Energy Committee meetings to be held 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month
Discussion of ESCos – Energy Service Company – an outside contractor to do energy audit and then invest in improvements and share savings with no up-front cost to town
Clay mentioned Jordan institute may potentially be willing evaluate the town hall. Estimate cost between $500-750
Town hall seems like good first candidate – likely to occupy for long term
Elementary school also long term candidate, other schools in question however
Maine school district reported signed large Honeywell energy contract
Need to secure authority to hire an auditor to evaluate town hall
Jeff to approach Andover Controls as inquiry of ESCo
Bob to approach Honeywell as ESCo
Discussion of waste methane gas use from water plant digester. How to reuse waste gas to heat and power the water plant?
Essex Junction, VT is good model for waste stream optimization, open for town visits as part of grant requirements.
Discussion from visitor about The Natural Step for Communities through the Piscataqua Sustainability Initiative
Council requests a presentation on The Natural Step in future meeting.
Visitor inquiry prompted a discussion of what the charter of the committee is and what current focus is.
Current focus is to be a “work committee first” to get things rolling to assist the town council in changing the image of Newmarket.
Plymouth area renewable energy association discussed regarding “energy raising” parties.
RGGI - Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Quarterly auction delivers funds. May be potential funding source for town if suitable program can be identified.
