Energy Committee Meeting

12/11/14

Present – Al Krygeris, Andrew Hatch

We reviewed the minutes of the November meeting.

Warm Neighbors - Al said that the next step with Will Schultz from Recover is to set up a meeting to learn about their programs.

Solar Array - Al and Andrew will try to talk further with Ed Thayer, Road Agent, regarding the idea to connect the transfer station office and weigh station to the solar array. We need to find a way to use all the electricity from the solar panels because we are currently accumulating a credit for the surplus which will just keep growing if we don’t use it. Al will get a figure on the total surplus to date.

Camp Morgan – Al reported on his visit to Camp Morgan to assess the current lighting situation. He had been approached by Ken Eastman to determine whether the Town could apply to PSNH for assistance in looking into improving energy efficiency. Additionally, seniors had been complaining about the acoustics in the hall and Al is looking at ways to mitigate that too. There is a new custodian at the Camp (Yvonne Bachand) who considers that the current state of the lighting fixtures constitutes a safety issue – several of the diffusers (covers) are broken and could fall on someone. There are currently 41 four foot fixtures with old style tubes and ballasts, along with 6 eight foot ones. Al said that there is too much light and the old fixtures are inefficient. He estimates that the draw could be as much as 5kW, which would result in an expensive energy surcharge when they were all put on at once. Al inspected the roof space and took photos. He thinks that removing the ceiling and exposing the rafters in the main hall would be feasible. This would change the shape of the room and greatly improve the acoustics (as well as the esthetics). He also noted that the access way to the roof space is not sealed nor does the stove vent have a flapper. An energy audit was done about 5 years ago but no action was taken. PSNH had been unwilling to do an audit due to insufficient usage of the building in the past, however Al believes that has changed enough to qualify. Al will be getting in touch with PSNH to discuss further and will report back to the Selectmen.

Town Report – key items to include:

Solar Array - Al will get updated energy generation figures and the status of the excess generating credit.

Town Meeting Display & Questionnaire results

Warm Neighbors – Report on program status and plans for 2015. Request for donations of materials and/or money.

Camp Morgan energy audit

Membership 

Andrew reported that the 2015 LEWG conference will be on 3/21 at the Grappone Center in Concord.

Andrew Hatch

Committee Chair