Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-06-19 RMLD Green Power Subcommittee MinutesReading Municipal Light Board of Commissioners Green Power Sub Committee` i ` f " June 19, 2007 ? N 4 A cJCJ. Start Time of Regular Session: 8:00 a.m. t s s.a. i r End Time of Regular Session: 8:55 a.m. Z3,98 MAR 21 P 3. 55 Attendees: Commissioners: Mr. Hahn and Ms. O'Neill RMLD Staff: Messrs. Cameron and Seldon Citizens' Advisory Board: Mr. Vale Mr. Hahn called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. Mr. Hahn started the meeting by explaining his draft mission statement to the Green Power Subcommittee. He said that it is draft and should be read by the subcommittee and discussed at a later date. Mr. Seldon then went on to explain the Russell Bio Mass project with respect to pricing, financing, and wood supply. Mr. Vale commented that the project should not have a problem acquiring enough wood supply to fuel the project. Mr. Seldon then stated that the project still has some issues that need to be addressed including permitting, financing, and contracts. Ms. O'Neill asked how long was a long-term contract? Mr. Seldon answered 20 years Mr. Hahn asked if there was a possibility for a short-term deal? Mr. Seldon answered that Russell owners were looking at long term deals now. Ms. O'Neill asked what were the drawbacks to the project? Mr. Seldon replied that the project has issues to tend to before it proceeds forward. He went on to discuss the present state of the Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) market. Mr. Hahn asked if a contract were signed with Russell would we be protected if the plant were never built? Mr. Seldon stated that the contract would probably be similar to the Braintree contract, which has that protective language. Mr. Hahn then asked how many MWs is the RMLD looking at acquiring? Mr. Seldon replied that 5 MWs or about ten percent of the project, which has a present on line date of 2010. Ms. O'Neill then asked where is the wood coming from and who is being harmed from an environmental point of view. Mr. Seldon said he did not know exactly. Mr. Vale said that the Massachusetts State Forester said that the cut is sustainable. Mr. Vale believes that what is burned in these types of applications is sustainable. A F.. lot of this type of supply comes from transmission line clearing and State cutting and harvesting. Mr. Seldon then mentioned similar projects in New England, such as the Tamarack Project, which is a wood burner of similar size. Mr. Seldon also said that Smith Energy is a company that has contacted him concerning renewable projects. Green Power Subcommittee Meeting 2 June 19, 2007 Ms. O'Neill then asked what Russell requires from the RMLD? Mr. Seldon replied that they are asking for a non-binding letter of intent. Mr. Hahn then said that given that fact that the Letter of Intent will be non-binding, and then we should proceed. Mr. Cameron went over what the review process is for power supply acquisition including Subcommittee, CAB, and Board approval. Mr. Hahn stated that since this is a non-binding Letter of Intent, the RMLD should proceed with it. Mr. Cameron said that he would update the CAB at its meeting of June 20. Ms. O'Neill re-stated her desire to know where the wood to fuel the project would be coming from. Mr. Seldon said he would look into this further. Mr. Cameron then said that one response was received from the Technical Potential Study RFP. Discussion ensued concerning the Technical Potential Study. Mr. Hahn stated that the price seemed appropriate for the work requested. Updates on the Russell Biomass project and the technical potential study RFP will given to the Board at its June 27 meeting. Motion to Adjourn At 8:55 a.m. Ms. O'Neill made a motion seconded by Mr. Hahn to adjourn the Regular Session. Motion carried 2:0:0.