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Energy Action Committee

Meeting Minutes

Committees: Energy Action Committee

2009 Annual Report

Mission: To serve the residents of the Town of Hingham by establishing energy policies that will promote the efficient use of energy, increase awareness and that will reduce adverse environmental impact.

Work Product: The Energy Action Committee, successor to the Energy Policy Committee, is developing an Energy Action Plan outlining strategies for both municipal and community-wide operations to reduce overall energy consumption.

Work Agenda: Monthly meetings and periodic reporting to the Board of Selectmen to solicit feedback on suggested policies and structure.

In 2009, the committee presented preliminary findings with regard to performance contracting with an energy services company. In general, this method of energy and cost savings represents a way for municipalities to invest immediately in energy efficiency, paying down the debt with the savings. The committee, with the Town Administrator, applied for a grant from the state to hire an owner’s agent to guide and oversee the choice of and contract with an energy services company. The town did not receive the grant.

The committee also reviewed drafts of renewable energy by-laws in neighboring communities toward drafting an appropriate version for Hingham. A home energy efficiency workshop, co-sponsored by the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission, was offered at Town Hall in the Spring.

Goals for 2010 include:

• Resolution on Performance Contracting as an expeditious route for municipal energy efficiency and cost savings.
• To secure funding to initiate a Performance Contracting project and other worthy energy efficiency initiatives.
• To set an emissions reduction target based on realistic and feasible actions, including education and outreach initiatives.
• To continue review of appropriateness of energy-related by-laws, such as for wind energy and a building ‘stretch’ code.

Any individuals interested in serving on the committee or offering expertise on energy related matters are welcome to contact us through energy@hingham-ma.com