Energy Conservation Committee Minutes
Attendees: Peter Cooper, Ron Bolt, John Lofgren, Bob O’Connor, and Bob Tortorice
Administrative Matters:
The minutes of the March meeting were approved.
Bill Gendreau has tendered his resignation from the committee.
Cooperation with the Franconia Energy Commission
Bob Tortorice made an appeal for our two organizations to cooperate in educating the public on energy efficiency and in finding available funding sources. Bob went over a number of funding programs for energy audits and improvements, such as CDFA and USDA. Ron mentioned that we would like audits at the library and senior center but those buildings are not eligible for this funding. Peter added that we have had success with the PUC/SB123 fund, and that he is looking into the USDA for funding of window a/c units at the library. Bob is also interested in exploring avenues to educate the public.
[n.b., the Franconia Energy Commission meets the third Tuesday of every month at 4:30 PM at the Woodsville Bank Conference Room in Franconia]
Opera House Project
Peter reported that the attic insulation is completed and the air seal about half way done, but there has been a bit of delay on the 2nd floor. Pictures of the access door solution to the insulation concern need to be sent to the NH Department of Historic Resources.
ARET Energy Expo
Our information table drew a very modest amount of attention at the 7 April Expo, but included one or two possible leads for new members. Peter picked up some good information about USDA grants and is pursuing that with the Town and library. Ron came away with a number of action items as well, including providing electrical consumption data from the Littleton PD to the Franconia Energy Commission.
Green Up Day Plan
We will once again establish an information table at Remich Park on 21 April from 9 AM to about 1 PM. The table will be left unattended much of the morning as we attend other Green Up Day activities in town.
Meeting with New Parks Director
Peter and Ron met with Chris Wilkins on 29 March for an introductory session. We explained our mission and the Energy Management Plan wherein we meet with all department heads at least once a year. We also discussed the status of the pool and future Parks & Rec building plans.
Response to Board of Selectmen
At a recent meeting Selectman Franco Rossi commented on an ECC article in the Courier about energy dollars saved from 2014 to 2017. He stated that since prices are subject to change, he would like to see the figures of units consumed over the same period. Ron put together all of the relevant data with a cover letter explaining that we too prefer to look at units, but that the average taxpayer is interested in cost savings.
Value Chain Network
On 20 March, Peter participated in a “roll-up-your-sleeves” workshop put on by the Coos County Energy Efficiency Value Chain Network. This group is seeking better access to affordable energy in efficient, well-weatherized buildings. The emphasis on Coos County is because they experience a higher than average energy burden. The goal is to plot out the necessary steps toward the goal, identify obstacles, and obtain Tillotson funding for specific problem areas.
Other Business
- Ron has inquired of the Courier, once again, about the status of Bob’s articles (only 2 of 5 have been published)
- Peter is working on a close-out note to Froling Energy and needs the latest information on propane consumption. Ron will obtain.
Next meeting: Wednesday, 19 May 2018, 10:30 AM, at the Community Center
Ron Bolt, Secretary