Held at BACC 5:00-6:00 pm in attendance: Sandra Bravo, Susan Reeder Moss and Marlene Freyler
Review and approval of August Minutes – did not have a quorum so were not approved.
- Jenny Locke Howley was approved by the Select Board at the September 12 meeting as the newest member of the BEC. Jenny holds an advanced degree in Earth Sciences and has worked in environmental and climate science for over 10 years. She now works for the Division of Public Health for the State of NH as an environmental health and data analyst. Welcome Jenny – we look forward to your contributions in helping Bradford transition to 100% renewable electricity by 2030.
- Kathleen Bigford and Jenny were both accepted to Vital Communities Climate Change Leadership Academy for this fall session. Meeting conflicts may require the BEC to revise its schedule through November 2022. We look forward to hearing more about the projects they will select to work on to help Bradford reduce it’s carbon footprint. Karen stated that the room is available the first and 4th Tuesdays of the month from 5:00-6:30.
- Town Hall Renovation Project – Update
At the September 12 Select Board meeting, the Select Board signed the revised NHSaves contract which was updated to include energy savings from building envelop improvements.
- Municipal Weatherization Status
- Highway Garage Update – repairs to the overhead door are scheduled and the weatherization work is expected to take place this October.
- Library, Fire Station and BACC. Weatherization estimates were provided to the CIP Committee for incorporation in the 2023 CIP Plan. The Library attic was weatherized in 2021 but the basement weatherization has yet to be completed. Sandra will inquire with the CIP Committee about the status of the weatherization projects on the CIP Plan.
- Solar Energy
- BEC is in the process of evaluating the feasibility of installing roof-top solar on all Municipal buildings. Solar companies contacted include GSS, Revision Energy, Norwich Solar.
- Highway Building. The BEC contacted Sunward Steel Buildings, the manufacturer, to determine if the roof could accommodate solar panels and was informed that “The building was not designed with additional collateral load for solar or sprinklers.”
- Town Hall. The BEC contacted the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) that the Town has a Stewardship Agreement with to determine if rooftop solar panels are allowed. LCHIP replied that changes to the roof would require approval and that any work undertaken needs to align with the Secretary of Interior Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties as noted in the Stewardship Agreement. These Standards recommend “Installing mechanical and service equipment on the roof (such as heating and air-conditioning units, elevator housing, or solar panels) when required for a new use so that they are inconspicuous on the site and from the public right-of-way and do not damage or obscure character-defining historic features.”
- BEC toured the new solar installation at Newbury’s wastewater treatment plant at Blodgett’s Landing. This 100kWh ground mounted installation was built by Revision Energy at no cost to the Town.
- Transfer Station Property. BEC has reached out to Revision Energy, Norwich Solar and New Hampshire Solar Gardens to discuss the feasibility of constructing a Net Metering solar installation smaller than the 1 MW project previously proposed by Revision Energy. The information received from Eversource indicated that the electric grid infrastructure could not accommodate 1MW of new generation from that location. Revision Energy responded to Kathleen’s inquiry stating that they would be interested in working with Bradford on a project similar in scope to Newbury’s where all costs would be borne by Revision and their investors who would sell the renewable electricity back to the Town. The Town will then have the option to purchase the installation 5 or 6 years down the road at a steep discount. The BEC will present this information to the Select Board
- BEC is in the process of evaluating the feasibility of installing roof-top solar on all Municipal buildings. Solar companies contacted include GSS, Revision Energy, Norwich Solar.
- Heat Pumps – No updates
- Kearsarge Climate Action Items – No updates
- BEC Public Outreach
- Article in the September Bradford Bridge about “How the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 – the “Climate Bill” – Helps NH Residents”, How to Shop for Electricity”. Also submitted a Letter to the Editor regarding the importance of knowing candidates’ positions about climate change in upcoming elections
- Bradford Town Day 9/24/2022 – BEC will have a table with energy saving handouts and participate in the parade. Susan brought in several of the posters she has prepared for the BEC. Banners have been ordered.
- Outreach to NH politicians?
- The BEC has scheduled a NHSaves Button Up Workshop November 9, 2022 at the BACC. This is an opportunity for residents and other to learn about saving electricity, insulation and air sealing, energy audit and weatherization programs, rebates on electric and gas appliances, and other incentives from Eversource. This is a 1 and ½ hour free event.
- Energy Opportunities for Bradford Re: Inflation Reduction Act formerly known as Build Back Better.
The BEC will continue to report on energy saving opportunities.
- Conclude: The next meeting has yet to be scheduled.