Energy Committee

RECEIVED By City Clerk at 10:37 am, 3/30/22 AMESBURY CITY HALL 62 Friend Street Amesbury, MA 01913 Amesbury Energy Committee Minutes January 13, 2022 Members present: Tony Rinaldi, Michael Hogg, Michael Browne, Nancy Maynes, Nate Mallard, Barbara Lorenc. Absent: Jon Camp, Angela Cleveland Public present: Bill  Call to Order (Tony Rinaldi) at 6:08pm  Minutes from December 9, 2021. Approved  Public Comment. None  Communications Tony responded to Mr.Spork regarding energy generation in the Pow Wow River. Tony provided a copy of the agreement with S.Hampton which restricts Amesbury’s ability to generate power from the Pow Wow. Mr. Spork was informed that the city is not in a position to address the agreement with S.Hampton but he could do so if he wished.  New Business None  Projects.  Municipal Aggregation: On hold. Waiting for DPU approval. Tony communicated with Senator DiZoglio and Representative Kelcourse regarding approval of our aggregation plan by DPU. The Senator has responded that there are 30 plans in for approval. The timeline cannot be determined. Tony stated that the need to prepare materials for launch should be identified on the project but with no date.  Tony will provide a copy of Colonial’s submittal to Nate. 1  Project Identification Discussion:  This was considered the Top priority action. Conduct a Community-wide Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory with fund- ing from Green Communities (MVPC to apply for it). Without this information, it is challenging to know where to focus our community-wide efforts. Most ac- tions would key off the results.  Based on the study results: Determine the value of increasing the energy efficiency of city buildings includ- ing the schools. (Per Matt Bennetnt - LED lighting conversion has NOT taken place.  Power Aggregation once approved will require a major effort from the team.  Promote installation of solar panels on new construction and encourage retro- fits. i.e., PACE funding of solar projects for commercial buildings.  Application to the PACE program seems unwieldy. Ask a solar person from Mass Development to visit and walk us through? If we can get a handle on the process we would be able to advocate more effectively for other businesses to follow suit.  The team rejected the recommended to change building codes for residential buildings. It was agreed that the residential codes are correct.  Embrace planting of shade trees to offset heating of pavement, thereby reduc- ing the need for AC during warmer months. Leverage grants to drive this type of energy efficiency? (MH)  Determine the need for more EV charging stations and possible use of Fast DC Chargers. Investigate potential costs and funding sources. Other items: The team would like to meet the new building inspector! Can we have him come to a meeting? 2