Two Connecticut communities, Putnam and Pomfret, are uniting to bring cleaner, greener energy to their towns. Each has pledged to make renewable energy account for 20 percent of their municipal electricity needs within the next two years.

While other communities are pursuing green energy goals, reaching 20 percent in two years is an aggressive schedule. To help with costs and support, the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund is sponsoring the project while setting a few goals of their own. The fund requires that 100 homes in each town be powered by renewable energy supplies. By meeting this requirement, Putnam and Pomfret are eligible for free solar photovoltaic systems.

Putnam has set up a task force to research methods of achieving the 20 percent goal. In Pomfret, the board of selectmen, a standing community town board, approved the efforts to reduce fossil energy consumption. In fact, Pomfret estimates that solar panel installation alone will provide 40 to 50 percent of the town’s total energy needs, easily surpassing the established 20 percent goal.

The fund will continue supporting both towns, as well as communities across the state, providing financial assistance and educating homeowners and businesses about options for renewable energy power.

If a couple of small New England towns can do it, why can’t all of America? One town at a time.