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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-03-22 RMLD Power Contracts Rate Setting Green Power Committee MinutesReading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) Board of Commissioners Power Contracts, Rate Setting, Green Power Committee March 22, 2010 Start Time: 7:00 p.m. End Time: 9:14 p.m. Attendees: Committee Members: Messrs. Hahn and Soli, Ms. O'Neill Citizens' Advisory Board Member: Mr. Vale RMLD Staff. Mr. Cameron, Ms. Parenteau, Mr. Sullivan Messrs. Seldon and Carpenter Mr. Hahn called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. RMLD Smart Grid Initiative = Mr. Sullivan started the meeting by explaining the Smart Grid initiatives related to the RMLD's Engineering and Operations (E&O) Division. Mr. Sullivan said that the RMLD has toke a._ decision as to how to proceed with updating the existing metering system at the RMLD.? c; w Discussion followed. co Mr. Sullivan then went onto explain that another Smart Grid initiative in the E&O Division was related to distribution automation. Mr. Sullivan said that the RMLD could take advantage of its existing fiber optic network and have the ability to install switches in the distribution system that would enable remote switching of circuits from the RMLD's Control Center. Discussion followed. Mr. Hahn asked if Mr. Sullivan if he could send him a list of the manufacturers of AMI meters. Ms. Parenteau explained that the RMLD Smart Grid initiatives that are being studied in the Energy Services Division (ESD). Ms. Parenteau stated that the ESD initiatives are related to data collection that will enable customers to control their energy usage and energy costs. Ms. Parenteau said that the RMLD has met with several Home Area Network (HAN) manufacturers. The HAN products seem to be compatible with metering the RMLD is proposing to install in the future. Discussion followed. Mr. Soli asked how much energy is required to run a meter. Mr. Cameron said that he would get back to Mr. Soli on this. Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust Fund Mr. Cameron explained that recently there has been a question as to whether the Town of Reading becoming a Green Community will trigger the RMLD charging the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust Fund charge of $.0005 per kWh to all customers in the RMLD's service territory. Mr. Cameron said that he has had communications with Mark Sylvia, Director of the Green Communities Program, about this issue. Mr. Cameron has read the pertinent laws surrounding this issue and said he does not believe charging the MRETF is not one of the prongs included in becoming a Green Community. Mr. Cameron recently met with the four Town Managers about this issue and they are concerned that the electric rates will increase unnecessarily. Mr. Cameron has had general counsel check into this issue and they agree with Mr. Cameron that becoming a Green Community does not trigger a utility to charge the MRETF. Mr. Cameron stated that he is sending a letter to Mark Sylvia outlining his opinion on this issue along with the RMLD's legal analysis.