Energy Committee Minutes

Newbury Energy Meeting     1/25/21 MINUTES By: Deb Benjamin

As corrected in 2/15/21 Meeting      

Attendees (Bold indicates present)                Quorum           Yes/No

1. Andrew proposed a template for meeting agenda, minutes and procedures, which was accepted unanimously.

1. Meeting was Called to Order at 4:10pm.  Deb Benjamin was designated as recording secretary for the meeting.
2. Minutes of 1/14/21 were approved
3. Reports:
   1. Plastics-Deb presented a summary of the Andover Energy Group meeting.  Report is appended to these minutes.
   2. Hannaford (KCA)-Andrew connected with Peter Monigle at Hannaford.  Reports that Hannaford has ambitious plans around reducing single use plastics.  It was suggested that we encourage them to focus on the packaging of their own brands (Nature’s Promise). Peter said that they would offer net bags (for a cost of $4) to replace plastic bags in produce and they do accept plastic bags for recycling but signage must be improved. Finally, a contest is being organized by KCA around Earth Day to highlight the need to reduce plastic use. Tracy and Deb to assist with this effort.
   3. Eversource/Solar-Mary reported on programs offered by NH Saves and their 3-year energy efficiency programs.  Electric bills fund subsidies.  Rebates of 75% (max $8K) on weatherization. Rebates have increased. Push the message that climate change is a big problem, not an annoyance. Land acquisition is important. Newbury should be reserving for energy efficient projects (solar, EV). New London is reserving $30K annually. Example given that New London installation of LED street lights cost $10K but saves $8K annually. Eversource contracted with World Energy Services to do the lighting audit for the town buildings.  Specialist is Mark Wrona.
   4. Aggregate Purchasing-Dan reported that it was worth exploring aggregate purchasing of power from different energy companies, as there might be significant savings.  Need to have a contract over a period of years.  If, however, you have any solar, you have to go with Eversource.
   5. New England College (NEC) Collaboration-Tracy reported that Elizabeth Harper is on faculty at NEC teaching environmental studies.   Beginning next fall, she is seeking projects/field work for her students, as seniors are required to have a project. We could have a Newbury Energy Intern. One suggestion was the development of a website for our committee.
   6. Newbury Library Collaboration on Environmental Education-Lisa reported on this. That’s all I have.... Old Business-
   7. Discussion of committee goals.  We perform RESEARCH. We RECOMMEND to the Select Board. Then we EXECUTE, with help from appropriate town officials.
   8. Thinking around a project should answer the following three questions: Who does this affect? How long will it take? What does it accomplish?
4. New Business-None noted
5. News/Intelligence/Info – All
   1. Meeting Review – All
   2. Went well:  
   3. Could be better:
6. Actions – Outstanding and New

Submitted by Deb Benjamin

2/14/21