simsbury Sustainability Committee that they offer no‑cost consultations and rebate‑eligibility checks for homeowners, landlords and commercial customers.

The committee heard the program can help businesses and residents evaluate equipment, compare contractor quotes and check eligibility for utility rebates, with an emphasis on expanding commercial consultations where capacity currently exists.

Elizabeth Terry, part of Energize Connecticut’s heat pump support team, told the committee the group “doesn't do any sales or installation” and serves as an unbiased resource to “check eligibility for all the incentives.” Matt Corona, a colleague on the support team, demonstrated the program’s Clean Heating and Cooling calculator and said it offers useful preliminary estimates while stressing that quotes from contractors are required for final cost comparisons.

The presenters described three ways the team helps potential customers: (1) educational consultations ranging from 15 to 45 minutes, (2) modeling and quote comparisons using performance data when customers have contractor proposals, and (3) a heat pump installer network that allows customers to use contractors who make them eligible for utility rebates. Amy Rainwater, another team member, said installers on the network must be licensed and insured but that Energize Connecticut “cannot endorse explicitly or imply endorsement of any vendors.”

Committee members asked about the largest barriers for business participation; presenters and members said time and staff attention, the speed of needed HVAC replacements and contractor outreach are key hurdles. The group discussed outreach tactics — direct in‑person visits, leveraging the Chamber of Commerce and word‑of‑mouth — and members offered to share local contractor recommendations at community events while noting Energize Connecticut cannot formally endorse vendors.

Committee participants also raised current utility promotions. A committee member reported that Home Energy Solutions audits are being offered without a co‑pay for a limited promotional period (August–October), and Energize Connecticut staff confirmed that residential consultations are typically booked 2–3 weeks out while commercial consultation slots currently have more availability.

The presenters encouraged the committee to connect them with local business outreach channels and offered to provide case studies and residential materials; they said commercial case studies are in development by the program’s marketing team. Committee members suggested including recent local businesses that have installed heat pumps in outreach materials and recruiting them to speak at events.

The discussion ended with the committee agreeing to follow up on outreach opportunities with Chamber contacts and community events to increase commercial participation.