Meeting at BACC 5:00-6:30 pm
In attendance: Sandra Bravo, Kathleen Bigford, Jennifer Locke Howley, Susan Reeder Moss, Marlene Freyler
Review and approval of July Minutes – Approved
- Introductions – Introduce Jennifer Locke Howley. We have asked her to join the BEC, and we will seek approval by the Select Bboard.
- Town Hall Renovation Project – Update
Details of the potential NHSaves incentives 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. Insulation, Heat pumps, and solar are all being considered, as are potential funding sources such as LCHIP.
- 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’s four 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 whether it will be wise to lock into an annual rate in November when it is possible that rates will fall in 2023 from their current doubled price.
- Community Power opportunities. The NH PUC released regulations implementing Community Power on July 27, 2022. This is a new program that requires many steps including selectboard approval, and eventually a vote at town meeting. We agree to each do more research for discussion in our next BEC meeting to see if we can meet the requirements in time for the 2023 Town Meeting. There are three companies providing community power. One is a non-profit.
- Municipal Weatherization Status – Highway Garage Update – waiting for receipt of materials to make repairs to damaged overhead door frame before weatherization activities can begin. Materials are supposedly in transit, and we are still on track to complete this work by the end of 2022.
- 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. Newbury is building a 100 KVA (100 KVA = 1/10th of one MW). This is about 10 times more power than a standard rooftop installation and could be suitable to power the elementary school. Sandra and Kathleen will tour a 100KVA installation.
- We will reapply once it is determined what the specifics of a solar installation could be for Bradford.
- Heat Pumps – See article on heat pumps which concludes that heat pumps are the cheapest and cleanest heating and cooling 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.” Most of NH would be in the zone that would require some back-up heating.
- One article was printed in the Bridge several months ago. We will continue to put out info on heat pumps and advocate for their use in municipal buildings, keeping an eye on costs and rebates.
- Kearsarge Climate Action Items
- E-bike Loan Program – Successful program held in New London. Approximately 120 people participated.
- EV Show – scheduled 9/24 noon to 4pm at NL Historical Society. Volunteers needed. This conflicts with our Bradford Celebration Day.
- Based on an article we placed in the Bridge several months ago seeking volunteers to run a Window Dresser campaign, we do not have the volunteer interest to make this happen in Bradford at this time. We agree that their interior storms are a great low-cost solution to increasing comfort in homes in the winter and reducing costs. If a neighboring community in the KCA network decides to participate we can publicize the opportunity to participate and also seek volunteers to contribute to building the inserts.
- 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. Susan and Sandra agree to meet to work on ideas, possibly including demonstration of rechargeable tools and equipment. We will also promote the energy benefits in the new Inflation Reduction Act.
- Importance of knowing candidates’ positions about climate change in upcoming elections. Laura is writing a letter for the Bridge for September.
- Outreach to NH politicians. It is important that we all take the time to meet candidates and ask them for
their positions on energy and climate policy.
- Important that the BEC attends Selectboard meetings to speak about the work of the BEC. Sandra has been attending. Other members of BEC will also take part in future meetings.
- Energy Opportunities for Bradford Re: Inflation Reduction Act formerly known as Build Back Better has passed Congress and been signed into law by President Biden.
An article in the NH Bulletin stated “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.
- Conclude: Next Meeting on September 20, 2022, 5:00-6:30pm at the BACC.