In September, NPU announced its support for the new athletic field lighting at Norwich Free Academy. NPU is providing $125,000 in support through conservation and economic development funds from NPU in partnership with Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative (CMEEC).

The energy-efficient lighting was officially turned on as the Wildcats defeated the East Lyme Vikings in the first NFA football game played under the lights on Friday, September 19.

“We believe this is a unique and exciting opportunity to support a significant and long-term project that will benefit NFA and the community for years and years to come,” said John Bilda, General Manager of NPU. “We are very pleased to continue a great partnership with our friends at Norwich Free Academy.”

Funds provided by NPU are made available to commercial customers through energy conservation incentives and rebate programs associated with the energy-efficient nature of the project. NPU worked with NFA to identify high-efficiency equipment and hardware for the project to lower operating costs.

As a result of measures taken for this project, NPU projects NFA will realize approximately $15,000 in avoided costs for field lighting each year. Over the past seven years, NFA and NPU have partnered on 11 separate energy efficiency projects that have resulted in more than $70,000 in annual savings for the school.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the entire NFA community, I want to thank NPU and CMEEC for their generous assistance with this project,” said Attorney Ted Phillips, Chairman of the NFA Board of Trustees. “We believe that the lighting will not only benefit our students in a way that is sensitive to our neighbors, but also businesses who choose to engage customers after they leave an evening event on campus.”