02/06/2024 BEC Minutes

Minutes

Bethlehem Energy Commission

Tuesday February 6, 2024, 6:00 pm at the Bethlehem Library

 

Attending:  Chuck Phillips, Dan Crosby, Scott Caisse, Mary Lou Krambeer, David Van Houten, Bruce Caplain

Meeting chaired by Dan.

Mission: The Bethlehem Energy Commission encourages and supports economically and environmentally sensible energy practices in Bethlehem, NH.

Minutes from January meeting: Motion to accept by David, seconded by Chuck; unanimously accepted.

Public input – none

 

Community Power Warrant Article

In advance of Town election talk up the value of Community Power.  Mary Lou will contact Mark Koprowski to submit letter to editor and Chris Jensen for newsletter and Facebook promotion.

 

Bethlehem now has a link on our website which posts the with the Community Power PowerPoint and the emerging aggregation plan. https://bethlehemnh.org/public_hearings/bethlehem-energy-aggregation-committee-community-power-2/.

 

Village district progress posts in ground just waiting for solar panels.  Should be hooked-up by March.  Array is 100 kW.

Main Street Solar — Report from Gabe Chelius:  Solarize Main Street is working on sREAP applications for Super Secret Ice Cream, Maia Papaya,  Lonesome Woods and White Mountain Transmission. PMR will go on their own.

 

EV Charging – Someone is connecting with Bruce about making a donation of a level 2 EV charger.

Solar Energy Property Tax Exemption warrant article – We pulled the Warrant as there are 39 warrants on the ballot this year.  We intend to continue working with Rambling Woods to make sure their array is divided by the number of households.   Fred came in to make a suggestion that we approach the Selectboard to review the proposed Rambling Woods Coop array as an array for 29 households.

Solarize North Country – Lots of tours and meetings planned for the future with perspective solar consumers. 80 people signed-up for estimates. We hope to get 25-30 solar installations in 2024.  Many contracts signed-to-date (15).

Other –

Dan Crosby will check with Profile HS about electricity savings in the past yar.

 

Next meeting:  Tuesday, March 5 at 6PM at Bethlehem Library.  Scott will run meeting.

 

Adjourn – 6:42pm