BOE energy meeting

The Board of Ed Planning Committee had a meeting tonight. Bob Behrer deserves thanks for having scheduled the meeting. The agenda included:

1) Norton energy improvements
2) Strategic plan - district wide energy retrofit
3) Energy management - lighting project, five-year capital budget
4) Property use plan / 2020 Committee - school enrollment, infrastructure / space needs
5) Purchasing energy - electric, gas, fuel oil, gasoline, diesel

There was lots discussed and it seemed as though most of the interested stakeholders were there: BOE members, Public Buildings Commission, Energy Commission and facilities staff (town & schools), including the Asst Superintendent of Schools, Paul Calaluce.

The best piece of information for me was the assurance that town and school staff do communicate before they buy electricity and natural gas. Unfortunately, this is done by financial staff and they weren't present. But Paul assured us that they speak whenever they're going out to buy either.

The biggest disappointment for me though was my conclusion that while it would make sense to come up with a "comprehensive plan," that probably is next to impossible. For example, since we could probably spend in the tens of millions of dollars on energy improvements, I thought it may be wise to create a position and hire someone for guidance. I figure... if you spend $100,000 for one person for one year on a $10,000,000 project... if that person identifies more than 1% in savings, he/she has paid for him/herself.

BUT... as the discussion proceeded, it seemed to be the sense of the group that finding that person would be next to impossible. As well, most energy consultants are predisposed to certain types of energy improvements (such as fuel cells vs. microturbines). So finding someone who is "objective" may be impossible.

Jimmy Sima made a very good comment... we might be able to save five cents next year, but if we take a year to make decisions and spend a dollar in the meantime, was it worth it?

Nonetheless, the discussion was held. People (including me) probably have a better sense of the magnitude of the potential undertaking. And we (town & schools) will move forward on identifying and improving areas where we can save energy and money.

Last, but not least, with fuel on the agenda and the town's Public Works dept at the table, I made my brief pitch for biodiesel in our school buses. The DPW Director, Joe Michelangelo, said that the current spread between petrodiesel and biodiesel is $0.04 (and the town uses approx 40-45,000 gallons annually. But biodiesel should provide more stability in budgeting). The schools voiced various concerns about switching, but said they will consider it. That's fine with me, but I will ask again.

Tim White
Town Council, Energy Commission liaison