HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-05-15 RMLD Green Power Subcommittee MinutesReading Municipal Light Department Board of CommissioneM 1 ~'t 0
Green Power Sub Committee I
May 15, 2007 R r=tuING, MASS.
Start Time of Regular Session: 8:05 a.m. 2068 IIIIAR 21 P ~ 55',
End Time of Regular Session: 9:28 a.m.
Attendees:
Commissioners: Mr. Hahn and Ms. O'Neill
RMLD Staff: Messrs. Cameron and Seldon, Ms. Parenteau
CAB Liaison: Mr. Vale
Chairman Hahn called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m.
Mr. Hahn asked if the action items from the last meeting were available. Mr. Cameron presented the
findings from his query of the New England Municipal Electric Light plants.
Quincy Vale entered the meeting at this point.
Mr. Hahn stated that he performed an Internet search and found Truckee Donner, SMUD, Palo Alto, and
Tenderland were municipals that had environmental mission statements. Discussion then ensued as to
the RMLD's mission statements including issues such as reliability, customer service, low rates,
environmentally sensible measures, customer education, whether or not they should be included.
Mr. Vale asked if environmentally sensitive means just complying with the environmental laws? Mr. Vale
also asked about the measures such as cogeneration and distributed generation.
Mr. Hahn asked what is out there for generation.
Mr. Vale replied that we could ask Keyspan about any prospects for gas-fired generation. He went on to
speak about Capstone and their micro generating systems used for chillers and heating systems. Maybe
the RMLD should be looking at partnering with customers. The RMLD should be going to the towns it
serves and meet with the energy manager and discuss energy conservation and demand side
management measures. The RMLD could give the towns $50,000 each to perform retrofits and
replacements for low e glass, insulation, boilers, and heating systems.
Ms. O'Neill pointed out a solar unit on the island at the corner of Hopkins Street and Summer Avenue, in
Reading. She said that perhaps the RMLD could look at this. Mr. Cameron said the Department would
look at it.
Mr. Vale then went back to the mission statement issue and said that it should be more inspirational in
order that the RMLD had a goal to reach.
Ms. O'Neill then mentioned the 123 pledge that the Cities for Climate Protection had done for the Town of
Reading.
Mr. Hahn then asked about the progress with the Technical Potential study.
Mr. Cameron said that the RMLD had received one proposal and due to the confidentiality of the Request
for Proposal process no more information could be given out at this time.
Ms. Parenteau then gave a power supply update concerning energy projects and prices in New England.
Ms. Parenteau talked about Russell Biomass, a wood burning facility in New England.
Green Power Subcommittee Minutes
May 15, 2007
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Mr. Hahn would like the General Manager and the staff to bring the Russell Biomass pricing to the next
Green Power Sub Committee meeting.
Mr. Soli entered the meeting at this point.
Mr. Hahn said that he would take a turn at developing a mission statement before the next meeting.
Mr. Soli commented that he is concerned about three member RMLD sub committees and cautioned that
votes should only be recommendations and should come out of the sub committee 2:1:0, not unanimous.
Motion to Adjourn
At 9:28 a.m. Ms. O'Neill made a motion seconded by Mr. Hahn to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried by show of hands 2:0:0.