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106 | DOING BUSINESS IN CONNECTICUT | 2018 2018 | DOING BUSINESS IN CONNECTICUT | 106 ENERGY STORAGE Energy storage is a key link in achieving the region's path to a cleaner, more cost-effective, and lower-emitting portfolio of energy supply resources. Longer term, the technology offers the ability to optimize renewable resources by storing energy produced during periods of lower demand for use during later periods of greater demand. ELECTRIC VEHICLES We're moving to spend 5 percent of our annual fleet budget on plug-in electric technologies, to replace gas- and diesel-fueled transportation and to reduce carbon emissions. In Connecticut, we're also funding and administering an EV and EV-charging rebate program in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. THE EVERSOURCE ENERGY CENTER The Eversource Energy Center is an innovative partnership we've built with the University of Connecticut. Together, we're working to mitigate storm hazards and deliver improved reliability and increased resiliency of the energy grid, using leading-edge technologies and innovations for our customers. REDUCING METHANE EMISSIONS We've joined 40 other American Gas Association members as founding members of the Environmental Protection Agency's Natural Gas STAR Methane Challenge Program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Our commitments include reaching specific targets to reduce emissions from our natural gas system and to improve air quality. NATURAL GAS FUEL CELLS Our efforts to deploy natural gas fuel cells also represent decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and lower demand from the electric grid on peak days. We are working with businesses to add fuel cells to their energy systems. Powered by natural gas, fuel cells provide a significant opportunity for customer savings, improve a business's energy resiliency and enable the production of onsite green power. Our natural gas team is ready to determine the best solution to your energy challenges and recommend efficient and cost-effective solutions. SPONSOR REPORT "Our 8,000 employees are dedicated to meeting our customers' evolving energy needs every day, while partnering with our communities on economic development and clean energy solutions in the region. We could not be more proud to play a key leadership role in the 21st-century energy revolution." -James Judge President and CEO, Eversource Energy