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Energize Connecticut — Programs are funded by a charge on customer energy bills. Get up to speed on the latest Energize Connecticut efficiency solutions for businesses. As a facilities manager, you know your property owner doesn't look to you to just manage their building. They rely on you to help them make smart decisions that make the most of their budgets. Making energy efficiency a priority will help you maximize energy cost savings, building performance, comfort and indoor air quality. Whether you're managing a large-scale office complex or running a small neighborhood coffee shop, Energize Connecticut and Eversource can get you up to speed on the latest efficiency solutions and incentives. Energize Connecticut wants to help you make smart energy choices. We can guide you to the incentive and rebate solutions that fit your projects and can offset your equipment costs. From upgrading existing equipment to building and outfitting brand-new state-of-the-art facilities, energy-saving solutions not only save you money up front, they also boost your bottom line by reducing operating costs for years to come. Contractors—Learn about the latest energy-efficient technologies and building practices to help your clients make the most of their budgets. Find the latest energy efficiency solutions by calling 877-WISE-USE or visiting EnergizeCT.com/businesses speculation about a potential bankruptcy fil- ing — a prospect Bronin has been reluctant to discuss. "The state has an interest, a critical interest, in helping its Capital City become healthy," Bronin said. "And I don't think bank- ruptcy is an option … that the state should be quick to welcome or embrace." So at least for now, Bronin is focused on what he can get from the legislature, which convenes in January. While he was firm about his advocacy for PILOT reform, Bronin didn't share his full strategy for the session, which he said is still being formed. Other local officials in Connecticut are also hopeful about the potential for Bronin to help spur lawmakers to action, said Kevin Maloney, director of member relations and communications at the Connecticut Con- ference of Municipalities (CCM), which has called for local-option taxes and steering more PILOT funds to urban centers that have a high percentage of exempt property. "The cities, such as Hartford, have reached a breaking point and we hope that the urgency that is readily apparent now will serve as suf- ficient motivation," Maloney said. "We would argue that the state can't afford not to do it." A CCM committee of municipal officials and others convened in August and plans to issue recommendations by year's end for what it hopes the legislature will do in the coming ses- sion regarding the state's property tax system. State Rep. Matt Ritter, (D-Hartford) who is set to become House Majority Speaker, said he expects a different approach in 2017, after a Bronin-backed bill died in committee this year due to a lack of support by city coun- cilors. That bill, SB 464, called for a surcharge on major nonprofit and corporate property owners, and a financial oversight commis- sion that would give the city greater leverage in union negotiations. While nothing is finalized, Ritter said he expects a broader approach this year, rather than just a Hartford-centric proposal. And it will likely need some bipartisan support, especially given that the Senate is now equally divided between Democrats and Republicans. "I think to the extent that we go up there and say it's about Hartford and Hartford alone, we lose alliances," Ritter said. "It's going to be part of a state-budget reform conversation." Even with alliances, Ritter acknowledges the effort won't be an easy lift. But he agrees with Maloney that while Hartford is currently in the worst financial shape in the state, other communities could be one bad year, or decision, away from head- ing down a similar path. n