On September 1, 2026, Scott Livingston, president of HORST Engineering, joined business and industry leaders at the Hartford Business Journal’s Politics & Policy Forum: The Business of Energy, held at the Society Room in Hartford, CT. The forum focused on the evolving energy landscape and the impact of energy costs, carbon reduction, infrastructure, and investment decisions on the state’s business community. He spoke on a panel that included experts from the energy sector, and shared the perspective of a small manufacturer dependent on electricity and natural gas.
For Connecticut manufacturers, energy is more than a line item. It plays a direct role in competitiveness, long-term planning, investment decisions, and the ability to continue operating and growing within the state. As HORST Engineering celebrates its 80th year of operation, these conversations are particularly important to understanding the challenges and opportunities facing businesses today.
HORST has taken a long-term approach to environmental responsibility and energy management. Our state-of-the-art factory is equipped with more than 750 rooftop solar panels, with a peak capacity of approximately 366 kW. Since the system began generating power in June 2022, it has produced more than 1,400 MWh of clean energy and helps supply nearly 50% of the facility’s energy needs. The plant is modern, clean, and energy efficient. We have invested in control systems for electrical, HVAC, and other systems. We have energy efficient lighting and compressors. We have also benefitted from energy efficiency program that are administered by our utility with oversight from the State of Connecticut. Our commitment to sustainability also extends beyond our walls as a proud member of 1% for the Planet.
For HORST, responsible manufacturing means looking beyond the products we make. It means considering how we operate, how we use resources, and how we contribute to the communities and environment around us. Scott’s participation in the forum provided an opportunity to bring the family-owned business perspective to life. As energy policy and infrastructure continue to evolve, collaboration between businesses, policymakers, and industry leaders will be critical for the future of Manufacturing in Connecticut.
We appreciate Hartford Business Journal for creating a space for these conversations and for bring together leaders who are invested in our future.
All images courtesy of HBJEvents