Marion’s Energy Management Committee meeting Monday began with introductions, welcoming two residents who are considering joining the committee.
After approving the minutes of the July 22 meeting, EMC Chair Alanna Nelson proceeded to the current agenda items. In moving through the agenda, which dealt largely with reports on ongoing issues, the committee took the time to provide background and context for the updates for the benefit of potential new members and others at the table.
The town’s 20-year contract with Future Generation Wind (FGW) began in 2016-17 and has generated over $800,000 for municipal use from four wind turbines located in the bogs along Route 25. The town pays for the electricity and gets a 20% rebate, which goes into the town budget.
There was consensus that the committee’s information on the town website needs updating. Committee member Tom Friedman had begun reviewing the site and offered to take the lead. He will print out all current information on the site and bring it to members to mark up with changes, additions and updates. The town’s site manager will then make the changes on marionma.gov.
Regarding proposals for solar panels at the new Department of Public Works operations center presently under construction at Benson Brook, committee member Jennifer Francis shared a proposal from My Generation Energy, a local solar company, to build a photovoltaic system on the roof of the new building.
The new DPW building has been designed to accommodate “three-phase power” for solar and other efficient systems. The proposal calls for 29,000 DC watts, which would allow a simplified process, saving significant money and time. It would cover less than the full roof so that a portion of the energy would be supplied within the terms of the FGW agreement.
Members were favorable toward the proposal and will explore next steps involved in soliciting other competitive bids as required.
Electric-vehicles charging stations for municipal vehicles as well as those available to the public were purchased several years ago and need updating, as do some of the vehicles. Funds available would be from the town’s free cash account or via grant funding.
Regarding the state’s Green Communities incentive program of which Marion is a member despite the recent reconsideration of the Select Board, applications for grants to improve wastewater treatment, transformer and pumping station are pending.
The committee held discussion on the state’s Stretch codes, which place stricter requirements on building or modifying homes, substantially reducing energy usage but can be unpopular with homeowners due to their expense. Given substantial grant funding received by way of participation in Green Communities, the committee will work to make compliance as manageable as possible for residents.
Both of the residents attending the meeting indicated they would like to become members and were given direction on next steps.
Marion Facilities Director Shaun Cormier will be invited to update the committee at a meeting.
The next two meetings of the Marion Energy Management Committee have been scheduled for September 16 and October 21, both Mondays at 6:00 pm at the Marion Police Department, 550 Mill Street.
Marion Energy Management Committee
By Mary McCann Fiske