Energy Committee Minutes 04.15.25

April 22, 2025 Karen Hambleton Energy Committee, Minutes 0

In attendance: Sandra Bravo, Laura Ryder, Rett Weber, Susan Moss, Jenny Locke- Howley, Marlene Freyler

Review and approval of March Minutes.

  • Community Power Update
    1. CPCNH is working to develop a 5 MWh Group Net Metering Solar Project (Poverty Plains in Warner) to offer Municipalities and schools, etc. a discount on the renewable electricity purchased from the Project. Andrew Hatch from CPC informed the BEC there is no cost to the town of Bradford to become a member. The Project is not expected to be operational until 2026. We will continue to monitor the progress.
  • Andrew also presented some statistics on CPC in Bradford.  75% of our town’s households are subscribers. Only 3% have opted out. Since launch, subscribers have saved 8.9% to date over the cost of Eversource’s supply costs. Very few residents have opted to purchase a higher percentage of renewable electricity than the default base rate of 25.2%. Residents may contact the Community Power Coalition at 866-603-7697 to opt up to 33%, 50% or 100% renewable supply.
  • Watching legislation and actions of the PUC as Eversource is trying to make up a deficit of “uncollected funds” by possibly billing all customers through distribution charges. Note: CPC subscribers still pay Eversource for the delivery of our electricity.
  • Municipal Weatherization Status. Still waiting on response. Margaret Dillion, of S.E.E.D.S, who was contracted by NHSaves to conduct the energy audits of Braford’s municipal buildings, has agreed to assist the BEC to quantify the energy savings from implementation of energy saving measures at the Highway and Fire Department buildings.
  • Solar Energy – update on SolSmart. The non-profits Clean Energy NH and SolSmart are partnering to help municipalities establish smart solar zoning and permitting at the local level. This program is free to municipalities. Sandra is reaching out to the Selectboard, Planning Board, Zoning Board, Building Inspector and Fire Chief to present this opportunity to work with experts and peers to decide whether Bradford should create a solar ordinance and start working on a draft.

This is an opportunity to make Solar installation regulations for the town for both municipal and primary residences.  Purpose is to be pre-emptive for future development. Current Building permit code does not provide guidance on solar installations.

  • Electrification
    • Geothermal opportunities. Sandra is requesting estimates from consultants on the cost of conducting a feasibility study to determine if geothermal is a good fit for heating/cooling at the Highway Building.  The BEC will present its findings to the Selectboard and CIP Committee. Other heating/cooling possibilities could include overhead infrared heaters and radiant heat using other than fuel oil.

Laura spoke to the Dept of Fish and Game Discovery Center about their experience with Geothermal. The system was installed in the early days of geothermal. It was expensive to install and hard to maintain when the installer went out of business. But geothermal worked well in large spaces connected to a system of air ducts and blowers.

  • Fire Station has 40 year old furnace. The BEC discussed the need for replacing this furnace with non-fossil fuel option. Time to begin planning.
  • The BACC: We have still not proceeded with recommendations from the 2019 Energy Audit. Suggestion that an inexpensive remedy to drafty windows could be interior storm windows.
  • New Hampshire Network Update – See below.   
  • Legislative Updates
    • HB 399 was signed into law which creates easier financing for energy efficient construction.
    • A series of bad bills were tabled or killed including:
      • HB575 – banning off-shore infrastructure;
      •  HB182 – prohibiting EV cars parking in public lots; and
      • HB610 – eliminating the independent Office of the Consumer Advocate.
    • HB639-FN -AN ACT relative to the use of and disputes over blockchain and digital currencies was passed in the House and is under consideration in the Senate. The Act aims to establish a state legal regime that offers an attractive jurisdiction for the best responsible blockchain innovators, entrepreneurs, and businesses while protecting their investors and consumers. Blockchain mining also known as Crypto-mining requires huge amounts of electricity. The Committee will continue to monitor developments.
    • HB672 Passed to allow off-grid energy producers to distribute electric supply without complying with PUC regulations, as long as they do not connect to the grid was passed in the House and is under consideration in the Senate. The Committee will continue to monitor developments.
  • BEC Public Outreach in March
    • Two articles were published in the April edition of the Bradford Bridge:
      •  “Say No to Single Use Plastic Bags!”
      • NHSaves ButtonUp workshop Notice scheduled for April 24,
    • Sandra and Susan have been collecting signatures in support of reducing single use plastic
    • Let’s all work on ideas for future Bridge articles and email.
  • Other Items
    • NHSaves opportunities for Bradford businesses? Sandra has started paying visits to some of the businesses in Bradford to explain the energy audit process and opportunities for reducing energy usage and resulting costs.
    • Inflation Reduction Funds availability. NHSaves and EV rebates are functional.
    • Uncertain as to how Tariffs will affect our electric rates and other materials.
  • Conclude:

 Next meeting at Town Hall: May 20, 5pm-6pm.