Regional Energy Roundtables #2

Massachusetts Attorney General, Martha Coakley, has made available (in pdf format) the informational pamphlet that was distributed during the Roundtable Meeting on the Attorney General of Massachusetts web site containing energy resources.

.

Transcriptions of the roundtable will be posted on the site as well and energy strategies will be added.

.

Included with energy considerations was the Plymouth Fire Chief Bradley who addressed the recent increase in alternative methods of heating that puts homes and residents at risk. It's always helpful to be reminded of the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. For anyone unfamiliar with the recently changed codes, carbon monoxide detectors are now mandatory. It might be helpful if the Middleboro Gas & Electric included warnings or some other effort were made to remind residents.

.

Three members of Plymouth town government, including Brian Kuhn, Chairman of the Energy Committee, Richard Quintal, Chairman, Board of Selectmen, Bill Driscoll, Chairman, Finance Committee explained the actions Plymouth has taken to address demand side energy, in other words, energy conservation.

.

It was estimated that the School Department has reduced their costs by $750,000 to $1 Million with thermostats, shutting off lights and motion sensors, shutting off computers and other non-capital intensive measures.

.

I have previously posted reports by experts indicating that 20-30% of energy consumption is simply wasted energy. This is the so-called 'low hanging fruit' we can all take advantage of, beginning with CFLs (compact fluorescent lights), programmable thermostats, energy efficient appliances.

.

On the Supply Side, Plymouth's 2020 program will coincide with their 400th Anniversary with a goal of 100% municipal energy generated by alternative energy sources.

.

Plymouth's efforts began with changes to their zoning by-laws to allow erection of wind turbines. While not every town enjoys this advantage, it's worth consideration. As the cost of roof top wind turbines declines, there may be marginal locations that are viable.

.

There are currently 15 wind projects in various stages of consideration/permitting in Plymouth, including the waste water treatment plant (RFP currently on hold), South High School, County Prison and Farm. Photovoltaics are being considered at the landfill. Consideration is being given to a Plymouth Power Authority for the sale of power. (It was pointed out that under the Green Communities Act, there is a net metering cap currently 1%.)

.

A No Idle Policy was implemented and consideration is being given to purchase of fuel efficient vehicles and elimination of reuse of police cruisers by other departments when it's affordable.

.

An energy audit of all municipal buildings revealed that the library was the biggest energy user. Each of the buildings has been audited in a step-wise fashion and a facility and vehicle audit is underway of the Fire Department.

.

It is hoped that the planned film studios will be the first green studios in the nation.

.

Bill Driscoll raised the issue of considering conservation land purchases to include provisions that would allow the land to accept renewables and indicated that the Finance Committee cut the energy budgets of municipal departments to send a message.

.