Review and approval of July Minutes
- Introductions
- Town Hall Renovation Project – Update
Details of the potential NHSaves incentive for implementing energy saving measures exceeding building code during the construction of the Town Hall are being worked out amongst the Selectboard, Town Hall project team and Eversource.
- Bradford Energy Goals – transitioning to 100 percent reliance on renewable sources of electricity by 2030 and renewable sources of fuel for heating and transportation by 2050.
- The BEC will meet with the Bradford CIP Committee this month to discuss potential energy improvements at Bradford Municipal buildings. The BEC requested estimates for replacing HVAC systems at the four municipal buildings from DenronHall Plumbing and HVAC.
- Update on Renewal of Municipal electricity contract. Given the volatility of electricity rates the Town is continuing to monitor costs and will make a decision how to proceed in November.
- Community Power opportunities. The NH PUC released regulations implementing Community Power on July 27, 2022.
- Municipal Weatherization Status – Highway Garage Update – waiting for receipt of materials to make repairs to damaged overhead door frame before weatherization activities can begin.
- Solar Energy
- BEC is in the process of obtaining estimates for installing roof-top solar on all Municipal buildings? Solar companies to consider include GSS, Revision Energy, Norwich Solar, others?
- BEC is trying to determine if a smaller group net-metering project on Town owned land is feasible. Eversource previously indicated the grid could not accommodate one MW of new power.
- Heat Pumps – See article on living with heat pumps attached to the agenda and another article on heat pumps which concludes that heat pumps are the most low cost heating method for most of the country. The article states “In very cold places, the analysis finds, electric heat pumps with an alternative fuel backup for frigid periods minimize costs.”
- Kearsarge Climate Action Items
- E-bike Loan Program – approximately 120 people participated.
- EV Show – scheduled 9/24 noon to 4pm at NL Historical Society. Volunteers needed.
- Considering whether there is enough interest and volunteers to run a Window Dresser campaign.
- BEC Public Outreach
- Article in the July and August Bradford Bridge about Borrow an E-Bike for Free.
- Bradford Town Day 9/24/2022 – BEC will have a presence. Working on information to present on choosing an electricity provider.
- Importance of knowing candidates’ positions about climate change in upcoming elections?
- Outreach to NH politicians?
- Other ideas.
- Energy Opportunities for Bradford Re: Inflation Reduction Act formerly known as Build Back Better.
An article in the NH Bulletin states “if the federal Inflation Reduction Act becomes law it would not only positively impact New Hampshire’s environment but also its economy, according to an analysis by BW Research commissioned by The Nature Conservancy. The analysis found that the federal legislation would send $2.6 billion to New Hampshire, creating around 4,400 new jobs and generating $350.7 million in the local economy over 10 years. The bill would also help reduce emissions by 50 percent below 2005 levels by 2030.”
Also important to note is that the federal solar energy credit will be reinstated at 30% in 2023.
- Other Items
- Conclude