2016-05-11 Climate Advisory Committee Minutes

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Town of Reading - Meeting Minutes • Laurie Ann explained that the RMLD Board sets policy and instructs the RMLD Integrated Resources department on direction. • Jeff asked whether RMLD has any plans to divest from oil -fired power plants. - Currently, the RMLD website states that source of RMLD electricity is 27% oil. • Laurie Ann noted that RMLD decided not to join the Renewable Energy Trust (RET) because once in, the commitment is permanent. RMLD is concerned about keeping costs down for its customers. Note: At this point Gina and David Zeek returned from RCN. • Gina described some of the history of the Green Communities program. The four -town issue was one of the barriers to RMLD joining the RET. • Gina mentioned that RMLD is planning to build a 2 to 2.5 MW gas peaking plant. • There was discussion of battery technology, e.g. Tesla battery, that could help with peak demand reduction. • Gina stated that David Talbot was interested in communication of peak demand days so that RMLD customers can respond by limiting electricity use during peak hours. • The Committee discussed and agreed on the following strategy. • Ron, David Zeek and Jeff will get together and develop 3 - 5 bullet points for discussion. These points are likely to include: (1) Green Community, (2) Solar - Residential and Community Shared Solar, and (3) Batteries for peak demand reduction • Invite David Talbot and current Reading representative to RMLD Citizens' Advisory Board (Laurie Ann will find out who that is) to attend a Climate Advisory Committee meeting. • Make a presentation to RMLD Board with proposed actions Administrative • Joan plans to step down as member and as Secretary at the end of June. • Ron will step down as Chair at the end of June. • Election for new Chair and Secretary will be held at the June 22nd meeting. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Page i 2 2013 -09 -03