Donation keeps vehicle rebates rolling

Avangrid helps fund program boosting zero-emission autos

A $2 million donation by Orange-based Avangrid is helping keep a rebate program for zero-emission vehicles on the move.

The Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate program, which was launched in 2015, provides direct financial incentives of up to $5,000 for Connecticut residents who buy or lease a new zero-emission vehicle. That includes vehicles that run on batteries or electricity as well as plug-in hybrid-electric along with cars and trucks that operate on hydrogen fuel cells.

Nearly $4.6 million in rebates has been issued or reserved for the purchase or lease of 2,135 electric vehicles in Connecticut, according to state environmental officials, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said in a statement.

“Connecticut has made tremendous strides over a short period of time in helping to put more electric vehicles on the road and we remain committed to this effort because it represents a triple win of increasing our energy independence by reducing fossil fuel consumption, creating new opportunities for growing our green economy and improving public health,” Malloy said in a statement.

The program initially was funded using money made available through the 2012 merger between of what then was known as Northeast Utilities and NStar. State officials agreed not to stand in the way of the merger in return for a series of concessions from the company, which then changed its name to Eversource Energy.

The $2 million the rebate program is receiving also is coming from an energy company merger — the 2015 union between Iberdrola and UIL Holdings, which owned The United Illuminating Co. and three natural gas utilities.

Spanish energy giant Iberdrola agreed to provide

the state with similar incentives to avoid opposition to its acquisition of UIL Holdings.

Jim Fleming, president of the Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association, said rebates help make make zero-emission vehicles more affordable,

allowing more consumers to consider purchasing .

“This rebate in particular help consumers think about alternatives that are good for the environment as well as their bottom line when shopping for a new car,” Fleming said,

Commissioner Rob Klee, of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, said the program also helps Connecticut meet its goals as part of an eight-state effort to put 3.3 million zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2025.

Anthony Marone III, president and CEO of Avangrid’s Connecticut operations, said the funding is part of a broader commitment to support energy efficiency, renewable generation, energy storage, alternative transportation and other clean technologies in the state.