05/07/2024 Energy Committee Minutes

Bethlehem Energy Commission – May 7, 2024

 

Present:  Dan Crosby, David van Houten, Scott Caisse, Chuck Phillips, Bruce Caplain (Select Board Liaison), Melissa Elander (Clean Energy)

 

Excused: Mary Lou Krambeeer

 

Public Input:  Fred Wheeler, Rambling Woods – Thanks to BEC.  Things looking good. Vote 5/9.

 

Community Power:  15-18 people at last public session on Monday 5/6.  No big issues. Questions about how best to deal with 3rd party supplier in opting in or out. Some clarification of near metering cases.

 

Eversource Dollars: Battery storage – 50% incentive with a $200,000 cap

Reimbursement process clarified versus “grant money” up front. 9similar to situations at Water Treatment and ground array tax credits.

 

EV Chargers: Bruce reported that gadgets been guesstimated at up to $1 million now being talked about as $10,000. Much more  to come.

 

Solarize:  Have now reached the maximum discount of 15%.  $800,000 and 33 homes.Saved customers $140,000.

 

Main Street Solar:  Moving (very) slowly. Barrington backed up; using Mains as supplement for Maia Papaya.

 

Next Meeting: June 4th at BPL; Scott to facilitate