Energy Committee Minutes 01.21.25

Attending: Sandra Bravo, Kathleen Bigford, Laura Ryder, Susan Moss, Marlene Freyler, Rett Weber
Review and approval of December Minutes

  1. Community Power Update – The Bridge published the new rates in January. The base rate is $.089/kwh. Still the lowest around. They are working on net metering option for solar owners.
  2. Municipal Weatherization Status – The BEC plans to evaluate the effectiveness of the weatherization projects and to identify other energy saving opportunities at the Fire Station, Highway Garage and the Library. Sandra is obtaining fuel oil and electricity consumption data for the past two years as well as information on the oil burning equipment for these three facilities. In progress.
  3. Solar Energy – nothing new here.
  4. Electrification: would still like to get more information out about opportunities to switch from fossil fuels to electric.
    a. Geothermal opportunities? We would like to determine if geothermal would be good for the highway dept when they are ready to replace their heating system. The town would need to get grants to fund an engineering study.
    b. Looking for Heat pump installation opportunities because the fuel and cost savings are significant.
  5. New Hampshire Network Update
    a. The NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) is seeking public input and assistance in updating the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan in order to qualify for Federal funding to help implement NH’s climate goals. Working sessions have commenced and volunteers are needed to assist in the development of one or more of the following areas. Check the NHDES Climate Action Plan website. Workgroups:
    i. Transportation
    ii. Commercial & residential buildings
    iii. Electrical generation & use Meets Wednesday 9-11am. NH DES on their website. Rett will email the links for this.
    iv. Agriculture, forestry, land conservation
    v. Waste: manufacturing, recycling, composting
    b. NH Clean Energy Group – presentation on Solar and Battery Storage to Support Community Preparedness and Disaster Response (https://www.cleanegroup.org/webinar/solar-storage-community-preparedness-disaster-response/) The Clean Energy Group provides assists to communities impacted by disasters by providing solar panels and battery banks, etc. to those with no electricity. Solar panels are repurposed for this program.
  6. Legislative Updates
    How can we let people know about upcoming legislation so they can voice their support or opposition to the measures being considered? Can we develop an email list that we send out to concerned residents and others? How to manage? Do other towns do this?
    a. A good place to stay on top of NH legislative updates is through https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills Recent bills:
    i. HB106 Sponsored by Anthony Caplan Title: establishing a commission to determine the monetary costs of climate damage to the state of New Hampshire and the best means of recouping such costs.
    ii. HB306 Establishing a commission to study the short and long-term impacts of pending national and regional carbon pricing mechanisms on New Hampshire’s citizens, businesses, institutions, and environment. (comments due by 1/21/25)
    iii. HB96 – Requiring New Hampshire builders to use the 2021 Energy Building codes or a similar code that achieves equivalent or greater energy savings (comments due by 1/22/25)
    iv. dHB246 – Directing the state conservation committee to implement the conservation district climate resilience grant program and making an appropriation therefor. (comments due by 1/23/25)
  7. BEC Public Outreach in January – None
  8. Proposed articles for February Bridge
    a. Susan to provide a reminder of which energy improvements offer federal tax credits on 2024 tax returns. Availability of the Inflation Reduction Act Funds to be determined by new federal actions. We were on track for them to begin this year to help our low and moderate income residents afford cost savings and improved home comfort measures.
    b. Sandra to provide articles on NHSaves energy audits and weatherization for residences and for businesses. We will offer assistance residents who need help completing the application. We would like to do a case study with a local business to assist them in the application and through an energy audit and weatherization. Business program offerings are wide ranging.
  9. Other Items
    a. KCA – Sandra will attend the next scheduled meeting on 1/27/25 at 5:00 pm at the Newbury Library. KCA is working on scheduling Button-up Workshops. Susan will join.
    b. Inflation Reduction Funds availability. See 8a. The following links are the most current information.
    https://www.energy.nh.gov/funding-opportunities/funding-opportunities-homeowners/home-efficiency-rebates-
    https://www.energy.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt551/files/inline-documents/sonh/nh-ira-rebates-public-information-session-20241016.pdf
  10. Conclusion: Next meeting February 18 5:00-6:00 pm, Town Hall