SCG, UI Invest Over $200,000 to Support Sustainability and Green Energy Initiatives at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo

Companies build on a 24-year partnership focused on protecting and restoring biodiversity, wildlife, and the ecosystem in Bridgeport


BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — April 25, 2024 — In celebration of Earth Week beginning on April 22, officials with United Illuminating (UI) and Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), subsidiaries of Avangrid (NYSE: AGR), today toured the newly renovated Beardsley Zoo greenhouse, which the companies supported with a $30,000 donation through Connecticut’s Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Tax Credit Program in 2023. The 2023 NAA donation builds on the companies' 24-year longstanding partnership with Connecticut’s only zoo, during which UI and SCG have contributed a total of $215,500 in tax credits, sponsorships, and program support.

“Our companies’ commitment to and partnership with the Beardsley Zoo are not only represented on Earth Day but year-round," said Frank Reynolds, CEO of UI and SCG. “Their mission aligns with our organization's goals in supporting environmental stewardship, combatting climate change, and reducing our carbon footprint through green energy initiatives. We look forward to continuing to support the Zoo's sustainability measures by providing the necessary resources to reduce their environmental footprint and conserve resources."

In addition to financial support, UI and SCG hold numerous volunteer events yearly at Beardsley Zoo and encourage members of its approximately 1,000-person workforce to participate in them. This week alone, more than 50 UI and SCG employees volunteered 120 hours over three days, participating in various clean-up events along the Pequonnock River and around Beardsley Park. The volunteers’ time has been converted into an additional $1,800 donation from UI/SCG's parent company, Avangrid. The donation is made possible through the company's corporate giving program, the Avangrid Foundation Energized for Good program, in which the Foundation donates $15 per employee volunteer hour to qualifying organizations and up to 100 hours per employee.

The greenhouse tour, volunteer events, and recent tax credit build on the companies' 24-year-long partnership with Beardsley Zoo. Since 2000, UI has provided $57,500 in funding for sponsored events and programs to educate visitors on conservation, biodiversity, and the ecosystem. Additionally, the companies have donated $158,000 in grant funding through the NAA Tax Credit Program since 2012. The contributions have gone directly to support the Zoo’s energy efficiency initiatives, helping conserve energy, and lowering costs throughout their facilities.

“The assistance provided by United Illuminating through Connecticut’s Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program represents critical funding used for sustainability upgrades and initiatives throughout the property,” said Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “We appreciate the generous donation from companies like UI that support our goals as the Zoo continues its mission of providing visitors with programs and solutions that promote biodiversity and exemplify environmental preservation.”

For more information on the NAA Tax Credit Program, visit the links below:

Avangrid Awards $450,000 in Grants to Over 70 Community Organizations Across Connecticut

United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas, and Connecticut Natural Gas Award $450,000 in Tax Assistance to 64 Organizations 

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